Weekly E-Newsletter
Northwest Animal Rights Network
- May 13th, 2008 -

1) Announcements & Action Items
2) This Week's Actions and Events
3) Up and Coming Events
4) Future Events to Keep in Mind
5) Community Events Worth Checking Out
6) News of Note

Thanks to everyone that came to the NARN Membership Meeting. We very much appreciated everyone's input and thoughts about what direction NARN should be taking this next year.
We are also pleased to announce that we have 4 new Board members! David, Andrew, Nancy & Jenn were all elected to the NARN Board. The current NARN Board welcomes them and we hope to have a very productive year with such stellar individuals active in NARN.
We are sad to announce however, that Maria will be leaving the NARN Board since her term has ended and she decided not to run again. We know that Maria will continue to be active in NARN, which is wonderful because we would miss her too much otherwise.

This week the UW Animal Rights group, CARE, is having a very important meeting this week. They will be discussing plans for next year, and one of the big sticking points is who is going to be involved next year.
Are you a UW student? If so, get your butt over to the meeting and start helping out with CARE. Without your help, they can't continue as an organization since they will not have enough people. As a UW student, you have no excuse not to get involved and help the animals. Can't make the meeting? Then email careuw@u.washington.edu

Finally, we have some important Action Alerts that need your attention this week. Don't procrastinate - write those letters and emails.

NARN needs you. Plug in and help all animals.

And please keep Goodsearching for NARN at www.goodsearch.com

For all animals,
The NARN Board,
(Mark, Shelly, Pete, Jenn, Andrew, David, Nancy & Rachel)
"board@narn.org."

The Northwest Animal Rights Network is run solely by volunteers.
Donate, and help keep NARN active http://www.narn.org/narncms/index.php?section=18

"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it."
~ Talmud

1. Announcements / Action Items

Victories for Animals!
Governor signs dogfighting bill
http://tinyurl.com/4lygas (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Tell NOAA How you Feel ABout Whale Hunting
NOAA's Fisheries Service released a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and requested comments on the Makah Indian Tribe's February 2005 request to resume limited hunting of eastern north Pacific gray whales in the coastal portion of the Tribe's usual and accustomed fishing grounds, off the coast of Washington State, for ceremonial and subsistence purposes.
The DEIS, prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), considers various alternatives to the tribe's proposed action. The alternatives include five different hunting scenarios, plus an option of not allowing a hunt. The agency is considering permitting the killing of up 20 whales over five years.
PLEASE TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION:
* Read the draft proposal for a whale hunt: http://tinyurl.com/4km3rs

* Submit comments until June 8
--- by e-mail to MakahDEIS.nwr@noaa.gov, subject line Attn: 2008 Makah DEIS;
--- by mail to Steve Stone, NOAA Fisheries Northwest Region, 1201 N.E. Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232; or by fax to 503-230-5441, Attn: 2008 Makah DEIS.

* Attend a public meeting 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., May 28, at the Vern Burton Memorial Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, or 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., June 2, at the Lake Union Park Armory-Great Hall, 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle.

Ask the Puyallup Fairgrounds to immediately cancel Circus Vazquez's appearance
Circus Vazquez is scheduled to appear at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup May 16 to 20.
Last month, a tiger with the circus was attacked and killed by one or more of her cagemates after the circus left six tigers crammed together in one cage. This terrifying incident—which surely caused the tiger prolonged fear and suffering when she was unable to escape the mauling—was hardly surprising. Federal records reveal that Circus Vazquez has been cited numerous times by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for failing to provide adequate space for tigers.
Circus Vazquez is currently traveling with elephant handler Will Davenport. In the past year, the Davenport family has been repeatedly cited by the USDA for failure to provide adequate care to two elephants, named Tina and Jewel, who suffered from extreme weight loss. In 1997, Heather, the Davenports' young African elephant, was found dead in a crowded, overheated trailer.
What You Can Do
Ask the Puyallup Fairgrounds to immediately cancel Circus Vazquez's appearance:
http://tinyurl.com/57pmrz

