Living Without Meat

Well, it seems today is just a Gene Baur/Farm Sanctuary kind of day here on Living Without Meat. First with an empowering quote from him, and now a freebie!

In celebration of the passing of California’s groundbreaking Proposition 2, and the paperback release of his book - Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food, Gene Baur is offering a one day only special: you can download his book for free!

Today, Friday November 7 only, you can download the Farm Sanctuary eBook for free at Sony’s eBookstore. You can read the book without a Sony Reader by downloading the reader software to your computer.

Gene Baur concluded the e-mail about this free eBook offer with a bit of gratitude: “Thank you for all you do for the animals and please join me as we keep this momentum going and educate millions more about the plight of farm animals!”

It’s such a simple statement, but this sentence from Farm Sanctuary President Gene Baur’s letter in the beginning of the recent issue of his organization’s quarterly magazine carries so much truth and power:

“Factory farmers depend on citizens to buy their products, but most people oppose the cruelty associated with mass-producing meat, milk and eggs when they learn of it, so animal agriculture obscures its abuses.”

How simple of a concept is that? You have the power to effect factory farmers. You, as a consumer, have the constant choice to either support factory farms or to hinder their continuance.

Do you hear me? You have the power. You can make a difference.

Remove your blindfold and open yourself up to learning and accepting the truth. Know where your food and products come from; know who and what is profiting from the purchases you make. Be an educated consumer and refuse to support cruelty.

Be vegan and make a difference.

And that, my friends, is your daily dose of empowerment. Pass it on; empower the people around you with this knowledge.

After the conclusion of America’s election season, congratulations are in order … to Californian farm animals!

Although still destined to be mass bred, raised, and slaughtered in a factory-style setting, Cali chickens, pigs, and baby cows can thank the voters of their state for starting to make changes.

California ballot proposal, Proposition 2, passed last night with an early lead showing at least 60 percent of voters supporting the measure. From here, the process begins for removal of all battery cages (for chickens), veal crates (for baby cows), and gestation crates (for pregnant pigs).

The passing of Prop 2 means a ban on these three forms of cruel confinement in the state of California. It is a phasing out process: 2015 is the deadline for 100 percent cage- and crate- free farms.

Read more about what this means for the future of California farm animals by clicking on either of the victory pictures shown here. The red banner is Farm Sanctuary’s and will redirect you to their Prop 2 page; the “We did it!” chickens are from the Humane Society and will take you to President Wayne Pacelle’s blog.

Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle will be a guest today, October 14, on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He will talk more about California’s Proposition 2, and will appear alongside front men from the agribusiness industry. Wayne will be going head-to-head with his fellow guests, arguing the issues surrounding the statue.

The reach of the Humane Society’s Proposition 2 campaign is continually impressing me, as is talk show hosts’ increasing support for animal causes. Wayne Pacelle had a monumental appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show three weeks ago, which was followed by an appearance by the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) president, and then an announcement that Ellen is now leading a vegan life.

The “Yes! on Prop 2″ campaign has set out to educate people, especially California voters, about a landmark animal-rights proposition that will be on the California state ballot this November. By voting in support of Proposition 2, voters will be supporting the creation of stricter regulations for factory farms. If passed, the proposition, which is also called Standards for Confining Farm Animals, would add a chapter to California’s Health and Safety Code to “prohibit the confinement of certain farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to tum around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs.” In essence: no more battery cages for chickens, veal crates for newborn calves, or gestation crates for pregnant pigs.

In addition the the HSUS, many other organizations, veterinarians, and media have added their support to Prop 2. These include, but are in no way limited to: the New York Times; Farm Sanctuary; Sierra Club; Consumer Federation of America; California Democratic Party; California Council of Churches; Center for Food Safety; Union of Concerned Scientists; and over 700 vets, 150 vet students, 140 animal-based organizations, 100 farmers, and 90 clinics and hospitals in California. To see the full list, including celebrities, religious groups, politicians, nonprofits, and newspapers, click here.

Farm Sanctuary has an urgent need for a new tractor - a large, unexpected expense which was not planned for in their budget. Plus, generous donors have agreed to match all donations towards a new tractor, up to $20,000. If you are able to, now would be a great time to support this excellent cause … just think: your dollars will be doubled by this matching donation offer!

Click the banner above to donate to the tractor fund today and have your gift matched!

