Stop Encouraging Violence Against Animals in Youth Programs In Defense of Animals 2026-09-23 | Stop Encouraging Violence Against Animals in Youth Programs
Mermaids Take A Stand For Fish and Give Away Free Tacos! In Defense of Animals 2023-08-18 | We celebrated a successful Respect For Fish Day on August 1 raising awareness of the harms of fish farming — and we had some help from some incredible ocean-loving mermaids!Read more and support #Respect4Fish Day bit.ly/47DGMqP
Sad World of Dairy Cows In Defense of Animals 2023-08-17 | Watch & share this new, animated video of the “Sad World” of modern #dairy #cows in America. Hidden. Quiet. Suffering. Does NOT do these bodies, and gentle souls, any good. (Including taking baby cows away from their Moms, a necessary brutality of the entire industry.) #DairyIsScary #DitchDairy Video: Jack Gescheidt/In Defense of Animals
Talking About Elephants with Carol Buckley of Elephant Aid International In Defense of Animals 2023-08-13 | For World Elephant Day, enjoy our lively discussion with Carol Buckley, CEO and Founder of Elephant Aid International, who will share insights from her 40 plus years of working with elephants in the United States and in Asia. Her sanctuary in Georgia, Elephant Refuge North America, is home to three elephants and two boisterous dogs. This is sure to be an informative and stimulating presentation about what elephants have taught Carol and what we can all learn from her decades of experience.About Carol:Elephant Aid International Founder, President and CEO Carol Buckley is an internationally recognized authority in the retirement, rehabilitation and welfare of captive-held elephants. Buckley creates innovative models that set new standards of care for elephants in captivity.With more than 40 years experience working with captive-held elephants, Buckley is known for her extensive knowledge of elephant values, physiology and culture. She has developed revolutionary non-dominant management systems and holistic healthcare programs that support the recovery of elephants while ensuring their autonomy.A leading spokesperson and expert witness for elephant care and protection nationally and internationally, Buckley works with governmental agencies and private organizations to strengthen regulations protecting the welfare of elephants in captivity.Elephant Aid International: elephantaidinternational.org
10 Worst Zoos List Saves Elephants In Defense of Animals 2023-08-12 | Today is World Elephant Day. For nearly two decades, In Defense of Animals has published its renowned 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants list. The aim of the list is to enlighten the public about the way elephants suffer in zoos and to help release as many as possible to sanctuaries. Despite enormous resistance from zoos and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), we have had some remarkable successes. Some former zoo elephants are now living the good life in sanctuary, and 34 zoos have closed their elephant exhibits. We are dedicated to continuing this important work, and we deeply appreciate your support for our efforts.Support our work for elephants: bit.ly/3OvyI2M#10WorstZoos #CaptivityisCruel #sanctuary
More Than 70 Dogs Saved From Nightmare Property Littered With Bones In Defense of Animals 2023-08-12 | At the end of July, we aided in a massive and heartbreaking rescue dubbed “Operation Skin and Bones” in Newton County, Mississippi, where dozens of dogs had been abandoned to suffer and die by their alleged rescuers. While many didn’t survive, more than 70 are now getting a second chance at life thanks to a community that came together to save them with your support.Read more: support our work: bit.ly/45bsbBG
Man Convicted and Sentenced for the Near-Death Starvation of Two Horses In Defense of Animals 2023-08-12 | We are thrilled to share with you the appropriate sentencing of James Cable, who was convicted of failing to provide sustenance for his horses, who were found nearly starved to death.Read more and support our work: bit.ly/3YtA6HP
