Monthly Archives: October 2013

(SEA SHEPHERD/OCEAN CONSERVATION) This past week, a segment on "60 Minutes" covered the issue of anti-whaling and ocean conservation, specifically the growing numbers of humpback whales. The "return of the humpbacks" as the program calls it, is due to international anti-whaling laws as well as the efforts of conservationists. A feature of the segment was Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and its founder, Captain Paul Watson. Watson has brought attention to Sea Shepherd as the star of Whale Wars on Animal Planet, in which he and his team track and interfere with illegal whale hunting. Sea Shepherd has had its share of successes when it comes to its whale defense campaigns, including Operation Zero Tolerance, the focus of season six of Whale Wars which will air in December. During Operation Zero Tolerance, the Sea Shepherd fleet defended the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary in Antarctica and saved the lives of over 900 whales over the 2012-2013 whaling season. The next campaign over 2013-2014, entitled Operation Relentless will be Sea Shepherd's 10th Antarctic anti-whaling campaign. — Global Animal

(PET FOOD RECALL)  For the past few years, various chicken, duck, and sweet potato jerky treats for dogs have been causing illnesses in pets. But the FDA's ongoing investigation into these potentially deadly animal treats is leading nowhere, and they are asking for your help. More pet parents are becoming upset with the lack of information provided with this inspection. Although the FDA claims they have leads to exactly what is causing these illnesses (and even deaths), they still have a long way to go. Although the FDA has found little to no answers, the death tally has actually decreased in the past year. The FDA speculates this is only because the number of treats available for sale has also decreased due to two major manufacturing companies recalling their products. Read on to learn more about the FDA's involvement in this investigation. — Global Animal

(GREEN/COMPASSIONATE LIVING) Admit it, some days you get home and have no desire to cook. There’s no one around to make dinner for, so you grab a bottle of wine, open up some cheese and enjoy every decadent minute of it. I’ve said it before—I love my cheese! And throw in a glass (or two) of wine and I’m set. Not only is it delicious, but no pans to clean up! So this is probably one of my biggest challenges—finding a non-dairy cheese tasty enough to eat alone. I had good luck with the Go Veggie! Mozzarella Flavor Shreds for my pizza, so I was trying to stay optimistic. Read on to learn more about my vegan cheese taste test. — Global Animal

(PETS/CATS) We've all been told to watch for drunk drivers this Halloween season, but now we have to worry about drunk kitties behind the wheel, too!? Not so fast! Japanese pet supplement company B&H Lifes has surpassed our expectations, and is producing a consumption-safe wine for cats. It looks like we may have a Great Catsby on our paws! Read on to learn more about this new wine for cats. — Global Animal

(CELEBRITY ACTIVISM/CIRCUS ELEPHANTS) Tweet if you love elephants! That's what stars like Alyssa Milano, Kristen Bell, and Sarah Silverman are doing! These three animal-loving celebs turned to Twitter and urged their fans to support the Los Angeles Bullhook Ban.On October 23rd, the Los Angeles City Council will vote on an ordinance to stop the barbaric use of "bullhooks" on elephants in circuses and traveling shows within the city limits. Read on to learn more about bullhooks and see how you can join these compassionate celebrities in supporting The Humane Society of the United States' call to action.  — Global Animal

(ANIMAL VIDEO) These four-month-old kitties are more than ready for Halloween! These cats dressed in matching Tootsie Roll costumes is certainly a treat! It's almost too sweet to handle! — Global Animal

(ACTIVISM/GALLERY) Whether you’re talking dogs playing poker or the most recent Pixar movie, animals have always held a heavy presence in several art forms. In many ways, art has provoked animal lovers to take up animal-centric causes, with various movies, paintings, and photographs inspiring activism. Art is an important tool in activism and often does an unparalleled job of tapping into our emotions. Recently, it seems like animals have been all over the art world; famous artists have used animals as powerful subjects, and animal artists have used their talents to raise money and awareness for their fellow animals. Check out this selection of six impressive works and creators of animal-centric art. — Global Animal

(CELEBRITY ACTIVISM) American icon Cher is back in the tabloids as of late, and it is for more than her brief stint as a mentor on NBC's "The Voice," helping out three-time winner Blake Shelton. Cher is taking a break from bashing Miley Cyrus on Twitter to speak out against animal cruelty. The Goddess of Pop has been on a tweeting frenzy, with her latest target being Ringling Bros. circus. Read more about the Icon's tweeting frenzy. -Global Animal

(ANIMAL VIDEO) This playful platypus at the Healesville Sanctuary for Australian wildlife simply loves playing in the water and being tickled! Watch this friendly little guy make a splash! — Global Animal

(OPED/FARM ANIMALS) Next time you’re elbow deep in an enormous bucket of fried chicken, take a second to consider the intelligence of the bird who gave their life for the lard-laden meal. A recent study from Britain suggests chickens are relatively practical thinkers and even make excellent students. Although chickens probably won’t be taking up calculus anytime soon, their intelligence poses a lot of questions regarding the treatment of farm animals. If these birds show even the slightest indication of intelligence, who’s to say they aren’t emotionally distraught due to their caged environments? Read Nicholas D. Kristof’s personal account of farm bird intelligence at the link below. — Global Animal

(PETS/GALLERY) Ylvis' smash hit "What Does The Fox Say?" has the world wondering, what does a fox actually sound like? Foxes are extremely vocal animals, whose sounds vary from barks to howl type noises. However, animals—much like humans—sound different throughout various countries around the world. For instance, a cat's meow or a dog's bark sounds different in France than it does in the U.S. Check out this gallery of images by artist James Chapman to learn a variety of different animal sounds in msny languages throughout the world. — Global Animal

(DOG PICTURES/TOUCHING TALES) CHINA — It was a match made in doggie heaven! After surviving the deadliest earthquake in China in over 30 years, two homeless pups miraculously found one another. Lanlan and Guaiguai first met at the Home of Rescued Animals in Chengdu after the devastating 2008 earthquake in Sichuan. They were found with severely damaged hind legs, but thanks to some caring animal rescue workers they're now living happily ever after in wedded bliss. See below for more on Lanlan and Guaiguai's puppy love story and check out the happy couple's wedding photos. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL FRIENDSHIP/DOGS) We all love our dogs, and recent research shows dogs probably love us back. So when a pet dies, it is with great sadness that guardians must bid farewell to their furry friends. Some consolation comes from the fact that they gave their pets the best lives they could, and for others, consolation comes from the belief of one day seeing their friends again. For instance, a couple of weeks ago Catholics and their animals took to their local churches for the traditional St. Francis of Assisi’s blessing, where some ask for the good health of their pet and others for their souls. But can animals go to heaven? Read the article below to find the answer. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL VIDEO) Baxter has a serious passion for singing! In this video, this adorable little Chihuahua belts his tiny heart out to the tune of Vampire Weekend’s “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa.” — Global Animal