Sunday, December 19, 2010

Call for Investigation of Wyoming State Rep. Sue Wallis

Wyoming Resident Files Complaint against State Rep. Sue Wallis

CHICAGO - Wyoming resident, Patricia Fazio, Ph.D. has filed a complaint with state officials, requesting an investigation of alleged violations of ethics laws and securities fraud by Wyoming State Rep. Sue Wallis (R-Campbell).
Wy. State Rep. Sue WallisAnimal Law Coalition (ALC), Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) and Habitat for Horses Advisory Council (HfHAC) applaud Dr. Fazio and join in the call for authorities to investigate Wallis' activities.

The complaint alleges Rep. Wallis is improperly and even fraudulently abusing her position as a Wyoming legislator. The complaint further alleges that Rep. Wallis not only neglected to recuse herself or disclose her personal financial interest in votes, but that she has actually "sponsored" bills that would materially benefit her or her family.

Wallis has publicly claimed to be forming a business under the name, Unified Equine LLC, which she says will slaughter horses and sell the meat within Wyoming. At the same time, in her capacity as a legislator, she is promoting legislation that would deregulate, promote and favor horse slaughter operations.

Wallis published a web page enticing people to invest in Unified Equine LLC which turned out to be a non-existent entity for months. Also according to the Complaint, the apparent solicitation for investors may have violated other federal and state securities laws.

The fraud on investors may go deeper: Not only is commercial horse slaughter for human consumption illegal in the U.S., as the complaint states, "there is no market in the U.S. for human consumption of horsemeat, nor is there a market for use of horsemeat in pet food". To be a viable business within Wyoming with its population of 544,270, such a facility "would have to ...sell approximately 10,000,000 pounds of horsemeat per year, or 18 pounds for every man, woman and child in the state".

Wallis has also sponsored the "Food Freedom Act", a bill that would eliminate all regulation of food sold directly to the consumer. The bill was dubbed by one health department official as a "fraud".
The bill could allow Wallis' slaughter business to sell contaminated horse meat directly to Wyoming consumers without any form of government oversight, testing or inspection. American horses are not raised for food and are typically administered drugs including carcinogens that, according to the FDA, are prohibited in horsemeat sold as human food.
The deceptively named Food Freedom Act would likely also benefit Wallis' family's business which sells homemade jellies and syrups, among other food goods.

The complaint further calls into question Wallis' use of 501(c)3 charitable designations to solicit funds for her promotion of horse slaughter. Wallis has a number of ever-changing, interrelated organizations and websites that solicit funds for allegedly "charitable" or "educational" purposes. But Wallis' efforts appear to be purely political, focused on passing laws from which she can benefit personally and financially.
It is not clear where donations are actually going, and Dr. Fazio requests an investigation into possible commingling of tax exempt and non-tax exempt funds. Wallis has also openly touted her position as a legislator to solicit funding for pro-horse slaughter interests.

Most recently, Wallis has announced she is holding a pro-horse slaughter "summit" in Las Vegas with a hefty price tag for attendees. She was to announce the winner of a raffle for a new pick-up truck. Then according to the complaint, Wallis announced she may not be able to buy the truck and asked raffle participants if she could just keep the money from ticket sales. According to the complaint, Wallis may be "running an unlicensed lottery, and at worst she has attempted to defraud those who bought the tickets at $100 apiece."
According to the Wyoming Minority Floor Leader Rep. W. Patrick Goggles, the complaint has been referred to the Legislative Service Office for review. Dr. Fazio also requested the Wyoming Attorney General as well as the Secretary of State's ethics disclosure and compliance offices to investigate these allegations.
Animal Law Coalition

Thursday, October 14, 2010

National Call-In Day to support of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act



Dear Friends,
Please join us by calling on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi Tuesday, October 19th and Ask her to schedule a vote NOW on the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503), legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption. Schedule the vote NOW.  Tell her she has the power to end immense suffering by scheduling the vote NOW during the remaining session of Congress THIS YEAR!  NOW is the time for her to step up and do this.  Tell Speaker Pelosi that this bill has 183 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, 28 in the Senate, and tremendous public support.

After you call Speaker Pelosi,(202) 225-0100 or her San Francisco office, (415) 556-4862, call on Senate Majority LeaderSen. Harry Reid702-388-5020 / Fax: 702-388-5030, and Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Dick Durbin(202) 224-2152 or fax (202) 228-0400to schedule a vote on the senate version, S.B. 727.  Don’t wait. Do it now. For the horses.

For more information please go to Animal Law Coalition here:

http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=-1&msgid=0&act=11111&c=295898&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.animallawcoalition.com%2Fhorse-slaughter%2Farticle%2F1443

Monday, October 4, 2010

Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED.

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Oct 5, 2010

Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Animals' Angels, USA & CHDC  join WFLF Humanion Films’ in the release of the official film trailer for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED!  


WFLF Humanion Films
is pleased to announce  the release of the OFFICIAL TRAILER for the feature documentary film, SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED. The Official Trailer features appearances with many cast members including several celebrities and other prominent figures who have all joined Humanion Films’ effort in support this film’s mission; Protection for All Equine from Slaughter… In order of appearance: JoAnne Normile, Beverly Strauss, Shelley Abrams, Dr Nicholas Dodman, Dr Nena Winand, Linda Gray, Senator Mary Landrieu, Susan Wagner, Representative Dan BurtonPaul Sorvino, Julie Caramante, Craig Downer, Michael Blake, Ginger Kathrens, Tippi Hedren, Shane and Sia Barbi, Dr Elliot Katz, Amy Nelson and  Paul Rainbird.