Peace Begins with Rowdy Girl Renee King-Sonnen and Rev. Carol Saunders In Defense of Animals 2023-08-12 | Renee King-Sonnen found inner peace when she founded Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. Join our lively conversation with Renee and Reverend Carol Saunders as they gear up for The Spiritual Forum's Whole Planet Spirituality Forum & Retreat, Peace Begins with Me, on October 19 - 22, 2023.Register to join our live Zoom event on the second Thursday every other month from 5:00 to 6:00 pm Pacific Time or receive the replay to watch at your convenience: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ol_ahL_2RYiuM9U0rxn1MADiscover the Whole Planet Spirituality Forum & Retreat, Peace Begins with Me: thespiritualforum.org/retreatOur Featured Guests:Renee King-Sonnen, Rowdy Girl Sanctuary: rowdygirlsanctuary.orgRev. Carol Saunders, The Spiritual Forum: thespiritualforum.orgAbout Renee:Renee King-Sonnen is the Founder and Executive Director of Rowdy Girl Sanctuary (RGS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide sanctuary to farm animals at risk of being slaughtered and promotes an ethical vegan lifestyle. RGS seeks to educate the public on plant based options, FFA/4H, factory farming practices, and the devastating impact of animal agriculture on the environment.Since going vegan on October 31, 2014 Renee led the transformation of a cattle ranch to a sanctuary for more than 120 animals--the first documented beef cattle ranch to a 100% vegan sanctuary conversion in history. As a result her husband Tommy Sonnen, a former cattle rancher is now vegan and together they are creating a strong vegan footprint in Texas and have become a model for what is possible.Most recently, Renee has been the subject of a documentary, Rowdy Girl, that premiered in Toronto at Hot Docs. And, she has just completed a memoir, Secret Diary of a Cattle Rancher’s Wife to be published in the fall 2023.About Carol:Having worked in industry for 20 years as a chemical engineer, Rev. Carol Saunders is currently an ordained Unity and interfaith minister. She founded a Unity church in Deerfield, Illinois in 2010 and led it for over ten years. She is now the host of The Spiritual Forum podcast where each week she has interesting conversations with people on spiritual topics. Committed to restoring within Unity its founders' original teachings on ethical living and our relationship with animals, she organizes an annual retreat at Unity Village called The Road to Eden - A Whole Planet Spirituality Forum & Retreat. She is author/compiler of the booklet, The Forgotten Teachings of Charles Fillmore: How Our Relationship with Animals Connects to Universal Love, Ethical Living, Spiritual Development and World Peace. Rev. Carol also blogs about the awakening of human consciousness at wolfanthelamb.com. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband of 41 years, and their two dogs and three cats.
Fireside Chat to End the Dog Meat Trade In Defense of Animals 2023-07-29 | This Fireside Chat features our efforts to end the dog meat trade with our Director of Communications and International Partnerships Fleur Dawes and Patti Kim, President and Co-founder of our partner Jindo Love Rescue.Here is your chance to meet the brave Korean rescuers who save dogs daily on your behalf! You can also:- Hear how our rescue partners at Jindo Love Rescue have rebuilt after our center tragically burned down last year.- Learn how Koreans' changing attitudes are putting puppies at risk... and what we're doing about it!- Discover how after 20 years of campaigning, Korea's brutal dog meat trade could come to an end thanks to a groundbreaking new law. Please sign our alert to support this legislation: idausa.org/campaign/dog-meat/latest-news/south-korea-bill-to-ban-dog-meatResources to Save Dogs:Discover our campaign to end the dog meat trade: idausa.org/campaign/dog-meatLearn about our partnership with Jindo Love Rescue and sanctuary in South Korea: idausa.org/sanctuaries/jindo-love-rescue How you can help:Adopt a dog: idausa.org/campaign/dog-meat/south-korean-dog-adoption-save-a-dog-from-the-dog-meat-tradeBecome a flight volunteer: idausa.org/campaign/dog-meat/how-to-become-a-flight-volunteer-to-help-dog-meat-survivorsTake Action: idausa.org/campaign/dog-meat/take-actionDonate: idausa.org/campaign/dog-meat/donate-now-to-save-dogs
Tule Elk Town Hall In Defense of Animals 2023-07-26 | Watch our Town Hall to learn all about the BIG, GOOD NEWS re. the Tule elk of Point Reyes National Seashore. After years of constant, relentless campaigning from animal rights and environmental groups (including In Defense of Animals), and LOTS of people like you joining the movement, the elk may finally be freed to roam ALL of Point Reyes park’s 71,000 acres.Learn WHY activists and citizens got the National Park Service to take a first, critical step to reverse its anti-elk, pro-cattle industry policies.Learn what YOU CAN DO to help because we will need you to help finish the job, free the Tule elk, and clean up cattle industry pollution of this national park: