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2008
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For Immediate Release: April 16, 2009 Elephants at the opera?! (Pensacola) The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) has sent a letter to the Pensacola Opera protesting the planned appearance of an elephant during the May 1 and 3 performances of Giusseppe Verdi's Aïda. The elephant(s) who will appear at Pensacola's historic Saenger Theatre are owned by Texas-based animal trainer Doug Terranova. Terranova is well-known for renting out his elephants, tigers and other exotic animals for Hollywood films and traveling circuses. One of Terranova's elephants, "Kamba," a 29-year-old female African elephant, appeared in Opera Birmingham's performance of Aïda in 2005. "These wild animals belong in Africa, not at the Saenger Theatre, a few feet from the orchestra and hundreds of opera patrons," said Nick Atwood, Campaigns Coordinator for the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. "We appeal to the Pensacola Opera not to ruin the show by bringing an elephant on stage. Leave the drama to the singers and musicians." Doug Terranova's two elephants are regular performers in circuses, where they are deprived of everything that is natural and important to them and are forced to perform under stressful conditions. Their appearance in Pensacola will be just another paycheck for Terranova, but for the elephant(s) it will be the continuation of a miserable life of deprivation and confinement. Although this would not be the first time that elephants have appeared in a performance of Aïda, Terranova's elephants have a history of being spooked by loud noises. In June 2008, tornado sirens spooked Kamba and another elephant who were preparing to perform with the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus in WaKeeney, Kansas. The animals bolted from their tethers and ran through town, causing property damage and frightening residents. The elephants were on the loose for approximately three hours before they were recaptured and loaded onto trucks # # # |
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For Immediate Release: March 19, 2009 King the gorilla marks two decades of solitary confinement (Miami) –This week marks the 20th year that King, a 39-year-old western lowland gorilla on display at Miami's Monkey Jungle, will spend without a companion. Of the approximately 350 gorillas in zoos in the United States, King is the only one who lives alone and who has no prospect of ever having a companion*. On March 19, 1989 a female gorilla named “Mitzie” died at Monkey Jungle. Since that day, King has remained alone—despite the efforts of animal advocates. “On this sad anniversary, we are once again asking Monkey Jungle to transfer King to a respected zoo where he could live out the remainder of his life with companionship and dignity,” said Nick Atwood, Campaigns Coordinator for the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. In 1997, a campaign was launched to persuade Monkey Jungle to send King to Zoo Atlanta, where he could be with other gorillas. Zoo Atlanta has had success in rehabilitating previously solitary gorillas and transitioning them into a gorilla family. But despite Zoo Atlanta’s invitation and pleas from noted primatologist Jane Goodall, TV personality Bob Barker, and thousands of Florida residents, Monkey Jungle has so far refused. Instead, after languishing for years in a concrete-and-bars cage, Monkey Jungle built a naturalistic enclosure in 2000 where King is at least able to feel the sun and breathe fresh air. Although the larger enclosure was an improvement, it is unclear how much time King actually spends in the enclosure, and Monkey Jungle continues to ignore the issue that King is alone. Gorillas and other apes are intelligent animals with complex social and emotional lives. Gorillas are best-off when they are in social situations. King needs companions and this continued solitary confinement is cruel and psychologically damaging. During King’s daily shows at Monkey Jungle, he performs degrading tricks such as the Hokey-Pokey for the amusement of tourists. *Monkey Jungle lost its American Zoo and Aquarium Association-accreditation years ago and therefore does not qualify to receive another gorilla. # # # |
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For immediate release: December 9, 2008 In the game, a hen in a 3-foot-square box “plays” tic-tac-toe against casino patrons by pecking and scratching at a screen. In a windowless compartment at the back of the machine, several chickens—stacked on top of each other in cat carriers—wait to replace the performing chicken. Games continue for eight hours each day. A casino is clearly an unnatural, and undoubtedly stressful, environment for chickens. Chickens are intelligent, sensitive animals who should not be providing entertainment in a busy casino. “Regardless of the outcome of each game, the hen in the tic-tac-toe machine loses,” said Nick Atwood, ARFF Campaigns Coordinator. “Mardis Gras is encouraging indifference to the welfare of animals. We hope that the casino will make the responsible and compassionate decision to halt this ridiculous and cruel gimmick.” # # # |