In his plea for financial support, President and Co-Founder Gene Baur wrote this in an e-mail to Farm Sanctuary members:

“Caring for 780 animals at Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter is no easy feat. Our hardworking staff therefore counts on essential large-scale farm vehicles and equipment every day to feed hundreds of animals and clean more than 15 barns on 175 acres.

“As a result of a recent large influx of animals, we must purchase a new tractor immediately to cover the shelter’s growing needs and ensure the animals’ daily care.”

Today I continue my series of looking into what and where animal sanctuaries are. First, I defined animal sanctuaries as a safe haven that reqires nothing of their residents, and last week I found as many sanctuaries as I could on the east coast of the U.S. Now, I’m heading to the west coast, specifically California:

* Farm Sanctuay has a California campus near Orland. It may be the less talked about one, but it still boasts 300 acres for escued farm animals. Founder Gene Baur grew up in California, so he can visit his othe sanctuary and his parents all in one trip across the country.

* Speaking of Gene Baur … his ex-wife Lorri Bauston, who is a co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, also directs her own farm animal rescue efforts at Animal Acres in Acton.

Beyond Gene and Lorri’s ventures, California is a large state that is home to a lot of animal refuges. These include:

* American Service Horse Rescue Zoo in Chico.
* American Tortoise Rescue in Century City.
* The Gorilla Foundation, home to the famous sign-language learning Koko, in Woodside.
* Shambala Preserve, maintained by the Roar Foundation, is a big cat home in Acton.
* Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in San Jose is a no-kill shelter for cats and dogs.
* Jack Auchterlonie Memorial Equine Sanctuary (JAMES) is a safe house for horses in 29 Palms.
* C.H.E.E.T.A. Primate Sanctuary (Creative Habitats and Enrichment for Endangered and Threatened Apes) in Palm Springs.
* Coventry Companion Bird Survival Center in Bella Vista.
* Critter Haven in the High Sierra Mountains cares for yaks, donkeys, geese, ducks, goats, emus, and even some cats and dogs.
* The Purple Cow and Friends in Escondido takes in unwanted animals including cows, mules, horses, dogs, and more.
* D.E.L.T.A. Rescue (Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals) rescues wild cats and dogs in Glendale.
* Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center in Hughson rescues injured and orphaned wildlife - birds, fox, big cats, and more.
* P.R.O.U.D. (Pet Rescue of Unwanted Dogs) in Kingsburg.

This is only a sampling of the animal sanctuaries in California. With the climate and the amount of open land out west, there are lots of great rescue and refuge efforts.

To begin my search for other great animal sanctuaries around the world (as in, aside from Farm Sanctuary), I’m starting close to home: the east coast of the United States.

* Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, Maryland must be a biggie - it’s Web site is simply animalsanctuary.org. The 400-acre nonprofit rescues farm animals including mules, chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs, and others.

* In New England, farm animals find refuge at the Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary in East Burke, Vermont.

* Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary calls Woodstock, New York home, and was founded by a couple with oots in the film-making business. Comedian and cartoonist Dan Piraro and his wife Ashley Lou Smith, who have been seen around town supporting both Farm Sanctuary and PETA too, call Woodstock their home sanctuary. Woodstock, as detailed in the full name, is home to rescued farm animals including goats, pigs, and chickens.

* New York has more than its share of sanctuaries. Spirit Animal Sanctuary in Boonville cares for dogs, but also currently has a parrot, iguana, and cat. The Catskills Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties offers a safe haven to abused, neglected, and otherwise mistreated horses and other farm animals. Unfortunately, Oasis Sanctuary in North Branch recently had to close its doors, with the founder exhausting all of his personal funds. Oasis still needs help though! All of their farm animals have found a new home, but there are still many dogs that need a home. Plus, Oasis is indebited thousands of dollars for back property taxes.

* Florida is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries: Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville, Peace River Rescue & Ranch in Zolfo Springs, and Sanctuary Animal Refuge in Clewiston. Big Cat Rescue houses all kinds of exotic large felines that should be living wild and free, including jaguars, tigers, cougars, ocelots, and more. The rescued cats from performing situations, fur factories, exotic pet dealers, and any other situation that humans have tried to confine them to. Jungle Friends offers a permanent safe home to monkeys that come from labratories, exotic pet traders, and situations requiring confiscation by police. Peace River saves exotic animals from any potentially harmful situation. Their residents include big cats, wolves, bears, pimates, and even bats. Sanctuary Animal Rescue takes in any animal - though primarily dogs and cats - that is considered fearful, agressive, old, or ill. They run as a no-kill shelter, rehabing the residents and adopting out those who are ready.