http://www.IDAusa.org/elkActivism (still) works!Live links to support elktivism:Read about IDA actions: idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/tule-elk/latest-news/tule-elkMedia release on IDA elktivism: idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/tule-elk/latest-news/media-release-national-park-service-quietly-yields-to-tule-elk-activist-demands-againAll things elk: idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/tule-elkContact IDA's Tule Elk Consultant Jack Gescheidt with questions: jackg@idausa.org Donate to support our work to save Tule elk: secure.everyaction.com/y7s7yZZm-02DmOu7H9s0Kw2?utm_source=website&utm_medium=campaignpage&utm_campaign=tule_elk
Monsoon Season Rains Hard on Cats & Dogs In Defense of Animals 2023-07-21 | It’s monsoon season in India which is making it incredibly hard on the cats and dogs in our care, especially the older ones. Luckily, our partner IDA India is still hard at work providing critical care for hundreds of animals, including emergency cases on the streets and dozens of special residents who have found a forever home at our center in Mumbai.Read more and help: bit.ly/3rGEg2Q
Elephant Takes Less Than 40 Seconds To Walk Across Yard In Defense of Animals 2023-07-18 | Watch how long it takes Billy to cross his one-acre yard at the LA Zoo. This has been his life every single day for the last 32 years. A new report exposes how no zoo exhibit provides anywhere near enough space to satisfy the needs of elephants. Billy is a prime example of how zoos are failing elephants. It is time for the Los Angeles City Council to vote to send Billy to sanctuary. He needs vast acres to roam, explore and forage, so he can experience his life as he was born to live it.Sign our alert to free Billy: bit.ly/46QtuXQ
YaYa the Giant Panda Vastly Improved at Home in China In Defense of Animals 2023-07-15 | Hundreds of thousands of people around the world joined us and Panda Voices in calling on the Memphis Zoo to send its neglected giant pandas Yaya and Lele back to China, and while LeLe tragically passed away before getting the chance, we’re thrilled to report YaYa is now thriving in her homeland.Read more: bit.ly/3DeTT3S
Puppy Dumped With Mange Now Recovering In Defense of Animals 2023-07-15 | Rambo is a puppy already disappointed by humans at only three months old. He was found walking up to homes and looking for help after evidently being dumped by his negligent guardians while suffering from a serious skin condition. Luckily for this unfortunate dog, his luck would soon change for the better.Read more and support our work: bit.ly/3DcrV8O
Nourishing Compassion in Los Angeles In Defense of Animals 2023-07-08 | Recently, In Defense of Animals partnered with Prabhat Gautam, Read and Feed International, and Ahersa to provide over 50,000 cruelty-free meals to the Los Angeles community.Read more and see what you can do to help: bit.ly/3XFCs5S
Sick Rabbit Finds Forever Home In Defense of Animals 2023-07-05 | Indigo has made a remarkable recovery and many friends since she was brought to our Hope Animal Sanctuary, and now she has a forever home of her own! Read more: bit.ly/3oMtdDz
Press Conference to Stop Yulin Dog Meat Festival In Defense of Animals 2023-07-01 | Around the summer solstice, dogs and cats in China are stolen and brutally killed for the sick pleasure of international festival-goers at the gruesome Yulin Dog Meat Festival. We co-hosted two influential events to save dogs from this unimaginable cruelty and support Chinese animal activists. Watch us in action!Learn more about how you can help: bit.ly/46sK53H
Help Stop Yulin Dog Meat Festival In Defense of Animals 2023-07-01 | Our Communications Director Fleur Dawes and dog meat survivor Judy offer three key actions you can take to help stop the dog meat trade in this short video.Learn more about how you can help: bit.ly/3JF3q8d
Starving Puppy Seized From Family That Was Abusing Him In Defense of Animals 2023-07-01 | In June, we got a tip about a couple that had recently obtained a young puppy who was at severe risk of starving to death. The caller told us that this couple had gotten several puppies in the last six months and that all of them had died of starvation. We knew we had to take immediate action.Read more: bit.ly/3r9em7z
