 |
|
2009
Click here for more ARFF news releases. |
|
 |
|
For Immediate Release: December 23, 2009 "Santa" encourages shoppers to Adopt, Don't Shop (Orlando) - Members of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF), including a man dressed as Santa and several elves, will gather outside a central Florida pet store and encourage holiday shoppers to adopt from local shelters instead of buying a dog. DATE: Thursday, December 24 "We are confident that most consumers are not indifferent to the problem, just ill-informed," said Bryan Wilson, ARFF Coordinator. "If people knew how these dogs are treated, they would stop buying animals from pet stores. Each year millions of animals lose their lives in shelters. Our message is simple: Don't buy while they die! " # # # |
|
 |
|
For Immediate Release: December 3, 2009 Health scare for Sir Gus, the “kissing camel” (Orlando) – “Sir Gus,” the camel mascot of Orlando's Bahia Shriners, is receiving treatment for an unknown illness at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine. Several incidents during 2009 have raised concerns about the health of Sir Gus, and the appropriateness of public exhibition of the camel. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF), longtime critics of the annual “Shrine Circus,” sponsored by the Bahia Shriners at UCF Arena, are calling for the retirement of Sir Gus and a commitment by the Shriners not to replace the camel. In the November issue of Caravan, the newsletter of the Bahia Shriners, it was reported that Sir Gus was taken to UF's Large Animal Hospital in Gainesville on November 5, 2009:
Following treatment at the university, Sir Gus returned home for rest and recuperation. His November appearances were cancelled. Then on Sunday, November 29, Sir Gus took a turn for the worse and was taken back to Gainesville. According to Steve Stevenson of the Bahia Shriner's Camel Herders club, “He had a relapse and is undergoing neurological, blood, and spinal fluid tests as well as x rays.” USDA scrutiny. During an inspection* by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 26, 2009, inspectors found that the Bahia Shriner's program of veterinary care was inadequate. The USDA noted, “The camel recently has had an episode of diarrhea.” The Bahia Shriners were cited for failure to have medical records available for review. The USDA also cited the Bahia Shriners for allowing small children to come into contact with the camel while he had diarrhea. In its report, the USDA concluded, “This animal shall not be exhibited if he has any diarrhea unless it has been determined that the condition does not pose a health risk to the animal or to the public.” In addition to Sir Gus' health problems, there are other reasons to be concerned that the camel poses a danger to the public. Due to their large size and weight, camels can be dangerous and difficult to control. In July 2009, a man who was caring for Sir Gus suffered a broken shoulder after the camel butted him with his nose, knocking him off his feet. “We wish Sir Gus a speedy recovery,” said Nick Atwood, ARFF Campaigns Coordinator. “But in consideration of his poor health and his potentially dangerous behavior, we think the Shriners should retire Sir Gus.” Note: In December 2002, the first “Sir Gus” was euthanized after breaking his leg in a fall while being transported in the Shriner's converted school bus. A few weeks following the accident, a baby camel was purchased to become the new “Sir Gus.” *Copies of USDA inspection reports are available upon request. # # # |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release: October 23, 2009 Mary Esther ordinance protects performing animals (Mary Esther) – The Cole Bros. Circus has arrived in Mary Esther for three days of performances at the Santa Rosa Mall. The circus is traveling with three endangered Asian elephants. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) has sent a letter to City Attorney Bruce Bowman urging the city to prohibit the use of bullhooks by Cole Bros.
