Our servicemembers aren't the only ones who make sacrifices for our freedom. Their companion animals often endure frequent moves, months of not seeing one of their beloved guardians, and all the other hardships that come with life in the military. To celebrate Independence Day, PETA honored the loyal four-legged companions of servicemembers in Southeastern Virginia by offering to spay or neuter and vaccinate them for just $4 each.

Partnering with the Virginia Beach SPCA (VBSPCA), one of our mobile veterinary clinics performed the spay and neuter surgeries, and the VBSPCA administered the vaccinations. Here are just a few photos from this event, after which many military mutts and freedom felines can now declare their independence from unwanted litters and many health problems: 

Despite the fact that footage of a handler with Have Trunk Will Travel (HTWT) beating and shocking an elephant named Tai has been widely publicized, California institutions continue to hire the shady outfit. In addition to the Santa Ana Zoo, which offers rides on elephants provided by HTWT, the city of Sierra Madre, California, had planned to feature Tai in its July Fourth parade today. But after hearing from PETA and hundreds of concerned citizens, the city canceled its plans and Tai will get the day off.

HTWT is unrepentant about the footage showing elephant beatings and has even defended the use of bullhooks (rods resembling fireplace pokers with sharp metal hooks on the end) and electric shock prods. PETA had pointed out to Sierra Madre officials that not only is using Tai in parades cruel to her, it also poses a risk to paradegoers, since Tai could easily be spooked by the noise and commotion of a large crowd, live bands, and possibly even fireworks, and break free, which could lead to injuries. 

You can celebrate Independence Day by urging the Santa Ana Zoo to follow Sierra Madre's lead and stop doing business with HTWT. Every organization that hires HTWT helps pay for the oppression of elephants.

Written by Alisa Mullins

Ah, Independence Day. Old Glory, veggie dogs, and terrified canines cowering under the bed. At least, that's usually what it consists of in my household. For animals, fireworks aren't festive—they're frightening and sometimes even fatal. Many dogs and cats flee in terror during fireworks displays, jumping over fences and even breaking through windows. They can be injured, struck by a vehicle, or lost and never found.
 

dennis_matheson/cc by 2.0

 
Here are some suggestions for keeping furry loved ones safe this holiday weekend:

• Keep animals indoors in a quiet, secure room, and stay with them during fireworks displays. Never leave animals outdoors unattended, even for a second, and don't take them to fireworks displays. The deafening booms may cause even normally calm animals to panic and bolt, dig under a fence, or injure themselves when they become tangled in their chains.
• Close blinds and curtains, keep the lights on, and play classical music at a normal volume or keep a loud fan running.
• Make sure that all animals are wearing collars with current identification tags. A microchip is even better, since it can't fall off like a collar or tag can.
• Encourage your city to switch from fireworks to safe and dazzling laser light shows.

Happy Independence Day to you and all your family members.
 

Written by Lindsay Pollard-Post

Ooh …

Ahh …

Ooh …

Ahh …

Remember, the Fourth of July comes only once a year, but you can make your own fireworks every day with veggie Viagra! Enjoy your holiday!

Written by Karin Bennett