Fireside Chat to Stop Summer Goose Roundups In Defense of Animals 2023-06-30 | Join our sixth informal "fireside chat" with us to discover more about our work behind the scenes. Sadly, June is when geese across the country are killed en masse because of their droppings when they have their babies, molt, and can't fly. Communities often kill them ahead of July 4th to ensure lawns are clean for holiday celebrations in the parks. Our National Goose Protection Coalition works hard at this time to stop goose "roundups." Join our discussion with Campaigns Director Lisa Levinson and General Campaigner Katie Nolan who work together to save geese.Our National Goose Protection Coalition formed in 2019 to stop goose abuse including government mass killings taking place nationwide. Learn about our coalition efforts and discover how to help geese in your community during our Fireside Chat.National Goose Protection Coalition Resources:How to save geese: idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/goose-cruelty Take action to stop goose "roundups": idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/goose-cruelty/take-actionGoose news and campaign updates: facebook.com/groups/797794951050560Resources to help geese in your community: docs.google.com/document/d/1PXh1ZqynVzjZEBnG6Ys2GrRdiANQnMliOuYTER5BP70/edit?usp=drive_linkGoose mitigation resources for decision-makers: docs.google.com/document/d/12M0NK_IfDhZbfCb-kJkAcKV7n5UyjixgqSFm4ZHtSuA/edit?usp=drive_linkContact us to report a roundup, join the coalition, and volunteer to help: geese@idausa.orgSupport our coalition efforts: idausa.org/about/donation
Statue Honors Freya the Walrus - Killed by Norway In Defense of Animals 2023-06-18 | Norway killed Freya, who was named after the Norse goddess of beauty and love, and now a statue in her honor stands at the shore she frequented to serve as a reminder to humans to peacefully coexist with other species. Norwegian artist Astri Tonoian created the life-sized bronze statue through a crowdfunding effort, and aptly titled it "For Our Sins." Tononian’s reported intention is to highlight a parallel between our callous treatment of humans and other animals and to remind us to do better.Read more: bit.ly/43R49v6Please share this post to maximize your impact, and consider making a donation to support our work on this issue bit.ly/3NyIUIqThank you.#Norway #FreyaTheWalrus
Fireside Chat in Celebration of Guardian Month In Defense of Animals 2023-06-10 | Join our fifth informal "fireside chat" with us to discover more about our work behind the scenes. May is Guardian Month, a campaign dedicated to changing the way we think and speak about animals. Katie Nolan, who handles our Guardian Campaign, and our Communications Director Fleur Dawes, who developed the campaign, will join us to discuss their work behind the scenes on this important initiative started by our Founder Dr. Elliot Katz.As part of our celebration of the campaign, we closed our longstanding alert to ask for the Guardian and Associated Press to change the way they use pronouns to refer to animals. For example, instead of referring to animals as "it" we should refer to them as "he," "she," or "they."Thanks to all of you who signed our alert to change the way we speak about animals, we are shifting from the view of them as commodities and objects to sentient beings who deserve rights.Sign the Guardian Pledge: idausa.org/campaign/guardian/#guardian-pledgeRead our blog on 10 things you can do for animals this Guardian Month: idausa.org/campaign/guardian/latest-news/guardian-month-may-2022Contact Katie Nolan with questions about the Guardian Campaign: katie@idausa.org
Bullied Penguin at Kansas City Zoo In Defense of Animals 2023-06-02 | The Kansas City Zoo was overly slow in addressing a significant bullying issue in their penguin exhibit. A geriatric gentoo penguin called Gomez was being relentlessly harassed by other penguins. Now others are being bullied too. Join us in asking for transparency regarding the wellbeing of the penguins and assurance that zoo staff will act faster to address issues going forward.Take action: bit.ly/43jOPqx
A Burned Dog is Now Thriving at Hope Animal Sanctuary In Defense of Animals 2023-05-26 | In March, we got a call from a deputy in Carroll County, Mississippi, about a dog who was believed to have been hit by a car. However, when we saw her picture we knew it was much worse and we had to help her.Read more and support our work: bit.ly/43sUg5V
12,000 Guardian Signatures Delivered! In Defense of Animals 2023-05-26 | To celebrate Guardian Month this May, we delivered thousands of your signatures to major media organizations urging them to update their language for non-human animals to reflect the fact they are sentient beings — not inanimate objects. Learn more about what we’re doing and how to get involved by joining our next Fireside Chat! bit.ly/437BjWF