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“Pregnant Pigs”
Amendment Takes Effect
The initiative effectively outlaws the use of “gestation crates,” which are barren, two-foot-wide metal enclosures in which female pigs used for breeding spend most of their lives unable to walk, turn around or even lie down comfortably. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) was a founding member of Floridians for Humane Farms, a coalition of animal-protection groups, conservation organizations and concerned citizens that sponsored the initiative. Hundreds of volunteers gathered over 600,000 signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot. “The passage of the ‘pregnant pigs’ amendment in Florida was the first time that any state had halted a cruel form of intensive confinement of animals in factory farms,” said Nick Atwood, ARFF Campaigns Coordinator. “It was an historic step in efforts to combat cruelty to animals.” “Voters in Florida demonstrated they care about the protection of farm animals,” added Nick Atwood. “The vote also sent a powerful message to the pork industry, and motivated animal welfare advocates across the country.” Since 2002, three states—Arizona, Oregon and Colorado—have followed Florida in banning gestation crates. On the ballot this November in California, the nation’s leading agriculture state, “Prop 2” would require that breeding pigs, as well as calves raised for veal and egg-laying hens, be given enough space to turn around, lie down, and stretch their limbs. # # # |
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For Immediate Release: October 2, 2008 Zoos rub elbows with the
circus at conference (Orlando) Animal advocates have been increasingly vocal in recent years about the welfare of elephants in America's zoos. In particular, the inadequate space and artificial conditions of many elephant exhibits have come under criticism. In response, zoos have insisted that they take their responsibility seriously and are doing their best to care for these animals. Many elephant handlers and veterinarians at zoos across America are members of the Elephant Managers Association (EMA). The EMA's Board of Directors includes representatives from some of America's largest zoos, including the Houston Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Memphis Zoo and Disney's Animal Kingdom (Animal Kingdom's Stephen Eisele is President of the EMA). The Elephant Managers Association's Code of Ethics promises, "the highest level of ethical standards, respect and care" of elephants. So animal advocates were shocked when the EMA announced that their annual conference, beginning October 3rd at the Radisson Worldgate Resort in Orlando, will be hosted by the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. "Ringling Bros. stuffs elephants into train cares for grueling cross-country tours," said Nick Atwood, Campaigns Coordinator for the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. "At least 25 Ringling Bros. elephants have died since 1992, including a baby elephant who was killed after he fractured both hind legs in a fall from a circus pedestal. Zoos can learn important lessons from circuses—how not to treat these magnificent animals." This is the first time that the Elephant Managers Association conference will be hosted by a circus. All previous conferences, going back to 1980, were held at American zoos. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida is calling on the Elephant Managers Association to make a clear statement that, despite Ringling Bros. hosting its annual conference, the association does not condone the suffering and exploitation of animals in traveling circuses. #
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For Immediate Release: May 21, 2008 “Death” Makes an Appearance at Dog Track Grand Opening (Daytona Beach) - Members of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) will gather outside the entrance to the new Daytona Beach Kennel Club to shed light on a cruel industry: greyhound racing. The protest will feature an activist dressed as “Death,” to remind bettors of the thousands of racing greyhounds killed each year in the United States. The abuse and neglect of racing greyhounds is common at kennels and tracks in Florida. There have been numerous reports of dogs subjected to cruel treatment, suffering injuries while racing, and of ex-racing dogs being abandoned. For example, in August 2007 three greyhounds