A favorite destination of Florida and out-of-state tourists alike, Panama City Beach in Bay County is also friendly to four-legged creatures. On June 25, the Panama City Beach council voted 3-2 to uphold a 1991 ordinance prohibiting animal-drawn vehicles from city streets.

Only a week earlier, both the mayor and the entire council were prepared to repeal the ordinance, thus permitting a carriage owner to begin operating a carriage-horse business this summer. When local members of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida learned of the upcoming vote, things began to change. Panama City Beach residents Karen Kelley and Sue Wiggins began calling city hall, writing letters, gathering petition signatures and preparing testimony for the public comment period at the city council meeting.

With backup support from ARFF, the two women articulated their case eloquently. Mayor Griffitts was encouraged to do some research of his own prior to the meeting and learned from people he consulted that the city's climate would cause discomfort and possibly injury to the horses and their passengers.

It's rare to see the message of compassion for animals so powerfully brought to bear in such a short period. The mayor, council, and our Panama City members have every right to be very proud of themselves. Thanks to Mary Hoffman of In Defense of Animals who traveled to Panama City Beach and spoke on behalf of ARFF at the city council meeting.

Write to Panama City Beach and thank the city for their compassionate decision.

WRITE

Mayor Philip Griffitts & Council City of Panama City Beach 110 S. Arnold Road Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Yet another accident involving a carriage-horse in St. Augustine occurred on May 1. It was at least the 10th in as many years, resulting in the carriage driver being hospitalized. On June 21, ARFF continued our ongoing campaign to win protection for horses in St. Augustine by staging a public demonstration at the carriage-horse loading/drop-off point.

Royal Palm Plaza, a shopping center in Boca Raton, and the site of several ARFF demonstrations, no longer offers carriage rides. Unfortunately, the city of Boca Raton sponsors "Live

From Palmetto Park," a monthly street festival that includes carriage-horses on Palmetto Park Road. In May, ARFF held demonstrations in front of city hall during meetings of the city council (see photo page 6). ARFF has begun a petition drive in the city. Contact ARFF if you would like to help collect signatures.

Progressive cities across Florida, including Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Treasure Island, Kenneth City and Panama City Beach have either banned or severely restricted carriage-horse operations.

Animal Attraction Cancels Plans for Sawgrass Mills

American Wilderness Experience (AWE), a "theme restaurant" already operating in a few shopping malls nationwide, has decided not to join in the expansion of Sawgrass Mills mall in Sunrise. ARFF had been fighting American Wilderness Experience since it was first proposed in late 1996 (see the Jan./Feb. '97 issue of ARFF News).

American Wilderness Experience, promoted as an "indoor wildlife theme park" where animals live in "simulated ecosystems" next to a restaurant and gift-shop, had planned to open at Sawgrass Mills by the end of the year. The plans for the AWE at Sawgrass Mills included alligators and bats, ironically species that are commonly found in the wild just a few miles from the mall.

Last September, ARFF testified against the proposed restaurant/zoo at a meeting of the Sunrise city commission, and explained that a life of captivity for animals in a busy mall would be artificial and inhumane.

Write to the Ogden Corporation (the developers of AWE). Thank them for canceling plans to open AWE at Sawgrass Mills, and urge them to halt plans for any future restaurants that include the display of live animals.

WRITE

R. Richard Ablon, Chairman and CEO Ogden Corporation Two Pennsylvania Plaza New York, NY 10121 Email: investor_relations@ogden.com

Monkey Jungle

Monkey Jungle, a roadside zoo in Miami, continues to resist our efforts to give King the gorilla a better life. Monkey Jungle has ignored the fact that Zoo Atlanta has offered to accept King, where he could enjoy grass, trees, and the company of other gorillas. Monkey Jungle continues to promise to build King a bigger cage, but he has been waiting for two decades for improvements. We are convinced that King's life will not improve as long as he remains at Monkey Jungle. Even if King were to be placed in a larger enclosure at Monkey Jungle, he would still be alone because the unnacredited zoo would never be able to acquire a gorilla companion(s) for King.

In May, the syndicated television show Hard Copy and the National Examiner both ran stories on King, bringing national attention to the campaign. Thanks to Barbara Goleman Senior High School in Miami for collecting 1,035 names in support of King.

Saturday, August 15, ARFF and the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), will hire a plane to tow a banner reading "Hey Monkey Jungle . . . Send King to Zoo Atlanta." The plane will fly over Monkey Jungle from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 and over South Beach from noon-1:00. Look for it!

At the conclusion of last spring's "March on Monkey Jungle," Bob Barker encouraged the crowd to hold weekly demonstrations on behalf of King, which we have done. Thanks to ARFF member Richard Dalmau for helping to organize these demonstrations.