Rescued Box Turtles Enjoy Sanctuary In Defense of Animals 2023-05-20 | World Turtle Day, on May 23, encourages the public to honor turtles and protect them and their threatened habitats around the world. Celebrate by watching the story of Fletcher and Lionel, two box turtles who were rescued and are now enjoying their sanctuary home in Arizona.Learn more: bit.ly/42RvTzb
12 Dogs Rescued From Hoarding Horror House! In Defense of Animals 2023-05-20 | Our Justice for Animals campaign has been part of an integral partnership with the town of Charleston, Mississippi, and, in fact, the entire Tallahatchie County. This region is one of the least well-off in the state, with no shelter or animal welfare programs. Our relationship, however, has just saved more dogs yet who would have otherwise been left in a horrific hoarding situation with no hope.Read more and support our animal rescues: bit.ly/3Mth4vM
ESPN Dont Air Rodeo Abuse In Defense of Animals 2023-05-20 | The College National Finals Rodeo has been putting on annual shows that involve animal abuse for more than 20 years in Casper, Wyoming. One of the events, goat tying, is particularly egregious. The rodeo must end this event, and ESPN must not promote animal cruelty by airing it.Take Action: bit.ly/3BIJXPu
Stop Cruel Goat Tying In Defense of Animals 2023-05-20 | The College National Finals Rodeo has been putting on annual shows that involve animal abuse for more than 20 years in Casper, Wyoming. One of the events, goat tying, is particularly egregious. The rodeo must end this event, and ESPN must not promote animal cruelty by airing it.Take Action: bit.ly/3BIJXPu
Wayne Hsiung: Homo Ahimsa Award Speech In Defense of Animals 2023-05-17 | Our Interfaith Vegan Coalition bestowed our third annual Homo Ahimsa Award to Wayne Hsiung and Priya Sawhney, co-founders of Direct Action Everywhere and The Simple Heart Initiative, for trailblazing the “Right To Rescue” animals who are suffering or injured and in need of veterinary attention. Together, they created a precedent-setting campaign to gain public support for animal rescue, raise awareness about the political and legal repression of animal rescuers, and ultimately establish the legal right to rescue animals from abuse in the agricultural industry, where it is common practice.Ahimsa is the Sanskrit word for non-harm and nonviolence. Venerated champions of the teaching include Mahatma Gandhi, who took a vow of ahimsa that informed his life and his activism. The Interfaith Vegan Coalition grants the Homo Ahimsa Award to those who embody the Homo ahimsa qualities of nonviolence and compassion for all beings. Homo Ahimsa Award recipients demonstrate how vegan living can co-create a world of peace, partnership, and loving kindness by ending violence and domination to people, animals, and the Earth. The award is named after the book, "Homo Ahimsa: Who We Really Are and How We’re Going to Save the World," by the Interfaith Vegan Coalition’s co-founder Judy Carman, who coined the term.Join the Interfaith Vegan Coalition: bit.ly/IVCmembersCheck out our religion-specific faith-based vegan advocacy kits: bit.ly/3VXlPC6
Delve into the Divine with Swami Chidananda In Defense of Animals 2023-05-13 | Swami Chidananda invites you to explore the soul of Ahimsa! Join our conversation with Swami Chidananda who runs the Paranitya Narasimha Ashram & Temple, a vegan monastery where he will host a retreat featuring celebrated speakers Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Victoria Moran on June 2 - 4.Please register for free to join our Vegan Spirituality Online Gatherings on the second Thursday every other month, 5 - 6 pm PT and receive the replay: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ol_ahL_2RYiuM9U0rxn1MA About Swami Chidananda:Swami Chidananda is a spiritual educator and monk initiated in the Hari Bhakta Lineage, holding the distinguished title of Swami.Through the study of scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami has gained a deep understanding of the science of Yoga and has devoted his life to helping others on their inner journey.Before entering the spiritual path, he had a successful career as an investment banker and entrepreneur. Now, he uses his experiences to convey the ancient Yoga Systems in a relatable and accessible way for those seeking to reconcile Western and Eastern philosophies.Discover more about Paranitya Narasimha Ashram & Temple: ashram.bhaktimarga.usAttend The Soul of Ahimsa Vegan Spirituality Retreat: ashram.bhaktimarga.us/retreats-events/26/the-soul-of-ahimsa-vegan-spirituality-retreatFollow Swami Chidananda on Instagram and YouTube: linkpop.com/swami For additional questions and to reserve a speaking engagement, please contact Swami Chidananda at: chidanandaswami108@gmail.com