died of heat exhaustion at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club. The dog’s trainer had his license suspended after three other dogs under his care tested positive for traces of cocaine (the drug is believed to enhance performance). “Poker games are the focus of the Kennel Club’s new facility,” said Carla Wilson, ARFF Coordinator. “It is undeniable that Floridians have lost interest in dog racing. We’re looking forward to the day when the last greyhound races in Daytona Beach.” DATE: Friday, May 23 When greyhounds do not run profitably, due to injury or age, they are of little use to the racing industry. Thousands of greyhounds are killed each year in the United States. The “fortunate” ones are killed humanely. It is common for losing dogs to be shot or abandoned. To ensure a constant supply of new racers, more than 25,000 dogs are bred each year in the United States. Some unwanted greyhounds are rescued by adoption organizations, but there are simply not enough homes for them all. At least 5,000 former racing greyhounds are killed each year. Even for winning dogs, the realities of kennel life are shameful. Racing greyhounds spend most of their lives— 18 to 20 hours a day— confined in cramped crates with little human contact # # # |
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For Immediate Release: February 7, 2008 Florida retirement for zoo elephants? Or just another breeding facility. (St. Lucie County) - At a press conference this morning at the Houston Zoo, plans will be announced to create The National Elephant Center on 300 acres in St. Lucie County. The National Elephant Center has the potential to provide a large, natural setting over which elephants could roam, forage and bond with other elephants. The Center could become a sanctuary where zoo elephants would be allowed to spend their remaining years in relative comfort. Unfortunately, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is instead planning to create a breeding facility to replenish the declining population of captive elephants in zoos in North America. "Florida would be a great place for America's aging zoo elephants to retire, but encouraging breeding is irresponsible," said ARFF Campaigns Coordinator Nick Atwood. "Zoos breed elephants for one reason: to boost attendance. True conservation of elephants must take place in their native lands." Zoos across the country are realizing that they cannot provide the necessary environment or proper care for elephants. In recent years, over one dozen U.S. zoos have closed or plan to close their elephant exhibits. Several of these zoos, including the Detroit Zoo, Henry Vilas Zoo (Wisconsin), Mesker Park Zoo (Indiana), Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, and the Chehaw Wild Animal Park (Georgia) made the compassionate decision to send their elephants to a non-breeding sanctuary. In many U.S. zoos, elephants suffer due to inadequate space, unnatural conditions, and lack of exercise. "'Conservation' will be the buzzword at today's press conference," noted Nick Atwood. "It is true that elephants are threatened in Africa and Asia, but captive breeding is not a solution." The millions of dollars that will be spent to create The National Elephant Center would be better spent supporting research on free-living elephants, or in improving the lives of elephants in America's many substandard zoo exhibits. #
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For Immediate Release: November 12, 2007 Trial
begins for rancher accused of abandoning over 100 cows to die Trial begins this week for Immokalee rancher Michael Swails, charged with 120 counts of cruelty to animals for starving a herd of cattle. Trial begins Tuesday, November 13 at 9:00am at the
Collier Government Complex (Naples); The case began in March 2004 when Collier County Domestic Animal Services received a complaint from a concerned citizen about a herd of cattle in the Immokalee area. Collier County sheriff's deputies and animal control officers found over 100 cows who were severely malnourished, as well as several dead cows, in the barren pasture. Witnesses described a horrible scene of cows who were so weak that they couldn't stand, and others who were still alive but were being tormented by turkey vultures. Domestic Animal Services confiscated the herd; unfortunately, at least two cows had to be euthanized due to poor health. A year later (March 17, 2005), Michael Lee Swails was arrested and charged with five felony counts of Intentional Cruelty to Animals, and an additional 115 counts of Cruelty to Animals (misdemeanors). Swails explained that he could not afford to buy food for the cows. It is one of the largest cases of animal abuse in Florida. In court in November 2006, a Collier Circuit Court Judge denied a motion by Swail's attorney, Landon Miller, to dismiss the five