Don’t you love it when some simpleton thinks he or she’s got an argument that’s really going to make you change your mind about animals? Don’t get defensive or huffy—just put ’em in their place with these zingers. “Humans can’t survive without eating meat.” “Actually, it’s the other way around! Vegetarians have stronger immune systems than meat-eaters, and meat-eaters are almost twice as likely to die of heart disease, 60 percent more likely to die of cancer, and 30 percent more likely to die of other diseases. Not only that, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Dietetic Association both endorse vegetarianism.” “Humans have always eaten meat.” “Humans also used to live in caves and speak in grunts. Supposedly, we’ve evolved since then.” “Eeeewww ... tofu!” “Eeeewww ... a corpse for dinner!” “Animals eat other animals, so why shouldn’t humans?” “Most animals who kill for food couldn’t survive if they didn’t. We can get along very nicely without killing animals. But hey, if we’re going to take our cues from animals, why not start sniffing new acquaintances and licking in between our toes?” “Animals aren’t as smart as humans.” “If being smart were a requirement for not being eaten, some people would be in a lot of trouble!” “Mmmmmmm ... hamburgers!” “Mmmmmm ... ground-up eyeballs, intestines, and tongues!” “Get a life!” “Save a life! The average vegetarian saves six cows, 22 pigs, 30 sheep, 800 chickens, 50 turkeys, 15 ducks, seven rabbits, and half a ton of fish over a lifetime. (Not to mention saving your own life from heart disease, cancer, and strokes!)" “Where do you get your protein?” “In this country, our problem is too much protein, not too little. Most Americans get about seven times as much protein as they need. Almost every food contains protein—whole wheat bread, oatmeal, beans, corn, peas, mushrooms, and broccoli are all good sources. Unless all you eat is junk food, it’s almost impossible to eat a normal amount of calories without getting enough protein. By contrast, too much animal protein can cause osteoporosis, kidney failure, and other diseases.”

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Go Veg, Harry Potter!

The young wizard hero of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban would never harm an animal. Harry is a kind-hearted guy who is always thoughtful of Hedwig, his owl messenger and companion at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But that doesn’t stop him from chowing down on the hunks of animal flesh served up in the school’s dining hall. We think Harry Potter would have a better chance of defeating the dark powers if he dumped the corpses from his diet!

Join us in asking Ms. Rowling to let Harry stop eating dead animals in the remaining four books of the series. Write to:

J.K. Rowling
c/o Scholastic Books
555 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Fighting animal cruelty can prevent school violence—and you can help

Springfield, Ore.; Jonesboro, Ark.; West Paducah, Ky.; Pearl, Miss.; and Columbine, Colo. What do all these school shootings have in common?

The shooters were cruel to animals first!

While these tragedies have recently grabbed headlines, this trend is nothing new. Experts know that a kid’s attitude toward animals can predict future behavior. According to the FBI and police, people who hurt animals may also hurt humans. In fact, cruelty to animals is considered one of three symptoms that predict the development of a psychopath (a dangerously insane person).

Experts agree that young people hurt and kill because they have never learned empathy, the ability to understand what someone else feels or to “put themselves in someone else’s shoes.” When these kids hurt someone, they are unable to imagine the pain and suffering that they are causing. Learning kindness and respect for animals is an important step in learning empathy.

Teach Kindness by Example
• Listen to yourself. Don’t yell “shut up,” “stupid dog,” or other mean things to animals or people.

• Never hit animals. That only demonstrates “might makes right,” which it doesn’t.

• Show that animals are important. Be patient with them, make sure they wear an ID tag, spay or neuter them, take them to the vet regularly, and give them fresh water and food.

• Make animals a part of your life. Let your dog or cat live indoors with you, and spend time with them daily, brushing, walking, and playing with them. Volunteer at your local animal shelter, walking the dogs or playing with the cats. Organize “pet” food and blanket drives at school to benefit the shelter.

• Watch out for wildlife. Plant trees and bushes for birds, bees, and butterflies. Pick up trash, especially plastic rings, bags, cans, bottles, and other things that can hurt animals.

• Always speak up for animals, even if your friends make fun of you. Once you make your feelings known, you’ll be surprised how many people agree that being cruel isn’t cool! • If you see someone hurting an animal, intervene or ask an adult to. • If you hear kids bragging about being cruel to animals, report it to authorities. Being a “tattle-tale” is better than being a murderer! • Order PETA’s “Stop the Violence” action pack. It includes brochures, posters, and tips on encouraging kindness at your school.