The bullhook, or ankus, is a tool used to discipline and control performing elephants. Bullhooks have a long handle and a sharp metal hook at one end. Elephant trainers in the circus use the sharp hook to apply pressure to sensitive spots on the elephant’s body. More than a mere guide, the bullhook serves as a reminder of violent, behind-the-scenes training. The Cole Bros. Circus has a history of abusive use of bullhooks. In 2000, inspectors with the U.S. Department of Agriculture noted that two Cole Bros. elephants had scars from bullhooks. In 1999, the USDA charged Cole Bros. with violating the Animal Welfare Act; USDA undersecretary Michael Dunn stated, “We believe that on numerous occasions, employees of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus abusively used an elephant hook on several animals.” “Bullhooks cause pain and injury to elephants,” said ARFF Communications Director Don Anthony. “We are hopeful that the City of Mary Esther will prohibit the use of bullhooks by the circus during its time in the city.” *Copy of ARFF's letter is available upon request. # # # |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release: October 21, 2009 Circus on a short leash (Tallahassee) – The City of Tallahassee has notified the Cole Bros. Circus that the use of bullhooks by elephant trainers will be closely watched during performances on Wednesday and Thursday, October 21-22 at the Tallahassee Auto Museum. In early October, the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) sent a letter to City Attorney James English urging the city to prohibit the use of bullhooks when Cole Bros. arrived in Tallahassee. The circus is traveling with three endangered Asian elephants.
The bullhook, or ankus, is a tool used to discipline and control performing elephants. Bullhooks have a long handle and a sharp metal hook at one end. Elephant trainers in the circus use the sharp hook to apply pressure to sensitive spots on the elephant’s body. More than a mere guide, the bullhook serves as a reminder of violent, behind-the-scenes training. In response to ARFF’s letter, Animal Control Supervisor Lt. Jeff Doyle sent a letter to the Cole Bros. Circus notifying them of the ordinance. “It is expected that all circus performers, trainers, and handlers will treat animals in a humane and lawful manner while visiting the City of Tallahassee,” wrote Lt. Doyle. The Cole Bros. Circus has a history of abusive use of bullhooks. In 2000, inspectors with the U.S. Department of Agriculture noted that two Cole Bros. elephants had scars from bullhooks. In 1999, the USDA charged Cole Bros. with violating the Animal Welfare Act; USDA undersecretary Michael Dunn stated, “We believe that on numerous occasions, employees of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus abusively used an elephant hook on several animals.” “Bullhooks cause pain and injury to elephants,” said ARFF Communications Director Don Anthony. “We are disappointed that the City of Tallahassee did not prohibit the use of bullhooks by the circus entirely, but we are encouraged that the city has pledged to keep a close eye on elephant trainers.” *Copies of ARFF's letter, and the City of Tallahassee’s response, are available upon request. # # # |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release: September 25, 2009 Horse advocates to address St. Augustine City Commission (St. Augustine) – A discussion of horse-drawn carriages is on the Agenda of Monday’s St. Augustine City Commission meeting. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) will speak before the commission and ask that St Augustine join progressive cities in Florida, such as Palm Beach and Key West, that have removed horse-drawn carriages from city streets. “As long as carriage horses work St. Augustine’s busy streets there will continue to be dangerous accidents and animal suffering,” said Bryan Wilson, ARFF Coordinator. “We are asking the city to take steps towards a ban on horse-drawn carriages.” WHAT: Presentation on horse-drawn carriages; St. Augustine City Commission regular meeting The risk of accidents and the danger of dehydration will be emphasized during ARFF’s presentation. Accidents. Mixing horse-drawn vehicles with pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic is inherently dangerous. Over 2 million tourists visit the historic City of St. Augustine each year. Not surprisingly, accidents between carriages and motor vehicles on the crowded city streets are common. There have been at least ten serious accidents in the past ten years in St. Augustine. Dehydration. In Florida’s blistering heat and humidity, horses are at serious risk of suffering from dehydration or heat stress. There are no limits on how many hours per day a horse can remain on the streets of St. Augustine. Nothing prevents horses from working on the hottest days of the summer. # # # |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release: September 16, 2009 Community Speaks out Against the Circus in School (Hollywood) – The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) embarks on a signature gathering effort to request that the Broward School Board adopt a district-wide policy not to support circuses