felony counts. Judge Fred Hardt disagreed with Miller's argument that failure to feed an animal is not an overt act, and ruled that a jury could indeed find Swails' actions to have been cruel AND intentional. Each of the felony charges against Swails can carry a fine of $10,000 and five years imprisonment. The misdemeanor charges carry a possible fine of $5,000, one year imprisonment, or both. "Deliberately allowing cows to slowly starve to death is torture," said ARFF Campaign Coordinator Nick Atwood. "The fact that Mr. Swails is a fourth-generation cattleman makes his actions all the more reprehensible. It is very important that this shocking case of abuse be punished appropriately." ARFF works to ensure that individuals who torture or neglect animals are arrested and prosecuted, regardless of whether the victims are dogs, cats, chickens or cows. #
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For Immediate Release: September 14, 2007 Sumter County Shuts Down Exotic Animal Auction (Bushnell) - The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) is celebrating a decision by the Sumter Fair Association to end the auction of exotic animals at the Sumter County Fairgrounds in Bushnell. In a letter to ARFF dated September 11, Jacky Jackson, President of the Sumter Fair Association wrote that the association “met and reviewed your request to end the auction of exotic animals on the Sumter County Fairgrounds. The Board voted on the issue and the vote was unanimous to end the auction.” Ms. Jackson added, “We have always made it a priority for the public safety of our visitors and the welfare of any animals brought on these grounds.” The move follows two serious incidents involving the exotic animal auction. In April, a woman was trampled to death by a camel purchased at the auction. In July, a man at the auction was cited by officers with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for selling a potentially-dangerous Macaque monkey without proper permits, and for transporting the animal in a cage that did not meet minimum regulations. Fortunately, the monkey was seized and is now at an animal rehabilitation center. An exotic animal auction is scheduled to take place at the fairgrounds on Saturday, September 15. Animals to be offered for sale include buffalo, zebra, flying squirrels, sloths and many other exotic animals. ARFF believes that this will be the final auction at the Sumter County Fairgrounds. “At exotic animal auctions, you never know what kind of animal you’ll see. What you can be sure of is that you’ll leave feeling utterly depressed,” said ARFF Managing Director Heather Veleanu. “The sad collections of animals being offered to the highest bidder have likely seen this scene before, and will again. They are zoo cast-offs, personal pets gone awry, or have intentionally been bred for sale. The potential homes for these animals range from backyard menageries, to small indoor cages, to roadside zoos, to canned hunt ranches.” # # # |
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For Immediate Release: August 28, 2007 West Palm Beach Stands Up For Chickens! (West Palm Beach) - The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida is applauding the City of West Palm Beach for making a strong statement against one of factory farming’s worst forms of intensive confinement. On Monday night, the West Palm Beach City Commission unanimously passed a resolution opposing “battery cage egg production, based on the inherent cruelty of confining egg-laying hens in battery cages.” The resolution also encourages consumers, “not to purchase eggs produced by caged hens.”
West Palm Beach is the third, and the largest, city in Florida to pass a resolution condemning the intensive confinement of chickens in cages. The cities of Winter Springs and New Port Richey have also passed resolutions opposing battery cage confinement. “At the very least, chickens deserve to be able to spread their wings and walk more than one step forward and one step backward,” said ARFF Managing Director Heather Veleanu. “The movement away from the use of battery cages has improved the lives of millions of animals.” More than 150 colleges and universities across the country have committed to using only cage-free eggs. Other institutions, such as the natural foods retailer Whole Foods Market, have also pledged not to sell or use eggs from caged birds. Earlier this year, renowned chef Wolfgang Puck announced that his restaurants would exclusively use cage-free eggs. Even the fast food giant Burger King has implemented a purchasing preference for cage-free eggs. While most eggs in this country come from caged birds, there are a growing number of cage-free egg farmers, including several here in Florida, fulfilling the expanding consumer demand. # # # |
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