Getting ready to listen to a radio interview with Álvaro Múnera—who was once known as “El Pilarico” (Spanish for “the star bullfighter”)—I was prepared to hate him. But after Múnera was gored by a bull and became confined to a wheelchair, he reflected on his cruel past with sincere regret and renounced bullfighting. Today, this … Read more »
Officials responding to a complaint about the smell of decaying animals at Florida’s Ebro Greyhound Park found 33 dead and decomposing dogs who had apparently starved to death as well as four more dogs who were near death. Racer Ronald Williams was arrested and charged with 37 counts of felony cruelty to animals in connection … Read more »
The U.K.’s Chipperfield’s Circus—which has been exploiting animals since 1684(!) and was in the news following the beating of a baby chimpanzee some years back—has gone animal-free! Between 1996 and 1998, a long-term investigation of the circus led to successful cruelty-to-animals convictions of the circus’s owners, Mary and Roger Chipperfield; jail for the elephant handler; … Read more »
“For over 100 years, the Shriners have sponsored this World Famous event with proceeds going to a great cause—helping less fortunate children in your community.” That quote was lifted from the Shrine Circus website. But a Shriner in Fort Worth, Texas, was determined to let Animal Connection Texas members who were protesting the Moslah Shrine … Read more »
Another day, another death at SeaWorld. The latest casualty is a 25-year-old orca named Kalina who died yesterday at the theme park’s Orlando location, far short of most orcas’ expected 50- to 60-year life span. As usual, SeaWorld will likely try to keep this death on the down low. Kalina spent two and a half … Read more »
For years we’ve asked Los Angeles Zoo officials to follow the lead of more than a dozen progressive U.S. zoos and close down its elephant display for good. Despite overwhelming public outcry over the cruelty and the cost to taxpayers involved in keeping elephants in captivity, the zoo has pushed full speed ahead to build … Read more »
Adult film star Joanna Angel has taken time out of producing, writing, acting, and directing to conduct a PETA interview about the injustice of forcing animals to do tricks in circuses. In the interview, Joanna points out that chained elephants, whipped tigers, and stressed-out horses don’t perform because they want to—they do it because they … Read more »
Circuses such as Ringling Bros. abuse elephants in so many ways that it’s tough to decide which is worst. But when we polled people on our PETA mobile list, here’s what they chose: Which option gets your vote? Text PETA to 73822 to participate in future polls and receive other alerts on your … Read more »
There’s great news from across the Atlantic, where the European Union has voted to ban the use of great apes in experiments. The new legislation also places significant restrictions on testing on other primates and requires that non-animal methods be used whenever possible. This is an exciting development—but it also raises a question: In light … Read more »
I think that artistic people are so fantastic. But I’m even more impressed when people take their artistic talent and use it to spread a message—like “elephants never forget.” Needless to say, I was bowled over when I saw this piece by Amy Grace in Hot Springs, Arkansas: Really catches your eye, right? … Read more »
The death toll continues to rise at SeaWorld with the passing of a 12-year-old orca named Sumar at the theme-park chain’s San Diego location. Sumar died far short of the expected 50-to-60 year lifespan of orcas who roam the vast oceans, his rightful home. Whatever caused Sumar’s death (and let’s hope that there will be … Read more »
The following is a cross post from the PETA Prime website. The following is a guest blog by Anna Ware, one of PETA’s stellar volunteer activists. In June, Ware pulled together a great protest against Carson & Barnes Circus that she not only organized and participated in but also paid for! When PETA’s youth arm, … Read more »
Earlier this week, we asked you to urge the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to terminate harness racer Christopher Lefebvre’s license to race in the state because of his deplorable track record—he has a criminal conviction for cruelty to animals in Maine, among other charges. Thanks to all of you who responded to our action … Read more »
It’s happened again. After forking over a couple hundred dollars for tickets to a Ringling Bros. Circus performance in Everett, Washington, a lovely family had a change of heart after talking to PETA demonstrators outside the arena. Rather than watching trainers whip tigers and smack elephants with bullhooks, the entire family decided that it was … Read more »