You can help King! Please call the office if you would be willing to demonstrate at Monkey Jungle in the future. We especially need a good turnout on Saturday, August 15 starting at 11:00 a.m. to coincide with ARFF's airborne message. Call the office for directions.

Upcoming Demonstrations

Join ARFF to Demonstrate Against the Cruelties of Dog Racing during the International Classic Championship
at the Flagler Dog Track in Miami
Saturday, August 8, 1998, 6:00 p.m.

The greyhound-racing industry is directly responsible for the deaths of an estimated 25,000 dogs each year. Most of the victims are killed at less than one year old- dogs who do not show promise as racers. The rest are not much older, and have simply stopped turning a profit. After spending two to four years making money for their owners, most dogs are destroyed. Others are sold to research labs, or are callously abandoned. With 17 dog tracks (more than 1/3 of the total number of greyhound tracks in the country), as well as dozens of greyhound breeding/training "farms" throughout the state, Florida is the industry's most important state.

At the track, life for a greyhound is equally abusive. Most racing greyhounds spend the majority of their lives in small metal crates, and are let out to exercise only a few times a day. Racers are constantly muzzled when they are out of their cages. Greyhounds also suffer from one or more of a wide variety of painful and debilitating injuries common in dog racing, such as bone fractures, severe joint injuries and torn muscles.

DIRECTIONS

The Flagler Dog Track is located on NW 37 Avenue at NW 7th Street in Miami. Accessible off the Miami Airport Expressway (St. Rd. 836-Dolphin Expwy.) at the 37th Ave (Douglas Rd.) or 42nd Ave (LeJeune Rd.) exits.

Protest on Opening Day of The Florida Alligator Hunt
Speak Out Against the Killing of Animals for Sport!
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 1998, 6:00 p.m.
at the public boat launch on Lake Okeechobee in Belle Glade

During Florida's public alligator hunt, each hunter is allowed to kill up to five alligators. Alligators are hunted in darkness on lakes and waterways in Florida using bright lights, bait and a variety of weapons. Harpoons, consisting of a sharp, penetrating point attached to a restraining line, are the most popular weapon for hunting alligators, although a three-prong "snatch" hook used with a fishing rod, baited wooden pegs, and bows are also common.

After being harpooned or hooked, the unfortunate alligator is fought to exhaustion, drawn close to the boat, and killed by lowering his/her head beneath the water and shooting a firearm called a bangstick. Hunters describe how, upon firing of the bangstick, "blood colors the water a cloudy red."

Regulations state that alligators must be killed before being dragged into a boat, but alligators are extremely difficult to kill. The improper placement and discharge of the bangstick frequently just renders the alligator temporarily unconscious. Without having the spinal cord severed and the brain destroyed, the alligator can be left to suffer long after being pulled from the water.

If you are interested in learning more about alligators, call ARFF for a copy of our new brochure, "Florida's Alligators."

Directions: Call the ARFF office: (954) 917-ARFF.

Jupiter Crab Company Restaurant

In March, ARFF sent an Action Alert to our members in northern Palm Beach County concerning a restaurant in Tequesta that kept two macaws in a barren cage outside of the restaurant. The birds at the Jupiter Crab Company were often in direct sunlight in the summer, and were unprotected from the rain, wind and cold in the winter months. Other problems included unsanitary conditions, an improper diet, and a lack of proper veterinary care.

In June, the court fined owner Leonard Fortune for improper "manner of keeping." A new, much larger cage has recently been built for the birds. The restaurant is under new management and is now called Bubba's Fish Camp. Thanks to Sally Brooks and Michelle Rivera for their efforts on behalf of the birds, and to everyone who wrote letters in response to ARFF's Action Alert.

Inquiry Sparks USDA Investigation of Circus

The Royal American Circus, based in Sarasota, brings their collection of animals- miniature horses, boa constrictors, peacocks, performing dogs, and other "exotic animals"- to over 200 cities across the country each year. This year, free tickets distributed across Florida promised children a chance to see "Congo the Ape." Upon investigating, ARFF discovered that Congo, actually a macaque monkey who used to perform riding a pony and turning cartwheels, had died recently at the age of six. In the wild, macaque monkey's can live to be 30 years old. Now, a 7-month-old monkey traveling with the circus is being "trained" to take over Congo's act.

Unfortunately, death and abuse is not uncommon for animals in the circus. Animals in the circus suffer a life of confinement and deprivation that often ends in a premature death. Because of the negative publicity ARFF generated over Congo's death, the USDA has begun an investigation. We are awaiting the results of the investigation.

