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Progressive op-ed on animal rights and animal welfare issues. Animal news opinion and current affairs.

Disney’s ‘Wings Of Life’ Soars High

April 24, 2013

(MOVIE REVIEW) Originally released in France under the title Pollen in 2011, Disneynature’s Wings of Life has finally made it to worldwide audiences. Much like the 2012 film Chimpanzee, Wings of Life is short, but particularly sweet. Coming in at only 77 minutes, the documentary uses its time proficiently in order to deliver its increasingly important message. The opening title card of the film reads: “Life depends on little things we take for granted,” a theme that rests at the core of Wings of Life. Focusing on the vital relationship between flowers, and the animals that interact with them, the documentary explores a complex world often taken for granted. Read on for more on Wings of Life and see the trailer for yourself. — Global Animal

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Anti-Antibiotics: You Are What You Eat

April 19, 2013

(ANIMAL WELFARE) The phrase, “you are what you eat,” may be more frightening than ever before. The agriculture industry hasn’t exactly been known for their conscientious treatment of livestock, but recent missteps might mean a great deal for your health as well. The majority of animals raised for food are forced to take a number of antibiotics with the sole purpose of making the animals larger, but not necessarily healthier. This incessant use of antibiotics allows bacteria to evolve, leading to a number of superbugs like salmonella and E. coli. These superbugs are extremely resilient to antibiotics used on livestock, and often times make their way onto our dinner tables. The ethical treatment of livestock remains an important issue for the animals’ health as well as our own. Read the article below to find out more on how the treatment of livestock directly affects you. — Global Animal

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Changing Polarities

April 17, 2013

(POLAR BEARS) According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the polar bear population has decreased by over 30 percent over 45 years. Not only do these bears suffer from a dwindling environment, but they face other pressures as well. The good news is that polar bears seem to be finding a way to adapt to their conditions. However, whether or not that adaptation leads to the disappearance of what we know as the polar bear today, remains in question. Continue reading to find out what the future holds for the polar bear. — Global Animal

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Year Of The Snake: A Year For Change

April 16, 2013

(ANIMAL WELFARE) While many turn a blind eye, there is no denying that the exotic snake skin trade continues to be big business in the fashion industry. Not only is this cruel fashion trend disastrous for several snake species, but it also allows for the inhumane killing of animals who are skinned alive and left to die in agony. In the article below, contributor Niqui Stubbs sheds light on the shocking reality behind this illegal trade. Read on to learn about the dangers of supporting the exotic animal skin fashion industry and how companies are urging the public to “keep wildlife out of your wardrobe.” — Global Animal

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Un-Seal This Deal (VIDEO)

April 12, 2013

(WILDLIFE) On Tuesday, the Elmer Fudds of the world finally came out of their icy hovels, in order to partake in Canada’s now infamous seal hunt. Although the commercial hunt is widely panned by the majority of Canadian citizens, and increasingly obsolete, it has refused to fade away completely. The Canadian Government is no doubt the biggest enabler of this barbaric practice, over funding at great lengths to sustain a needless industry, with the use of taxpayers’ money. Read on to find out more about Canada’s commercial seal hunt and the concerns revolving around this obsolete and inhumane practice. — Global Animal

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It’s Time To Meet Your Meat

April 11, 2013

(HUMANE FARMING) WASHINGTON — Consumers, pay no attention to the carnage behind the meaty curtain. Recently, legislation has hit a number of states, which could potentially incriminate activists who take undercover pictures of slaughterhouse conditions. Although it’s hardly surprising that the agriculture industry is critical of these activists, the real issues rest with the safety of the public and the humane treatment of livestock. Public access to covert pictures could, at the very least, educate people on what exactly they are eating. Read the article below in order to find out more on the hardships facing the meat industry in relation to public knowledge. — Global Animal

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Gun Violence & Humane Education

March 22, 2013

(HUNTING) While gun control continues to be a hot topic for debate, many across the nation are pointing to hunting as an example of “responsible” gun ownership. Dr. Sujatha Ramakrishna, author of Raising Kids Who Love Animals, weighs in on the strong correlation between animal cruelty and violence towards human beings, while emphasizing the importance of humane education and the fact that violence is wrong regardless of which species is harmed. — Global Animal

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“Breeding Ignorance” Sheds Light On Shelter Reality

March 15, 2013

(SHELTER ANIMALS) “Breeding Ignorance,” a powerful and gut-wrenching collection of photographs shot by Mary Shannon Johnstone, features an intimate look into the harrowing realities of animal shelters forced to deal with overpopulation. Johnstone, an Associate Professor of Art and a photographer, is an advocate for spay/neuter laws and has shed light on these issues resulting from the major lack of these laws. Her work has been part of the Top 50 Critical Mass for 2009 and 2010, and was exhibited as part of the 2010 Lens Culture Awards Exposure awards. Animal overpopulation, from lack of spaying and neutering, is a major cause for high euthanasia rates in shelters. A declaration on Johnstone’s website reads, “In the time it takes for you to read this statement, 15 pets will have entered into life in an animal shelter somewhere in the United States. Ninety percent of these animals are not spayed or neutered. Approximately half will be euthanized.” Many states are trying to pass more no-kill shelter laws, but it’s a slow and difficult process, and there are no easy answers. Check out our interview with the photographer and visit her site for the more graphic photos. — Global Animal

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