Abandoned Dog Rescue & New Life In Defense of Animals 2023-05-13 | Our Justice for Animals campaign works tirelessly to alleviate animal suffering in the Deep South, and the need is as heartbreaking as it is endless. However, the happy outcomes for dogs like Kenny, who was abandoned and left to die on a chain, but is now a comforter and role model for other foster dogs, make our efforts more than worthwhile.Read more: bit.ly/3O63fWs
Tule Elk Reserve of Death In Defense of Animals 2023-05-13 | The National Park Service doesn’t want you to see this one male Tule elk suffering — because then you’ll know how hundreds of these magnificent animals suffer, and die, in confinement at Point Reyes National Seashore because of corrupted park policies.Learn more: bit.ly/3M37gby
Memorial for LeLe In Defense of Animals 2023-05-06 | In Defense of Animals and Panda Voices held a virtual memorial on Saturday April 8, 2023 to honor LeLe the giant panda, who died from neglect at the Memphis Zoo. The event included a eulogy and a poem (both in English and Chinese), a special tribute video, artwork tribute cards by panda fans, and speakers from In Defense of Animals, Panda Voices, and select panda supporters.On December 21st, we were thrilled by the news that the Memphis Zoo’s giant pandas YaYa and LeLe would finally be returned to China once the contract between China and the zoo ends in early April. Devastatingly, LeLe passed away on February 1st after his health took a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, the zoo ignored concerns about the panda's health, which led to his premature death.It’s utterly tragic that after 20 years of suffering, LeLe died of neglect and inadequate care when he was so close to going home. His health was clearly worsening, yet no recommended changes were made to help him or YaYa. He was only 24 years old, yet pandas can live well over 30 years. His own mother XinXing passed away at the age of 38 in China in 2020.In the aftermath of LeLe’s death, we, along with Panda Voices and panda supporters worldwide, are committed to honoring this beloved individual with this beautiful memorial event, as a tribute to his life as well as an opportunity to seek justice for him and spread more awareness about his story.Please sign our alert urging justice for dearly departed LeLe: idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/latest-news/justice-for-lele-save-yaya-memphis-zoo-must-acknowledge-its-crimes-against-giant-pandasConnect with Panda Voices at: pandavoices.org
Queens Animal Sanctuary Petition In Defense of Animals 2023-05-04 | Breaking News: We delivered 11,986 signatures to His Royal Highness King Charles III from concerned citizens like you, and Harry Potter actress, Evanna Lynch!A "royal pardon" for the late Queen's cows, pigs & hens is essential for climate justice, animal rights and species extinction!As you may know, animals have been farmed by the British monarchy for years. These royal pigs, chickens, and cows are killed for their meat and fed to visitors.This is unacceptable! All animals deserve to live a happy and healthy life, free from harm and exploitation.Additionally, sending the animals to a sanctuary will show King Charles is serious about ending pollution, species extinction, and the climate crisis.Thousands of people rallied to sign our action alert to let the royal animals live out the rest of their lives in peace and tranquility.We're happy to report that we delivered all the signatures to Buckingham Palace, along with a heartfelt message from our supporters. We hope it will encourage the king to make the compassionate choice and do right by the animals and the environment.Thank you to everyone who signed and shared our action alert. Together, we can make a difference for these gentle creatures and show that their lives matter too. #SaveTheQueensCows #RoyalFamily #EvannaLynch #cows #shorts