Guyana Monkeys Stranded in Miami

In May, a shipment of 130 monkeys on its way from Guyana to Japan was stranded in Miami. The shipment- including capuchin monkeys, marmosets and squirrel monkeys- was scheduled to spend seven hours in Florida between flights. The animals ended up staying for three days. Because of missed and cancelled flights, and other mix-ups, the monkeys were forced to endure Miami's record heat inside their shipping crates. Two days after arriving, with the next flight to Japan not leaving for another two days, the shipment was sent back to Guyana where the animals could be uncrated and fed. Finally, the animals were shipped again to Miami, from where they embarked on a flight to Japan (via Taiwan). In Japan it is not known if the shipment was headed to research laboratories or to supply Japan's exotic pet shops where these species are popular as pets.

The monkeys endured a long, grueling trip. For them, the Miami airport, and an uncertain fate in captivity in Japan, are a far cry from the forests of South America that is their rightful home.

Please send a polite letter to the President of Guyana telling her that your are very concerned about the unnecessary suffering of the 130 monkeys shipped from Guyana to Japan in May 1998. Request that Guyana immediately ban all export of monkeys.

WRITE

President Janet Jagan Office of the President New Garden Street Georgetown, Guyana (postage to Guyana is .60)

send copies to:

His Excellency the Ambassador of Guyana Embassy of the Republic of Guyana 2490 Tracy Place NW Washington, D.C. 20008 Fax: (202) 232-1297

Deaths and Deception at Disney Continue

In documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A.), ARFF learned that a total of 31 animals died at Disney's Animal Kingdom in the months before the park's opening. Disney had previously only admitted to 12 deaths. The documents describe how nine herd animals such as gazelles, kudus, and antelopes died after becoming entangled in fences while trying to escape, and by fighting and other causes. Also newly revealed were the deaths of a guinea hog and baby chinchilla rabbits. In spite of the deaths of 29 animals who are specifically protected by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), not one of the deaths was deemed a violation in the eyes of USDA inspectors.

Unfortunately, the animals misfortune has not ended with the park's opening. On June 2 the safari ride at Animal Kingdom was shut down for 40 minutes after an employee noticed a hippopotamus dead in a wading pool.

ARFF has called for a further investigation of animal deaths at Disney's Animal Kingdom. In a letter to the USDA, we argued that the animal deaths did indeed violate the AWA. "Not only does the result of the investigation have the appearance of a whitewash, but the announcement [of the results] on the same day as the park's opening is extremely coincidental," wrote ARFF attorney Tim Ross.

Write to Florida's U.S. senators and ask them to contact the USDA requesting a reopening of the investigation regarding the problems at Animal Kingdom.

WRITE

Senator Bob Graham U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Email: bob_graham@graham.senate.gov

Senator Connie Mack U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Email: connie@mack.senate.gov

Another Reason Not to Eat Fish

A new federal rule allows fish farmers in Florida to protect their catfish ponds and aquaculture operations by killing unlimited numbers of cormorants and other fish-eating birds. The USDA's Wildlife Services program estimates that approximately 100,000 birds each year will be killed at fish farms across the country.

ARFF Victories

Chicken-Hatching Project in Sarasota

In January, several first- and second-grade teachers at Alta Vista Elementary School in Sarasota received a grant to study "scientific observation and life cycles" by hatching chickens in a classroom incubator.

ARFF sent an Action Alert to our Sarasota members, and a letter to the school concerning the project. Hatchlings used in school chicken-hatching projects are not only deprived of a mother, many grow sick and deformed because their needs are not met during incubation and after hatching. When the project is over, these now unwanted birds may be "disposed of," meeting horrible ends.

In May, Alta Vista's Principal assured ARFF that the chicken-hatching project will not be repeated in future years. Thanks for your letters; they made a difference!

Lobster Zone Removed

The Taurus restaurant in Coconut Grove has removed their Lobster Zone machine, a cruel and exploitative crane game (see ARFF News Jan-Mar '98). In response to a letter from ARFF, Taurus manager J.D. Bruce Wilson wrote, "When you are right you're right, as the saying goes. We have removed the machine 'Lobster Zone' from the premises."

Let ARFF know if your local bar or restaurant adds a Lobster Zone machine.

Sarasota Circus Festival Ends

The Board of Directors of the Sarasota Circus Festival and Parade decided in June not to continue with the event for 1998-99. The Festival cited financial problems and a lack of interest from the general public as reasons for ending the annual festival that has marched tigers, lions, monkeys and other animals through downtown Sarasota for the past 13 years.

Also in Sarasota, Clown College will not be open this summer, and may be closed for good. Clown College has been owned & operated since 1968 by Feld Entertainment, who also own the Ringling Bros. circus.

Chamber of Commerce Boots the Circus

In March, ARFF sent an Action Alert to our members in Brevard County in response to an appearance by the infamous Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus in Melbourne and in Titusville. One of the local sponsors of the circus was the Titusville Chamber of Commerce. Chamber executive board member Raymond Sharkey responded to those who wrote letters with good news- at their June 11 meeting, the Titusville Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously not to sponsor the circus next year. Thank you to everyone who wrote letters!