Take Action to Support the Great Ape Protection Act
The Great Ape Protection Act [H.R.5852] was introduced by several Representatives.
We need to make sure HR 5852 is passed. Time is running out for the estimated 1200 (about 600 are federally owned) chimpanzees who remain in U.S. laboratories—most of whom have been in a lab for 40 years or more! It is time for the U.S. (the only remaining large scale user of chimpanzees for research) to join the growing list of other nations who have banned or severely limited their use of chimpanzees.
To help end the use of Great Apes in the U.S.:
- Call 202-224-3121 and ask to speak with your U.S. Representative. (To find your representative, see http://www.house.gov/Welcome.shtml).
- Tell your Representative you support an end to invasive biomedical research on chimpanzees.
- Ask them to please co-sponsor The Great Ape Protection Act [H.R.5852]
*** If Jay Inslee is your representative, it's especially important, as he serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce! ****

For more information, see Project R&R's Action Alert:
http://ga1.org/campaign/gapa

Please take the time to do this, it's very important that our elected
officials hear our voices

2) This Week's Actions and Events

KFC Protest (Seattle – Capitol Hill)
When: Tuesday, May 13th @ 11:30am - 1:00pm
Where: KFC (1001 East Pine Street, Seattle 98122)

Please join Claudine every Tuesday to protest KFC's treatment of chickens. Claudine has committed to protesting at the Capitol Hill KFC every Tuesday from 11:30am - 1:00pm. Show KFC how you feel about their abuse by showing up to protest.
KFC and its suppliers refuse to make even marginal improvements in the living and dying conditions of the 800 million animals the company kills every year!
This will be a peaceful protest; sign holding and leafleting.For more on the KFC campaign please see http://www.KFCcruelty.com
If You Have Not Already Please Write to KFC!
http://www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com/addresses.asp

Elephants Among Us
When: Tuesday, May 13th @ 6:00 - 8:00pm
Where: Rm 102 Johnson Hall, UW Campus (see map: http://tinyurl.com/5ug2k7)

Over the past few years, several controversies have arisen concerning the keeping of elephants at zoos in North America, including at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo.
Deb Durham has organized an evening of discussion by local and global experts on the subject, including zoo officials and animal welfare advocates.
Panelists:
- Bruce Bohmke, Deputy Director, Woodland Park Zoo
- Jennifer Convy, Wildlife Director, Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
- Gary Varner, Professor of Philosophy, Texas A&M University
- Samuel Wasser, Director Center for Conservation Biology, University of Washington

Co-sponsored by the Simpson Center for the Humanities and the Program on Values in Society at the University of Washington.

CARE Meeting
When: Wednesday, May 14th @ 5:00pm
Where: Wayward Cafe (901 NE 55th)

The University of Washington Animal Rights group - CARE (Campus Animal Rights Educators) will be having a VERY IMPORTANT meeting this Wednesday to discuss plans for next year. Alisse and Katherine will be out of the country next year, so someone needs to step up and take a leadership position in the group.
If you have any questions, please contact careuw@u.washington.edu
If you want to help with Animal Advocacy on the UW campus, please contact careuw@u.washington.edu

Outreach at the University District Street Fair
When: Saturday & Sunday, May 17th & 18th @ 10am - 6pm
Where: University Way between 50th & 41st Streets (see map http://tinyurl.com/5ldpzu)

The University District Street Fair is the first big Street Fair of the summer. It is an excellent opportunity to reach out to thousands of people with the veg message. NARN will be doing outreach during the fair and hopefully utilizing the Vegan Video Van. We will have veg info ready for people to pass out to festival goers. If you can help at any time on either day, please contact the Board at board@narn.org

KFC Protest (Seattle – Capitol Hill)
When: Sunday, May 18th @ noon - 2:00pm
Where: KFC (1001 East Pine Street, Seattle 98122)

Please join another dedicated activist every 3rd Sunday of the month to protest KFC's treatment of chickens. Show KFC how you feel about their abuse by showing up to protest.
KFC and its suppliers refuse to make even marginal improvements in the living and dying conditions of the 800 million animals the company kills every year!
This will be a peaceful protest; sign holding and leafleting.For more on the KFC campaign please see http://www.KFCcruelty.com
If You Have Not Already Please Write to KFC!
http://www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com/addresses.asp