Homo Ahimsa Award Ceremony 2023 In Defense of Animals 2023-05-04 | In Defense of Animals' Interfaith Vegan Coalition celebrates our third annual Homo Ahimsa Award winners at a ceremony during V-COP 13: Vegan Convergence of the Peoples. Wayne Hsiung and Priya Sawhney, co-founders of the animal liberation organization Direct Action Everywhere and The Simple Heart Initiative, were honored for their nonviolent activism at an award ceremony on Sunday, April 30, 2023.Wayne and Priya received the award for trail blazing the “Right To Rescue” animals who are suffering or injured and in need of veterinary attention. Together, they created a precedent-setting campaign to gain public support for animal rescue, raise awareness about the political and legal repression of animal rescuers, and ultimately establish the legal right to rescue animals from abuse in the agricultural industry, where it is common practice.Ahimsa is the Sanskrit word for non-harm and nonviolence. Venerated champions of the teaching include Mahatma Gandhi, who took a vow of ahimsa that informed his life and his activism. The Interfaith Vegan Coalition grants the Homo Ahimsa Award to those who embody the Homo ahimsa qualities of nonviolence and compassion for all beings. Homo Ahimsa Award recipients demonstrate how vegan living can co-create a world of peace, partnership, and loving kindness by ending violence and domination to people, animals, and the Earth.The Homo Ahimsa Award was established by In Defense of Animals’ Interfaith Vegan Coalition in 2021 and is given to honor those who exemplify the qualities of Homo ahimsa in outstanding ways. The award is named after the book, "Homo Ahimsa: Who We Really Are and How We’re Going to Save the World", by the Interfaith Vegan Coalition’s co-founder Judy Carman, who coined the term.Discover more about the Interfaith Vegan Coalition, which provides resources for faith-based vegan advocacy: bit.ly/IVCmembersRead our media release on the Homo Ahimsa Award granted to Wayne Hsiung and Priya Sawhney: bit.ly/3LRt9eSTo join the Interfaith Vegan Coalition, please email: interfaith@idausa.orgGet involved in Direct Action Everywhere's Right to Rescue Campaign: righttorescue.com/sunriseLearn about The Simple Heart Initiative: thesimpleheart.org
Sick Rabbit Rescued - Amazing Transformation! In Defense of Animals 2023-05-04 | Earlier this spring, a woman came to our Hope Animal Sanctuary with a rabbit who was in a horrifying state. We named her Indigo because of her blue eyes and immediately began giving her the care she needed to recover.Read more: bit.ly/3ATudc8
“The Toad Detour” Virtual Film Screening for Save The Frogs Day In Defense of Animals 2023-05-04 | In celebration of Save The Frogs Day, In Defense of Animals is hosting a film screening of “The Toad Detour,” a beautiful documentary highlighting one community’s efforts to save their local amphibians.Each spring, toads and other amphibians wake from their winter slumber and migrate to vernal pools to breed. Sadly, they often have to cross roads to get there and many are killed by cars. The creation of the Toad Detour program highlights just one way people can help save the frogs.Join us for a screening of this wonderful film, followed by a Q & A with members of the original Toad Detour project Lisa Levinson and the film’s creator Burgess Coffield.Speaker Bios:Burgess Coffield, husband and father of four, currently works as a full time video editor in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has always been drawn to stories that most people may not see, but are worth telling. After making The Toad Detour, Burgess has made short documentaries about Postpartum Depression and the effects of OCD. His short film After Birth won Best Short Documentary at the Los Angeles Short Film Festival. He has also done some short horror films which have played at the Salt Lake Comic Con.Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director for In Defense of Animals, started the Toad Detour in 2008 to help migrating toads cross a busy road in Philadelphia. The Detour grew to over 200 eager volunteers with popular Toad Walks. The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education adopted the Toad Detour in 2012 and it’s still going strong!Here are some links to detours and programs that help amphibians: savethefrogs.com/day-2023schuylkillcenter.org/programs/public_events.htmlharriscenter.org/programs-and-education/citizen-science/salamander-crossing-brigades/other-crossing-brigade-programsTo screen the film, please contact Director Burgess Coffield: burgcoff@gmail.com Discover the benefits of wildlife crossings and how to start one in your area: idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/wildlife-crossing
