PIGS IN THE PINK
For 11 years, John Hickenlooper’s Wynkoop Brewery in Denver has hosted an annual “running of the pigs.” This year, animal advocates from Rocky Mountain Animal Defense, HEALTH, and Wilderness Ranch Sanctuary for Farm Animals met with Hickenlooper and using PETA’s Belcross Farm videotape of horrific factory farm pig abuses, impressed upon him how much pigs suffer. Hickenlooper canceled the "run," sent the 13 pigs to the Wilderness Ranch sanctuary, and discussed animal-friendly themes for future celebrations.

“NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH” DOG
The dog who lived next door to Carin Bryant of Elkin, North Carolina, spent most of her time tied up in the backyard with a belt around her neck. When Carin’s neighbors noticed that the belt was becoming embedded into Hazel’s neck, they persuaded the dog’s owner to relinquish her. Carin got Hazel veterinary care and found her a loving home, where she’s now happy and healthy and loves to frolic with her new family. She’ll never face life on the end of a chain again.

	Purrs to the Duke of Hamilton and his wife for boycotting Jenners department store because it sells foie gras. “Foie gras is obtained under very cruel conditions, and I think it should be withdrawn from all shops and restaurants,” said the Duchess. European Union scientists conclude that force-feeding ducks for foie gras (fatty liver), illegal in Britain, should be outlawed throughout Europe. Thank-yous go to the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon, House of Lords, Westminster, London SW1A. Purrs to Harris County, Texas, Commissioner Steve Radack for working to end sales of local shelter animals to experimenters. Mr. Radack pushed for three years; the ban finally won approval earlier this year. Thank Commissioner Radack c/o Administration Bldg., 1001 Preston, 9th Fl., Houston, TX 77002—and encourage your local lawmakers to follow his lead. Grrrs to NYPD Blue star Rick Schroeder for telling George magazine, “For me, hunting is as normal and natural as breathing.” Schroeder currently shoots elk and deer on his 45,000-acre ranch in Colorado. Write: Rick Schroeder, c/o David Pollick, 9100 Wilshire Blvd., 6th Fl., West Tower, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Purrs to U.S. Representative Sam Farr for explaining to The Washington Post that “behind the glitter of a circus lies the harsh reality of animals who are forced to perform while living under horrible conditions.” Farr introduced a bill (H.R. 2929) that would ban elephants from traveling shows, as well as elephant rides. The bill was tabled, but U.S. members, please urge your congressional representatives to support this bill when it is reintroduced. For the names of your lawmakers, call the League of Women Voters at 202-429-1965. Purrs to actor Willem Dafoe for telling Inside the Actors Studio host James Lipton that meat turns him off. When a puzzled Lipton asked, “Meat?” Willem explained that it’s “the number one thing that’s destroying the planet.”