PETA was alerted by a concerned Louisville resident that the owners of a bar under construction planned to build an alligator pit under a see-through dance floor. Alligators are highly sensitive to vibrations, and alligators in such circumstances would be bombarded with pounding, bright lights, and blasting music. We immediately contacted the mayor and the animal control department and put an Action Alert on our Web site. After hearing from numerous concerned citizens, the mayor directed the animal control department to investigate the situation. Animal control discovered that Louisville already had a regulation prohibiting the exhibition of wild or dangerous animals, and the planned alligator pit was stopped in its tracks! Read more about exotic animal ordinances at WildlifePimps.com.
PETA learned that four sororities at the University of Texas at Arlington had participated in a greased-pig contest, which was held as a fundraiser for local charities. News reports indicated that the terrified pig was covered in petroleum jelly and repeatedly grabbed at and mishandled, "kicking and squealing," by the participants. Pigs used in these cruel contests often suffer torn ligaments and broken bones.
PETA contacted the chapter president of each sorority along with university officials to explain the cruelty of such events. We also contacted each sorority's national headquarters to ask that they ensure that appropriate action be taken. As a result, the national headquarters of Alpha Chi Omega alerted the local chapter that it is not to participate in this or similar events in the future. In addition, the Panhellenic Council at the university adopted a bylaw requiring the council's approval on any proposed events involving animals.
Visit our Web site on animals exploited for entertainment.
The retailer-led movement to reform the Australian wool industry is rapidly gaining momentum, with retail giant American Eagle Outfitters pledging not to purchase Australian merino wool until mulesing mutilations of lambs and live sheep exports end. With more than 850 stores in the U.S. and 2005 sales totaling nearly $1.9 billion, American Eagle is proving that truly stylish clothing doesn't come from abused animals. American Eagle's compassionate decision not to use Australian merino wool until mulesing and live exports end sends a powerful message to the Australian wool industry that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.
When activists learned that PETA had convinced Miller Brewing Company to stop sponsoring festivals in Guam at which cockfighting is featured, we began receiving calls about Anheuser-Busch's sponsorship of cockfights in Saipan. We immediately contacted the CEO of Anheuser-Busch to explain the horrors of cockfighting and to ask that the company disassociate itself from this bloodsport. When we did not receive a response to our letter, we followed up with the company and posted an action alert on the Internet. Shortly thereafter, we received written confirmation that Anheuser-Busch would be notifying its distributors that they are to avoid sponsorships of cockfights, stating, "As a company, we care about animals and do not condone cockfighting."
Shortly after the public release of PETA's undercover investigation into All Creatures Great and Small--a hellish "no-kill" shelter in Hendersonville, North Carolina--the facility shut its doors and the animals languishing inside finally received the help they desperately needed. The hellish nightmare for these dogs and cats is over. To read more, click here.