* Blind Cat Rescue in St. Pauls, North Carolina is exactly as it sounds - a place for unwanted cats that can’t see to feel safe and wanted.

* In Louisa, Virginia, Project Perry is the Central Virgina Parrot Sanctuary. Lucky Parrot Sanctuary, Inc. is the birds’ safe haven in Naples, Florida.

* Shepherd’s Green Sanctuary in Cookeville, Tennessee has 30 acres open meadow and woods, with 2 additional acres sectioned off for special needs residents. Shepherd’s is all about and for the pigs.

* And we can’t forget the shelled ones in need. Turtle Homes Rescue in Merrick, New York takes care of turtles and tortoises. They also have sanctuaries across all regions of the U.S., and Canada, Asia, and the U.K.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

This list is by no means comprehensive, but rather covers the larger ones, and those that are accredited. Most accept volunteers, many have blogs, and all are always in need of financial support.

Stay tuned for another region’s sanctuary run down next weekend!

Looking for something positive to read regarding animals and their rights? A must read for everyone is Farm Sanctuary’s Rescue & Adoption story about one 7-year-old girl and her mother saving two baby chicks, who were the only survivors of the girl’s school hatching project, from being sent to a poultry farm.

And since you’re already headed to the Farm’s Web site, be sure to check out these other exciting news bits, events, and more:

* The Farm is hosting a celebrity-filled auction online at Charity Buzz. There are lots of awesome things to check out including lunch dates with celebrity vegetarians, gift packages, artwork, and vacations. I tell you this, however, with trust that you will not bid on lunch with Kristen Bell (and a Heroes‘ gift package) unless you are bidding on my behalf since Kristen is my girl crush.

* Amidst the 27 animals rescued from Red Barn, a cruel “free-range” meat farm in Canaan, New York, were 14 pregnant ewes … and now they have given birth to 16 healthy baby lambs! Meet the lambs and read their mothers’ stories.

* The annual Walk for Farm Animals is coming up, with walks all around the country. Find one near you to participate in.

* A benefit for the Midwest flood survivors will take place in Washington, D.C. on October 18Party for the Pigs will be hosted by Persia White and Nellie McKay.

* Next weekend, September 20 and 21, the Farm is holding its annual Farm Animal Care Conference for people interested in starting their own rescue efforts and shelters. There are still spaces available if you are interested in attending!

Since discovering Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York, I have been interested in learning more about animal sanctuaries of all sorts. I want to find some that are closer to home, as well as just educating myself in general about how many and what kinds their are nationwide.

An animal sanctuary is any facility that rescues any animal and provides a safe home for them to live out the rest of their natural lives. Animals live at a sanctuary without owing anything - entertainment, food, fiber - to people. The animals do not work, they are not bred or sold, and they are not put on display in a zoo-like manner. Some are specifically for farm animals like Farm Sanctuary is, while others focus on stray cats and dogs, victims of animal testing facilities, circus performers, primates, elephants, horses, and nearly every othe imaginable species and area of mistreatment.

As with most industries, there are specific national and international organizations that supervise, accredit, and provide support for established sanctuaries. One such group is the American Sanctuary Association, which provides a comprehensive list - by species or alphabetical - of the numerous sanctuaries across the U.S. that they support (including both of Farm Sanctuary’s location). The ASA ensures that animals in accredited sanctuaries are well taken care of and that breeding does not take place.

Next up, find out where there are sanctuaries for which species. And please feel free to leave any special requests or questions in the comment section - I will do the research for you!

I have been doing unusually well in the money department lately. I don’t make much (we’ll just say under $25,000), and I am not usually good at saving, but I have made an effort to be a conscious consumer. I have not been buying things unless they are something that I have thought long and hard about.

I am not buying new clothes - in fact, I got rid of a garbage bag full. I am not buying any more yarn until I attack some of the mass quantities already hoarded in my apartment. I contemplated buying a bread machine, but my mom had one in good shape in her closet! I received my stimulus check and deposited directly into my savings - not checking - account.

