California banning Orca's in SeaWorld

       California state legislator is presenting the action to forbid the captivity of Orca whales for the publics amusement at SeaWorld. The proposal of the ban came after the release of the documentary "Blackfish" - which presented the horrible treatment of the whales at SeaWorld.

"This is about greed and this is about corporate exploitation, both of the whales and the trainers, but most importantly the whales," said John Hargrove, a former SeaWorld orca trainer. CNN

          The documentary discussed how trainers will use food to bribe and punish the whales. For example, if one whale does not perform up to standards, they will not feed the entire group. Many times in the morning, the whale who did not perform would be covered in wounds from the other whales. The trainers purposely turn the whales against each other as a form of punishment. In addition, the documentary discusses the concerning dilemma of baby Orcas taken away from their mothers. Many of the infants are sold to other parks and removed from the mothers care immediately, which causes distress of the elder Orcas. The documentary also discusses the tragic death of Dawn Brancheau while performing with the orca whale Tilikum.

"After the tragic death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, the public has begun to question the moral justification of keeping orcas in captivity for our general entertainment," Assembly man Richard Bloom stated

        When the law passes it would terminate amusement performances for all killer whales in California, plans to breed orcas while in captivity and the selling and trading of orca whales within California state. In addition to these rules, the law would free the remaining orcas that are currently in captivity. Many of the whales would stay in larger enclosures, but would not perform. 

     "It is time that we embrace that the long-accepted practice of keeping orcas captive for human                                       amusement must end,"- Assembly man Richard Bloom CNN

Animal Testing

         One of the largest contributions we can make as animal lovers is to purchase cruelty-free bathing products and cosmetics. According to dosomething.org - "Over 100 million animals are burned, crippled, poisoned and abused in U.S. labs every year."Sadly, the law states that products must be tested on animals before they are tested on humans. The animals that are most commonly tested on are mice, rats, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs and monkeys. Often, chemicals are rubbed on their bear skin and sprayed into their eyes to measure irritation levels, which can be incredibly painful.

            The leaping bunny program is designed to inform consumers which products are not tested on animals. The symbol is posted on bottles of shampoo/soap and cosmetics to convey their animal friendly production. Many companies have made the pledge to be cruelty-free and proudly post the leaping bunny symbol on their products. As an animal lover it is important to support companies that support animals! Look for this symbol next time your shopping for bath products and cosmetics!

This is a list of companies that I have found that support the leaping bunny program:

Alba Botanicals
Aveda
ACURE
Afterglow Cosmetics
Alba Botanica
Alex and Ani
Aroma Crystal Therapy
Aroma Naturals Bath & Body Works
Burt’s Bees
Booda Organics
Botanical Skin Works
Botanicals for Hope Bronzo Sensualé
California Baby
Desert Essence
Dr. Bronner’s cleanser.
Earth Mama Angel Baby
Eucerin
Gabriel Cosmetics
Herbal Essences
Intelligent Nutrients
JASON
FíOR
Kiss My Face
Nature’s Gate
Organix-South, Inc.
Paul Mitchell
The Body Shop
Tom’s of Maine
Urban Decay
Walkers Natural Body Care
Warm Earth Cosmetics
Welcome Home
Well In Hand
WellSpring Naturals
Wholefood Farmacy
Whole Spectrum
Wholly HempYes to Carrots
YarokZosimos Botanicals
ZuZu Luxe

The full list of companies can be seen on http://leapingbunny.org/images/cciclist.pdf

Go Greyhound

   

         A topic that is often overlooked and ignored, Greyhound Racing is still a prominent hobby and source of entertainment across the United States. The majority of the dogs are killed or injured in the process of the sport. These dogs that are known to be friendly, energetic and loyal are run to death by this appalling sport.

        Most Greyhounds are born into breeding farms which provide small cages, where the dogs are kept for hours on end and limited medical funds. Because of the sufferable atmosphere, disease and misery spreads quickly in the breeding farms. The dogs that are deemed inadequate to race are either killed or sent to science labs to be used for testing.

    Greyhound racing is still an active sport in seven states in America. Florida, being the most active state, is where more than half of the Greyhound tracks exist. (12 of 21 ASPCA)  Sources of the dogs deaths involve incurable injuries afflicted because of racing, and heat stroke. More than half of the Greyhounds that die because of racing are under three years old.

      In order to save these pups from a deathly fate, organizations have come together to find the dogs loving homes. Whether they were deemed unfit to race, or injured from racing, many Greyhounds can be adopted for free. For Example, Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) is a famous organization that saves these dogs from the terrors of racing. The website states that every Greyhound has a story, and offers an opportunity to adopt or foster a dog.

Greyhound Adoption Program

Stella and Felix are both retired racing dogs that are up for adoption through GAP. The website provides background of the dogs with their stories and racing histories. Rather than buying a dog from a breeder, rescue a Greyhound! They are loving dogs in need of caring homes.

Sea Turtles, Help!

          In places such as Australia, Papau New Guinea, Japan and Mexico the hunting of sea turtles has dramatically declined their numbers, legally. Sea turtles are hunted for their meat, shells, skin and eggs. In addition to being over hunted and poached, Sea turtle numbers have decreased because of natural environment devastation and accidental killing from fisherman.

"Since 1980, we estimate that more than 2 million turtles have been legally taken in these countries," Huffington Post states.

According to World Wildlife the turtles that are critically endangered and vulnerable are the Green Turtle (37,000 killed each year), Leatherback turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle and the Sea Turtle. From hunting, around 42,000 turtles are killed each year where hunting is legal.

        The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, in other words CITES is a global contract between governments to ensure and promote the safety of endangered species. Most of the trade of wild animals and plants occurs on different borders across the world, and the only way to control it is for every country to contribute. Although illegal trafficking of turtle meat and parts still occurs, it is illegal under this agreement. This convention allows for international power to stop illegal trafficking of the species.

How we can help:

-Purchasing certified seafood - and pushing for restaurants and grocery stores to only purchase sustainable and certified seafood.

-Support Sea turtle tours - eco tourism supports local communities as well as organizations working to save turtles.

-Do not buy tortoiseshell jewelry or souvenirs - promotes hunting and poaching

Get Involved! Sign Petitions!

http://www.change.org/petitions/presidente-enrique-pe%C3%B1a-nieto-end-the-killing-of-loggerhead-sea-turtles-in-baja-gillnets

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/228/115/847/

http://www.change.org/petitions/national-marine-fisheries-service-protect-hawaiian-green-sea-turtles