3) Up-and-Coming Events

KFC Protest (Seattle – Capitol Hill)
When: Tuesday, May 20th @ 11:30am - 1:00pm
Where: KFC (1001 East Pine Street, Seattle 98122)

Please join Claudine every Tuesday to protest KFC's treatment of chickens. Claudine has committed to protesting at the Capitol Hill KFC every Tuesday from 11:30am - 1:00pm. Show KFC how you feel about their abuse by showing up to protest.
KFC and its suppliers refuse to make even marginal improvements in the living and dying conditions of the 800 million animals the company kills every year!
This will be a peaceful protest; sign holding and leafleting.For more on the KFC campaign please see http://www.KFCcruelty.com
If You Have Not Already Please Write to KFC! http://www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com/addresses.asp

University of Washington's IACUC Meeting
When: Thursday, May 22nd @ 2:30pm
Where: South Campus Center, Room 246 (behind the Magnuson Health Sciences Center - 1925 N.E. Pacific St.)

The University of Washington's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) will be meeting to discuss various research protocols (study designs). This is your chance to voice your opinion about the research on animals that goes on at the UW. Please come and speak for the animals!
Unfortunately, they frequently re-schedule or cancel their meetings in an attempt to avoid the public, so please call (206) 543-9180 to make sure the meeting is still happening at the given time.

Outreach at the Folklife Festival
When: Saturday & Sunday, May 24th & 25th @ 11am - 6pm
Where: 5th & Broad outside of Seattle Center(see map http://www.nwfolklife.org/P_F/Map.html)

Thousands of people attend this yearly music festival (see www.nwfolklife.org) at the Seattle Center.
Once again, NARN will set up a table on the corner of 5th Ave & Broad Street (near the EMP) to try & educate folks.
We need people to help staff the NARN table on Saturday & Sunday. If you can help for a 3-4 hour shift, at any time on any day, please contacts. If you can help at any time on either day, please contact the Board at board@narn.org

4) Future Events to Keep in Mind

Animal Law: Working with the Grassroots Conference
When: Friday, May 16th @ 8:00am - 3:00pm
Where: Room 115 of UW School of Law/Gates Hall (NE 43rd St & 15th Ave NE)

The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, UW Chapter, is hosting a
conference, "Animal Law: Working with the Grassroots."
This conference is free thanks to a generous grant from the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
The focus of the conference is interdisciplinary collaboration between
grassroots activists and animal lawyers.
Topics include:
- Opening address by Joyce Tischler, founder and general counsel of the Animal Legal Defense Fund
- Combining litigation, legislation, and grassroots campaigns to achieve
victories for animals, featuring Jonathan Lovvorn, Esq. Vice President
of Animal Protection Litigation of the Humane Society of the United States and Jennifer Hillman, Director of Ballot Initiatives, Humane Society of the United States.
- Representation of Activists, featuring independent journalist Will
Potter; Lauren Regan, executive director of the Civil Liberties Defense Center; and Shannon Keith, director of the Activist Legal Fund.
- Using your law degree to assist grassroots activists and organizations, featuring Bruce Wagman, chief outside counsel of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and animal lawyer Adam Karp.
All sessions will be held at:
University of Washington School of Law
William H. Gates Hall
Room 115

Let Live NW Animal Rights Conference
When: June 27th-June 29th, 2008
Where: Portland State University

“Let Live” is a grassroots forum for people who want to help. Through an open, respectful, and friendly environment this conference will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn skills and strategies to become better advocates for the animals, no matter ones experience level in activism.
This conference is for first-timers, experienced activists, and anybody in between who hopes to make a real difference for animals and build a stronger, more effective community and animal liberation movement.
“Let Live” is taking place in Portland, Oregon, June 27th-29th, 2008. It will be held this year on the campus of Portland State University. It is being organized by Vegans for Animal Advocacy, with support from No Compromise, Herbivore Magazine, and Food Fight Grocery.
For more info, check out:
http://www.letliveconference.org/

5) Community Events Worth Checking Out

Vegetarians of Washington Monthly Dining Event
When: Wednesday, May 14th @ 6:30pm
Where: Mt. Baker Club (2811 Mount Rainier Drive S., Seattle)