In my time wealth, I have made a point of sharing. I had not made a donation to Farm Sanctuary in awhile, so I sent them a small amount to help with the post-flood pig rescue. I gave an extra bit to Children International this month, as it is Mabelyn’s, my sponsor child, birthday. And I sent a check to the Humane Society (HSUS) for the first time because I love their envelopes!

When the HSUS sends a request for donation, they include with it an envelope for you to return your check in. On the outside of the blue envelope, is a blurb called “5 Ways to Help Farm Animals.” Being rich for the moment, I sent it back, check included, with hopes that a mailperson or two will read it.

Here’s what a HSUS return envelope says:

5 WAYS TO HELP ANIMALS

The Humane Society of the United States, in its constant battle to help farm animals, encourages all its members to take the following actions to help reduce their suffering.

1. Reducing our consumption of animal products makes a significant difference. If every American were to cut back on animal consumption by only 50%, approximately five billion animals each year would be spared a lifetime of suffering.

2. Refining our diets by choosing organic or cage- and crate-free animal products — instead of the conventional factory farm products that fill most supermarket shelves — will help animals and send a clear message that the most horrific cruelties are too tough for any compassionate consumer to swallow.

3. Replacing animal products with readily available vegetarian alternatives is a delicious and caring way to help animals.

4. Learning more about the meat, egg, and dairy industries and how our dietary choices can impact animals gives us the power to truly vote for compassion with our forks. Visit www.HumaneEating.org for more information.

5. Get involved with our many campaigns to help farm animals! Visit www.hsus.org/farm to find out how.

How about a positive note? I could use one today.

Farm Sanctuary, and others, have been institutional in creating change for the benefit of the animals. In the last week, there have two events that have had specific results that reflect some of their hard work and effort.

Since animal advocates spend so much time dealing with emotionally draining concerns, here’s a bit about these two victories to brighten your day:

1. On July 30, the New Jersey Supreme Court rejected the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s regulation that presumes all standard farming practices to be humane, based only on the fact they are common occurrences. The Court also rejected the practice of tail-docking cattle (cutting off their tale), and mutilating them without anesthesia. It was ruled that practices cannot be considered humane simply because they are widely used.

Farm Sanctuary, along with humane organizations, farmers, veterinarians, and environmental and consumer groups, and public-interest lawyers, brought this case before the Court. This case is sure to be a legal-precedent setter for the rest of the states!

2. Several animal rights organization learned that the Society of Gynecological Oncologists had a conference scheduled for today, August 7, where they would have a “pig lab,” hosted by the bio-medical company Covidien, where live pigs would be purposefully injured for demonstrations of electrosurgical tools. The Farm sent out notices asking people to call the Society and ask them to not proceed with the pig mutilations. Other organizations sent out similar messages, such as the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine.

Yesterday, it was happily announced that the doctors had canceled the lab!

Good work, all: the animals thank you!

The floods in the Midwest had many victims, but the ones that caught the world by surprise were the pigs of Iowa. Photos quickly spread of pigs swimming for their lives, only a hint of snout above water, amongst contaminated waters and fellow pigs that had not been so lucky.

A rescue mission was quickly put into place.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare, American Humane Association, Farm Sanctuary, and Animal Rescue League of Boston quickly went to work, assessing the situation and pulling the pigs to safety.

A team of about 25 people tirelessly worked long days (16 to 18 hours per day) to save the 69 pigs that had swam to a nearby levee and survived. They were dehydrated, hungry, exhausted, and sunburned to the point that their skin was charred black. Some had pneumonia and injuries.

Some of the unlucky ones, that swam and fought for their lives, were shot by local law enforcement because they were seen as a threat to the levee. Their bodies were left, the situation regarded as “fixed.”

Two (of the rescued 69) were in such poor health that they needed to be put down. Three were in need of such extensive care that they were sent to Cornell University Hospital for Animals. The rest have found refuge at Farm Sanctuary, and are working toward a full recovery.

The needs do not end here, however. Several of the sows are pregnant. In fact, one gave birth while fighting for her own life and was able to keep her newborn piglets safe. The veterinarian bills are piling up. And, unfortunately, the number of pigs will prove to be too much for Farm Sanctuary to handle.