with animal acts through fieldtrips, promotional giveaways or by any other means. On Saturday, September 20 attendees at the Hollywood Beach Latin Festival will be approached to sign ARFF’s petition. WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2009 at 5pm ARFF cites mounting evidence of the abuse and neglect of animals used by circus acts; every circus with animal acts has a long list of government-issued citations, ranging from failure to provide veterinary care to inflicting physical harm. In 2007, Florida-based Cole Bros. Circus was cited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at least eight times. In 2009, an undercover investigation into the Ringling Bros. Circus found eight employees, including a head elephant trainer and an animal superintendent, repeatedly hitting elephants in the head, trunk, ears, and other sensitive body parts just before the animals entered the arena for performances. Aside from abuse in training, ARFF contends that circus life is inherently cruel as it denies animals their natural instincts and forces them into constant travel and performance. "The Broward County School Board must accept that promoting circuses with animal acts inescapably associates the district with animal cruelty," stated ARFF’s Project Coordinator Amanda Burk. "Fieldtrips and take-home tickets send the wrong message to families and children that it is acceptable to abuse and manipulate animals for the sake of so-called entertainment." ARFF will present signed petitions at an upcoming Board meeting. # # # |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release: August 6, 2009 Animal Activists Send Flowers to Bolivia (Miami) – This morning, the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) delivered a bouquet of flowers to the Consulate General of Bolivia, in Miami Springs, to congratulate the country on its enactment of a groundbreaking law banning animal circuses. The law was proposed after an undercover investigation by an animal welfare organization that found widespread abuse in circuses operating in Bolivia. Bolivia now leads the Americas with progressive legislation to protect animals in circuses. A handful of other countries, such as Austria and Finland, and progressive municipalities, such as the City of Hollywood, Florida, have banned the use of wild animals in circuses, but the Bolivian ban is the world’s first national law to ban the use of both domestic and wild animals in circuses. The law was signed by Bolivia’s President Evo Morales and took effect on July 1. Flowers delivered to: “The investigation that led to Bolivia’s historic law documented lions and bears confined in tiny cages, and animals made to jump through rings of fire and ride bicycles,” said ARFF Spokesperson Amanda Burk. “Sadly the situation is not much different for animals in traveling circuses that visit Florida, such as Circus Vazquez.” Circus Vazquez, also known as Circo Hermanos Vázquez, is a traveling animal circus founded in Mexico City and now based out of Texas. The circus has a history of animal cruelty and human safety violations. On Sunday, August 9th, ARFF will hold demonstrations outside of Circus Vazquez’s big top in Bicentennial Park in Miami. # # # |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release: July 15, 2009 Miss Florida USA Gets Bloody (Davie) – Famed media personality and long-time animal rights advocate, Bob Barker, recently sent a letter to Grant and Mary Lou Gravitt, pageant producers at Tel-Air Interests, Inc. – the parent company behind Miss Florida USA and Miss Florida Teen USA, requesting removal of the Fur Information Council of America (FICA) from the pageant's sponsor lists. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) plans to aid Barkers efforts with a protest outside of pageant finals this Saturday. Activists will don “bloodied” fur garments to illustrate what it really means to wear fur. Time and Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 6:30pm In 1987, Bob Barker stepped down as host of the national Miss USA Pageant after his requests to discontinue the use of fur were ignored. In his letter, Barker cited that standard practices on fur farms are gruesome, and clearly favor profit over animal welfare. He went on to state, “What a terrible shame it is that Miss USA and all affiliated pageants have not recognized fur coats for what they are – the skins of ruthlessly tortured animals.” ARFF protests the pageant's use of fur coats and other items as "prizes." A team of ARFF activists will be on site, distributing educational leaflets and brandishing heart-wrenching posters of skinned animals. ARFF will have an informational tent on campus, featuring undercover video footage of fur farms. Incoming audience members and contestants will have the opportunity to get more facts on the industry and speak with an ARFF representative one-on-one. The fur industry tortures millions of animals each year, with no federal law to regulate how they are treated or killed. Historically, the industry has refused to condemn even the most blatantly cruel techniques. Undercover investigations have found that genital electrocution, deemed “unacceptable” by the American Veterinary