The Vegetarians of Washington would like to invite everyone to this month's dining event at the Mount Baker Club in Seattle. This month's dining event features cookbook author and chef Devra Gartenstein and her most popular Mexican dishes. Chef Devra, author of The Accidental Vegan, owner of the Patty Pan Grill in Ballard. Come enjoy a delicious multi-course meal and meet lots of interesting people. The cost of the dinner is only $15 plus tax for members ($20 plus tax for guests and non members). If you are not already a member, you can join when you get there to obtain the lower price. This is the best deal in town! Please make your reservation as soon as possible to help them prepare. Let them know the names of those planning to attend via the website www.vegofwa.org/buffetdinner.html by email to reservations@vegofwa.org or by calling the message line 206 706 2635. The Mount Baker Club is in the beautiful Mount Baker neighborhood in Seattle, just one mile south of I-90s.

A Journey Into Diet, Health, and Nutrition
When: Sunday, May 18th @ 1:00 - 4:30pm
Where: Samadhi Yoga Center (Capitol Hill)

Do you feel healthy, light, and energetic after you eat a meal? Or do you feel heavy, drowsy, and fatigued? Ready to acknowledge how that “junk food…empty calorie…white sugar/flour” habit is robbing you of your natural vitality?
In this workshop, Jill will introduce ways to switch your diet away from the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) to an alternative, energizing, healthy, delicious diet that will make you look and feel great!!!
You will be introduced to the delicious foods prepared by Chaco Canyon, to experience first hand how a healthy meal prepared with fresh, organic foods and love makes all the difference in the world!
Jill is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Cookery School in NYC; and is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Instructor.
Cost is $65.00

6) News of Note

USDA isn't on board with beef industry's downer cow ban
http://tinyurl.com/42hpu2 (Press Enterprise)
“A week after the meat industry called for a ban on downer cows in the nation's food supply, the U.S. Agriculture Department has not agreed to change a policy that allows some sick or injured cows to end up on dinner tables. Meat producers fought to preserve those exceptions until last week, when a coalition of major industry groups reversed their position and joined animal advocates and several lawmakers in calling for an absolute ban.
But Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, who defended the current policy during congressional hearings into the Chino meat recall, has remained silent."

Who Killed the Sea Lions?
http://www.newsweek.com/id/136621
“Investigators will try to determine how the gates were opened and are now awaiting tissue samples from the dead animals, which will indicate whether they were somehow poisoned—though it's not at all clear how that could have happened, he said.
If foul play was involved, the perpetrators figured out a way to slip past security at a federally controlled dam that has taken extra safety precautions in the aftermath of 9/11. If they gained access to the traps by land, they would have had to sneak around a gate manned by a guard. If they came by boat, they'd have had to navigate the turbulent waters coming off the dam itself, which would require skilled seamanship."

Undercover video shows egg-laying chickens being abused
http://tinyurl.com/4795wn (LA Times)
"An animal protection organization is throwing back the curtains on the West Coast's largest distributor of eggs, releasing a hidden-camera video that shows chickens being mistreated by handlers and locked in cages so small the birds can't spread their wings.
The footage, shot covertly by an undercover investigator with the group Mercy for Animals, shows workers kicking and stomping on chickens and snapping the necks of sick hens. It also shows birds left with untreated wounds and crowded into cages, sometimes amid rotting corpses."

Seoul dog meat eateries face first hygiene crackdown
http://tinyurl.com/53yhug (AFP)
“Officials in the South Korean capital Seoul said Monday they will launch their first health inspection of illegal dog meat restaurants this month. The city will conduct regular inspections, publicise a list of restaurants that serve unhealthy dog meat and suspend their operations, he said. Such restaurants are technically illegal. To avoid adverse publicity before the 1988 Olympics, the city banned dog meat and snake meat as "abhorrent food."But the order is now largely ignored."

Anglers rejoice as GM trout prove easier to catch
http://tinyurl.com/5skt8e (Times UK)
"Now there’ll be no excuse for the one that got away. Britain’s rivers and lakes are to be restocked with trout carrying genetic alterations that make them easier to catch. The move has been ordered by the Environment Agency which wants to prevent interbreeding between native brown trout and those introduced for anglers. However, its research has shown that the genetic changes, which are designed to render the fish infertile, also make them easier to hook."