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

Should New Zealand Eliminate Cats To Save Birds?

January 29, 2013

(LIFE WITH PETS) Economist and environmentalist Gareth Morgan recently ignited a controversy after an interview where he said that all cats should be gradually removed from New Zealand. Because New Zealand has one of the highest cat ownership rates in the world, he advises that all of the country’s residents not only neuter their cats, but also turn over strays to local authorities for euthanization in order to protect native bird species. Many of Morgan’s propositions are quite extreme, including his suggestion that people should catch stray cats with cage-traps and that the government should offer “free disposal of cats.” But while Morgan is not alone in his beliefs, we would like to know what you think. Is Morgan’s stance too extreme? Make your voice heard in the comments below. — Global Animal

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Zero Bark Thirty Features Seal Team Six Dog Cairo (VIDEO)

January 18, 2013

(MILITARY DOGS) Katie Rich, a member of the world famous Second City Theatre in Chicago and avid animal rights advocate, has teamed up with her fellow cast members and created Zero Bark Thirty, a “companion piece” to the critically acclaimed film, Zero Dark Thirty. The short film satirizes and celebrates the struggles of all soldiers through the memorable story of Cairo, a Belgian Malinois military dog, who is famously known for his assistance in the take down of Osama Bin Laden along with Seal Team 6. Read on to learn more about the film and check out the video for yourself. — Global Animal

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ASPCA Makes Shocking Decision In Ringling Bros. Lawsuit

January 11, 2013

(POLITICS) In a move that shocked many, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has decided to pay Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus a huge $9.3 million settlement to end charges of litigation abuse. The lawsuit revolves around the circus’ unethical treatment of Asian elephants and was originally filed in July 2000 by Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) on behalf of the ASPCA, AWI, FFA, Tom Rider, and others. After it was dismissed by a judge for lacking evidence, the producer of the circus filed a RICO action against the animal welfare groups involved. The case is still pending. Read on to learn more about the ASPCA’s shocking decision to settle and sign the petition calling on the USDA to revoke Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus’ exhibitors’ license and carry out a full investigation. — Global Animal

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Headless Goat & Roosters: Victims Of Religion?

January 7, 2013

(CULTURE) Miami’s South Beach residents were in for a scary surprise when a blue bag containing decapitated roosters and a goat was found floating by  luxury condos. The security guard who spotted the bag called Richard Couto, an animal activist and investigator, to look into the bizarre incident. Couto concluded that the animals are most likely victims of Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion popularized in Cuba and brought to Florida by immigrants, which oftentimes involves animal sacrifice. Read on to find out more about this cruel practice. — Global Animal

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Hope For Tigers?

December 19, 2012

(TIGERS) In the past ten years, the number of tigers living in the wild has decreased from 10,000 to an estimated 3,000. Duke University student Blake Bohlig warns that tigers are quickly approaching extinction despite conservation efforts and urges humans to “step it up.” With deforestation and poaching being the two main causes of the decline, Bohlig offers a seemingly simple solution to pay individuals to protect tigers rather than poach them in a means of supporting their families. Read on to learn more about her suggested solution and offer your thoughts in our comments section below. — Global Animal

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Horse Racing: Letting Money Get the Best of Us

December 7, 2012

(HORSE RACES) An average of 24 horses die at American racetracks each week. If this number wasn’t horrifying enough, United States tracks have also been caught illegally drugging horses a shocking 3,800 times. In addition, many horses are forced to begin training at a very young age—usually between 12 and 18 months old—often resulting in lower-limb ailments and injuries while severely reducing their lifespan. Read on to learn why we must stand up for horses and sign the petition to help make the sport of horse racing more humane. — Global Animal

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Why Chimpanzee Research Must Be Banned

December 6, 2012

(ANIMAL RESEARCH) Did you know the U.S. is the only country in the world that currently conducts invasive medical experimentation on great apes? Even though chimpanzees and humans share 98.7 percent of their DNA, supporters of chimpanzee research argue that chimpanzees are not humans and therefore do not deserve the same rights. However, chimpanzees are highly intellectual and emotive creatures, capable of suffering from PTSD and depression. Read on to learn more on why medical research on chimpanzees must be banned and take action: support the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act. — Global Animal

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The Life Of A Military Dog As “Excess Equipment”

December 6, 2012

(WORKING DOGS) While military dogs are still classified as “equipment,” Duke University student Anthony Russo emphasizes the need for the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act (H.R. 4103, S. 2134). With this new legislation, these working dogs will be classified as ‘Canine Members of the Armed Services,’ and they would also be guaranteed transportation home from overseas missions as well as a lifetime of veterinary care. Russo rightfully poses the question: “If we are bold enough to integrate canines into the military, shouldn’t we also be compassionate enough to reward these valiant heroes by affording them the same love and care that we do our own pets?” Read on to learn more about the proposed bill and sign the petition telling Congress to support H.R 4103.  — Global Animal

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