Here are the ways that you can help the Midwest flood pig rescue mission:

* All four above mentioned organizations have set up a “pig rescue” fund and are in need of donations to help absorb the cost of the mission and the aftercare. Every dollar will help; consider showing your support by giving to one of these great organizations.

* If you are a vegan home, that has the means and space to care for a rescued animal, consider adopting a pig or two by signing up for Farm Sanctuary’s Farm Animal Adoption Network by contacting: shelter@farmsanctuary.org, or 607-583-2225 ext. 223.

* Show support, keep informed, and learn more by visiting the 2008 Midwest Flood Pig Rescue blog. You have to visit this site to see the photos!

The first photo shown was taken by Molly of Best Friends, an organization that went to Iowa to work on rescuing the stranded pets. The second is an AP photo.

In case you don’t have an awesome coworker that periodically sends you vegetarian and animal rights articles: Last Sunday’s Washington Post featured an equally cute and educational article entitled “I Love Moo: Tales From A N.Y. Animal Sanctuary.”

With that, the Sanctuary’s tour season is now in full bloom - head to the Finger Lakes to get your fill of animal love. The Bed and Breakfast on the farm fills up quickly, but don’t be bummed if you can’t get a room - Corning, NY is just down the road and is an fun, crafty town. Be sure to meet Sally the pig if you go: not only does she have the best name ever, but she has an awesome personality, too!

I’ve been slowly tasting all of my vegan goodies from the Farm Sanctuary Gala gift bag. There were four different brands of vegan cookies to try, all of which had their unique taste.

1. Sun Flour Baking Company: all of their cookies are soft and vegan, some are wheat- and gluten-free. I tried the peanut butter one, and found it to be the perfect amount of sweetness. The cookies also come in the perfect size: at 4 oz. they are about the same size as an average, store-bought cookie. The chewiness was a little tougher than I expected, but I liked the texture.

2. Alternative Baking Company: This company is 100 percent vegan, so once you reach their Web site you can shop to your belly’s content without having to read labels. I tried the peanut butter persuasion flavor and loved it! They also bake wheat-free cookies, and other flavors like explosive espresso chip, luscious lemon poppyseed, and a special seasonal flavor that changes regularly. But when eating one of these massive cookies, do note that they are labeled as two servings, 250 calories each. Finish the whole thing, and you’ve consumed 500 calories!

3. Everyday Gourmet: Another 500 calories cookie … but chocolate chip! This company boasts all-natural baked goods with a range of organic, vegan, wheat-free yummies in sugar-free, naturally sweetened with agave nectar, and regular sugar. The cookie was a bit crumbly, but that doesn’t change the taste - it was good.

4. Late July Organic Snacks (shown here): After devouring two of the largest cookies ever, this oreo-looking sandwich cookie seemed small as I approached it. But I was pleasantly surprised how it satisfied my sweet cravings! Oreos are vegan themselves, but these Late July sandwiches top oreos: they are organic, include green tea, and come in real vanilla bean or dark chocolate filling.

Amongst all four, I couldn’t pick a favorite - they all have their own deliciousness that attacks different sweetness cravings. Not a cookie fan? Many of the companies also make muffins, cakes, pies, chocolates, and other vegan treats.

“Emily Deschanel just came up to me and started talking about cheese!!!!” said a very excited friend to me while we were volunteering at the Farm Sanctuary Gala in May.

Apparently, Emily has a brand of vegan cheese that she highly recommends: Dr. Cow.

Dr. Cow makes natural, vegan, living products. The company sells two superbly yummy-sounding granolas online, as well as a sprouted nut blend, and an instant oatmeal-like product that has no oats! Instead, the Que!Meal is filled with quinoa, sprouted nuts and seeds, raisins, and more.

But the product that Emily was raving about - a completely raw, vegan, tree nut cheese - is only available in certain stores, none of which I’ve heard of, and all of which seem to be in NYC. However, they will do large shipments to other states, so request it at your local coop or other vegan food haven.

For now, I am thinking I may have to try both the Que!Meal and the two kinds of granola - cocoa bean and regular.

Stores that carry Dr. Cow’s Tree Nut Cheese are: Pure Juice & Take Awa, Westerly, Organic Avenue, Live Live, High Vibes in Manhattan, Marlow & Son’s, Park Slope Food Coop, and Pumpkin’s Organic Market in Brooklyn.