Holiday Festival of Lights

In September, 1998, a recently approved overhaul of Palm Beach County's Animal Care and Control ordinance will go into effect. Among other reforms, the new ordinance will prohibit raffles & prizes of live animals (excluding the South Florida Fair). This change was prompted by ARFF's objections made to the county because of the giveaway of rabbits that ARFF protested at the Holiday Festival of Lights carnival in Boca Raton in 1996.

"Friends for Life: The Story of Oscar and Daisy" is a short comic book intended for children about a pig who escapes from a farm. Copies are available free. Contact ARFF.

Humane Education Kits

ARFF's Humane & Environmental Resource Kits are donated to school libraries free of charge! The kits contain the book 101 Ways To Save The Animals by Ingrid Newkirk and EarthSave's Realities booklet which gives hundreds of facts on the impacts of factory farming. The video, "Changing Minds, Changing Times," narrated by Candace Bergen, and a poster are also included. We need your help in finding appreciative libraries to receive our free school kits. Please contact your local middle school or high school and speak with the librarian to arrange for their free kit.

ARFF In The Media

• 4/22-4/24/98: ARFF's April 22 demonstration at Disney's Animal Kingdom resulted in media coverage for days after the protest, including stories in USA Today, on Los Angeles TV Ch.9, and on TV3 national news in New Zealand. ARFF participated in radio interviews with CBS Radio Network, WCBS Radio (New York City), WRUF AM50 (Gainesville), and WMNF radio (Tampa). Los Angeles Times syndicated columnist Cal Thomas, in a column about the RICO laws and free speech, mentioned ARFF's protest.
• 5/5: ARFF Managing Director Joe Taksel was interviewed by WESH Ch.2 in Orlando regarding the Animal Liberation Front.
• 5/12: ARFF's demonstration at the International Conference on Livestock in the Tropics in Gainesville was pictured in the University of Florida's Alligator.
• 5/12: ARFF was featured in a story about King the gorilla on the nationally-syndicated television show Hard Copy.
• 5/13: ARFF's protest against carriage-horses in Boca Raton was covered by the Boca Raton News and the Sun-Sentinel.
• 5/13: ARFF Managing Director Joe Taksel was interviewed regarding the USDA's investigation of Disney's Animal Kingdom by the Orlando Sentinel and WESH Ch.2 in Orlando.
• 5/14: ARFF's criticism of a Palm Beach County eco-tourism group's promotion of fishing was featured in the Sun-Sentinel and on WPBF Ch. 25.
• 5/19: ARFF's April demonstration at Animal Kingdom was featured in the travel-industry publication Travel Trade.
• 5/27: Palm Beach Post columnist Frank Cerabino wrote about ARFF, eco-tourism and fishing.
• 5/31: WSVN Ch. 7 television reported on one of the weekly vigils at Monkey Jungle on behalf of King.
• 6/10-6/11: ARFF's call for a new federal investigation of Disney's Animal Kingdom was featured in the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, Sun-Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post.
• 6/11: Joe Taksel was interviewed by KFWB radio (Los Angeles), WBT radio (Charlotte, NC) and newsradio WDBO in Orlando about Animal Kingdom.
• 6/24, 6/26: ARFF's efforts to prevent carriage-horses from operating in Panama City Beach were covered in the Panama City News Herald.
• 6/27: Panama City Beach's decision not to rescind a carriage-horse ban was featured in the Miami Herald.
• 7/1: ARFF Communications Coordinator Nicolas Atwood was interviewed by the Stuart News regarding the death of Congo, a monkey traveling with the Royal American Circus.
• 7/3: WPEC Ch. 12 reported on the death of Congo.

ARFF In The Community

• Miami, 4/25/98: ARFF volunteer Valerie Howell tabled at a Miami EarthSave potluck.
• May/June: ARFF distributed nine Humane Education Kits (see below) to high schools in Florida and out-of-state.
• Wellington, 6/4: ARFF Communications Coordinator Nicolas Atwood spoke before the Wellington Zoning Commission in opposition to a proposed rodeo arena.
• Gainesville, Fall Semester 1998: University of Florida professor Dr. Richard Hiers used copies of ARFF's full-page advertisement in the New York Times regarding the Walt Disney Company in his "Social Ethics" class.

Often an issue arises that demands a quick response. If you have an e-mail address or a fax machine, and you are willing to write letters in a timely manner, we need you to join our list of quick response members. Fax or e-mail (ARFFmain@aol.com) ARFF your name. Thank you.

Animal Rights Foundation of Florida
P.O. Box 841154 Pembroke Pines, Florida 33084
tel: 954-917-ARFF · fax: 954-979-6415 · email: arff@animalrightsflorida.org