Medical Association, is commonly used on fur farms. During this procedure an electrically charged steel rod is inserted into the animal’s rectum, and the animal suffers from cardiac arrest while he or she is still conscious. “As long as Miss Florida USA and Miss Florida Teen USA continue to cohort with FICA, they are directly supporting the inhumane practices of the fur industry,” stated ARFF’s Communication Director, Don Anthony. “With many wonderful, modern and cruelty-free prize options available, there is no place for the skins of dead, tortured animals during any Miss Florida USA pageant.” # # # |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release: June 19, 2009 Broward School Board Hears Circus Policy Proposal (Fort Lauderdale) The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) spoke before the Broward County School Board this week, calling for the establishment of a district-wide policy prohibiting affiliations with animal circuses at all Broward schools. The room fell silent as ARFF Project Coordinator, Amanda Burk, showed a clip from the documentary video Training and Tragedy which showed undercover footage of a circus trainer violently abusing elephants. "Often schools that do not sanction animal circus fieldtrips still distribute tickets to be used outside of school hours,” says Burk, “No parent expects that events promoted through their school’s distribution of materials would be affiliated with animal cruelty and human safety violations, but that is precisely the message such continued affiliation sends.” ARFF provided informational packets including a twelve-page partial list of one circus’ history of federal animal cruelty violations. ARFF officials await a response that reflects positively upon Broward schools. # # # |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release: May 6, 2009 Shriners Annual Convention Draws Ire (Coral Springs) Activists from the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) will highlight the truth behind Shrine circus fundraisers, with a protest during the Florida Shrine Association’s 2009 Convention’s opening day activities. When: Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 2:00pm until 3:30pm Shrine circuses have deplorable, long-standing records of animal abuse and human safety violations. Because the Shriners do not hold an exhibitor’s license, they contract with outside parties for animal acts to use under the Shrine name. In doing so, Shriners have been able to deflect an extensive history of animal cruelty directly associated with their circus fundraisers. Animal exhibitors leased by Shriners include Royal Hanneford Circus, Circus Hollywood and Tarzan Zerbini Circus to name a few - each with a hefty record of USDA violations. Charges against these circuses range from failure to meet minimum space requirements, failure to provide veterinary care and nutritious food and clean drinking water, to the use of unsafe enclosures and endangering animals and the public. By employing animal acts, the Shriners put audiences in danger of disease, injury and even death. The list of tragic incidents affiliated with Shrine Circuses is long and varied. In 2005, while contracted by the Mizpah Shrine of Indiana, a Tarzan Zerbini Circus trainer was stomped to death as he loaded elephants into a trailer following a circus performance. In 2003 an attendant of the Hadi Shrine Circus of Indiana was reportedly hospitalized after being bitten on the face by a chimpanzee during a public photo session. Several elephants used by the Shriners have tested positive for a human strain of tuberculosis, and in 2005 an elephant named Lota died as a result of this highly dangerous, airborne disease that is costly and difficult to treat, particularly in elephants. It is clear that the abuse of animals is not necessary to raise funds, as five of Florida's largest Shrine temples use non-animal fundraisers, such as charity golf tournaments, car shows and festivals. While many support Shrine circuses with the impression that their donation will be used to help children in medical need, the fact is that circus fundraisers finance individual temple costs, not hospitals. In reality, the parent group for all Shrine hospitals, Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, is a separate entity from the Shriners, and receives less than two percent of its budget from Shrine temples. A 2007 New York Times investigation titled, “In Shriners: A Blurry Line of Giving,” confirmed a trail of money leading not to children but to trips, parties and alcohol for the Shriners. From deceptive fundraisers to animal abuse, the Shriners’ practices seem far from family friendly. “The Shriners are never held accountable for the accidents, injuries and deaths that are an inevitable outcome of abused and restricted animals forced into constant contact with the public,” according to ARFF Project Coordinator, Amanda Burk. "Continued support of a cruel and dangerous form of entertainment is not only needless and unacceptable; it is reflective of the true character of the organization. As long as circuses are synonymous with the Shriners, so is cruelty.” # # # |
|
|
|
| Click here for more ARFF news releases. | |