Fireside Chat on World Week for Animals in Laboratories In Defense of Animals 2023-05-03 | Join us for our fourth informal "fireside chat" with our campaigners to discover more about their work behind the scenes. In each Zoom meeting, you will hear the latest from our campaigners and have the opportunity to ask questions in real-time. For World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL), we're featuring a chat on anti-vivisection with Senior Campaigner for Justice for Animals Doll Stanley and Campaign Specialist for Captive Animals Brittany Michelson. Doll will share a historical perspective on In Defense of Animals' involvement in anti-vivisection campaigns and Brittany will cover our current campaign initiatives, including how you can get involved in WWAIL. Discover more about our work to stop vivisection: idausa.org/campaign/vivisection
26 Dogs Due To Be Killed And Eaten In Defense of Animals 2023-04-29 | This month we were notified about a dog meat farm in South Korea holding 26 dogs who were living in deplorable conditions and facing a horrific fate. Now, however, they’re all safe at our rescue partner Jindo Love Rescue’s foster facility, where they’re getting a second chance to start new lives.Read more and help: bit.ly/3nhy27B
Circus Confessions: A Life Sentence In Defense of Animals 2023-04-12 | 🐘🎪How would you feel if you witnessed violent elephant abuse? Circus cruelty scars animals and humans. Act now: http://bit.ly/3UB3v0U
Circus Confessions: Forced Colonics In Defense of Animals 2023-04-11 | 🚫💩🎪 Elephants don't poop in the big top. The reason why will shock you.Act now: http://bit.ly/43fJHUAPlease share this video to maximize your impact, thank you. #WorldCircusDay #StopCircusSuffering
Circus Confessions: Circus Fights & Taking Tusks In Defense of Animals 2023-04-10 | 🐘 Frustrated elephants are dangerous. Circus solution? Saw off their tusks.Act now: http://bit.ly/3KHwLiZPlease share this video to maximize your impact, thank you. #WorldCircusDay #StopCircusSuffering
Circus Confessions: Tooth & Claw In Defense of Animals 2023-04-07 | 🦁 Why do circus lions look so gummy? This ex-circus worker exposes the awful tooth. World Circus Day is coming up. Did you know the Vatican supports circus suffering? Tell us in the comments if you think the Pope should stop buying tickets for wild animal performances.Please share this video to maximize your impact, thank you. #lions #lion #circus #BoycottCircuses #WorldCircusDay #StopCircusSuffering
Circus Confessions: Circus Love In Defense of Animals 2023-04-06 | Do circuses ❤️ elephants? Watch this former elephant keeper reveal circus "love" is a cheap trick. Act now for elephants in circuses: http://bit.ly/3MlY0BcPlease share to maximize your impact, thank you#WorldCircusDay #StopCircusSuffering
Virtual Memorial for Zoo Victim LeLe the Giant Panda In Defense of Animals 2023-04-05 | Please join us and Panda Voices for a virtual memorial on Saturday, April 8, 2023, to honor LeLe the giant panda who died from neglect at the Memphis Zoo. The event will include elements such as a eulogy and poem, a special tribute video, artwork tribute cards by panda fans, and speakers from In Defense of Animals, Panda Voices, and select panda supporters. We are committed to honoring this beloved individual with a beautiful memorial event, as a tribute to his life as well as an opportunity to seek justice for him and spread more awareness about his story. Register here: http://bit.ly/40Nbyd9
Freezing Dogs Get Much-Needed Shelters In Defense of Animals 2023-04-05 | Responding to concerns from desperate people on behalf of neglected animals is always challenging for our Justice for Animals campaign, but the unexpected twists and outcomes can be sweetly surprising and we do our best to help those trying to help animals with their own limited resources in Mississippi.Help neglected animals bit.ly/3bxis1M
Circus Confessions: Chained at the Circus In Defense of Animals 2023-04-04 | 🎪What does this former circus elephant keeper find "disgusting"?Watch our exclusive interview to find out, then let us know if you agree.Act now for elephants in circuses: http://bit.ly/3nKFbx9
Circus Confessions: Bloody Training In Defense of Animals 2023-04-04 | 🤡 Whips, blood, and elephant toenails. This former keeper reveals how elephants are trained to perform in circuses. Did you know?Act now for elephants in circuses: http://bit.ly/3nKFbx9
Abused Puppy Rescued Just in Time In Defense of Animals 2023-04-01 | It’s heartbreaking to consider all of the animals whose abuse goes unnoticed, but fortunately for a little puppy in Grenada, Mississippi, a police officer spotted her just in time and gave us a call. Thanks to many people who came together to help her get a second chance, she’s now a beloved member of her new family.Read more: http://bit.ly/3Kqj47S#shorts
