After months of hard work, we have succeeded in having a decrepit animal “dump” in Puerto Rico closed! PETA investigators documented dogs suffering from mange, distemper, parvovirus and parasite infestations. There was no potable water or electricity, and the animals’ food often consisted of rotting meat tossed onto the ground. A visit by Senator Norma Carranza led to television exposés that showed dead animals among the living and puppies being attacked by hungry dogs. Finally, the health department intervened and 79 animals were rescued and relocated. Now, PETA is working with local groups to construct a true shelter.
Other exciting news involves East Brunswick, New Jersey, veterinarian Howard Baker. A judge found Baker guilty of 14 counts of animal cruelty on the evidence of a PETA investigator who secretly videotaped him punching, choking and kicking animal patients. The state veterinary board also revoked Baker’s license.
Finally, in the South African baby elephant case: Nine of the baby elephants remaining at African Games Services (AGS) in South Africa have been set free and adopted by a herd of elephants! These babies had been torn from their families and taken to AGS to be “broken” and sold to zoos and circuses around the world. The babies were beaten, hobbled by their legs and deprived of sleep, water and food.
Five of the baby elephants remain. South African corporations have offered to buy them so they can be set free, but their captors refuse to let them go. Please write to The Honorable Thabo Mbeki, President, Republic of South Africa,Union Building, Private Bag X83, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; fax: 011-27-12-323-2573. (Postage is $1.00.) Urge him to secure the release of the five remaining babies.
Of course, our victories aren’t possible without your generous support.
Thank you for helping us help animals!