Sonja Meadows, Executive Director of Animals’ Angels, USA: “For the first time a film brings together a comprehensive look at what all is involved in this cruel, predatory business; An excellent documentary, suitable for a broad public audience.”

Sinikka Crosland, Executive Director of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) states: "SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED delivers a compelling case for the abolition of a cruel, archaic and predatory industry. A civilized society yearns to be just and compassionate, not supporting practices that are inhumane and potentially detrimental to human health."

“REALLY powerful. Packed!” – Paula Bacon

Julie Caramante, Equine Cruelty Investigator/ Animals Angels: “As a cruelty investigator and someone deeply committed to banning the slaughter of American horses, I strongly applaud this important, straight-up film—it has the courage not to back down but to tell the un-whitewashed, miserable truth about horse slaughter”.

Tribal Leader, former Lt Governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo, Paul Rainbird speaks on behalf of Native Americans that oppose the slaughter of horses and burros in effort to help save equines from slaughter. “It offends me that horses are being slaughtered. SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED presents the hard truth and must be seen. I hope awareness really has an impact on people making an effort to become involved." - Paul Rainbird, 1st Lt. Governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo

Michael Blake, Writer DANCE WITH WOLVES, Horse Advocate, American West: “To view Saving America's Horses is essential for stopping the killing. Since the American Government came about it has destroyed Indians, Buffalo and Wolves, and for the last several decades horses are being butchered. No individuals or organizations have been able to stop the removal of what has been put on earth. If the public stands up it can be done. Be sure to see SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED and watch it all.

Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED at YouTube and on the official film website. "Saving America's Horses-A Nation Betrayed brings to surface a topic which nobody wants to talk about in a way that everyone will want to see. “ –Kate Dudley

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED is a compelling compilation of expert testimony, undercover footage and true life stories shot against the dramatic backdrops of America’s beautiful countryside. The film depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros from cruelty.

"The cruelty of equine slaughter recognizes no borders. Over half of the horses slaughtered in Canadian plants originate in the United States. In this predatory industry there is no guarantee of humane treatment at the receiving end where profit, not animal welfare, is the driving force." - CHDC

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED. Donations can be made on line through PayPal or mailed directly to support this CAUSE. Your generous donation will help bring this film to the public eye.

Please support this film and help us to save America's equines. “We are their voice and they need to be heard” – Katia Louise

More great ways to support this CAUSE

Humanion Films, IMA Studios


Music by
Maria Daines, Paul Killington, Peter Rowen, Debra Lopez, Ronnie Niles, Nancy Stanley, Karl Joseph, Emily Shreve & more!






Contact:
WFLF Humanion Films
Email

Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email 


Saving America’s Horses is a Project under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a CA 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The mission of Saving America’s Horses is to protect all equines from slaughter.
www.savingamericashorses.org

Link to PDF of this Post


###

Friday, August 20, 2010

NorthStar Music Publishing Ltd (UK), together with Maria Daines and Paul Killington are joining WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts to Save America's Horses!

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 21st, 2010

NorthStar Music Publishing Ltd (UK), together with Maria Daines and Paul Killington are joining WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts by composing musical contributions and donating several songs for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films is pleased to announce that Maria Daines, Paul Killington and NorthStar Music Publishing have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as composers and musical contributors for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

Maria Daines is a multi-award winning International vocalist and songwriter whose band supported US artist Pink at Cardiff International Arena for the Party For Animals World Wide in August 2007. The concert raised over £90,000 for six animal welfare charities. Based in the UK, Maria is an advocate for animal rights and welfare campaigning against breed specific legislation and many other issues of animal cruelty.

Paul Killington's craftsmanship on guitar shines brightly as the driving force behind Daines' melodic compositions for animal causes, and his slick production, sympathetically unique to specific project pieces is constantly in demand for film and media release. Together they are an unstoppable and prolific force for good, rising to the need for sentient beings wherever a strong voice is needed.
Musical pieces by Maria and Paul will become part of the official film sound track which will be available on CD after the film has released. 100% of the proceeds from the sound track will go toward the protection of all equines from slaughter.

COMING SOON: Watch for the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED on the film website and also on YouTube. SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros.

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Donations can be made on line through the film website using PayPal or through Guidestar, and Facebook, or mailed directly.

More great ways to support this CAUSE
Come Stand With Us!
Sign up for Action Alerts
Donations
Collaborate

Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed Director 
Producer ~ Katia Louise 
Associate Producer ~ Debra Lopez 
Associate Producer ~ Nancy Stanley 

Executive Advisory Board 
Paula Bacon Laura Allen 
Dr Nena Winand 
John Holland 
Julie Caramante 
Shelley Abrams 

Advisory Board Members 
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman 
Dr. Lisa Jacobson 
Craig C. Downer 
Sinikka Crosland 
Valerie James-Patton 
Jo Anne Normile 
Joy Aten 
Debra Lopez 
Ellen-Cathryn Nash 
Nancy Stanley 
Vicki Tobin

Contact:
Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email

Production
Email

###

Thursday, July 29, 2010

H.R. 305 Set for Mark Up


The bill, H.R. 305, which could end cruel horse transports, has, however, been in committee ever since. Until now. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is expected to mark up or consider the bill this week.
What You Can Do
Double decker trailerFind committee members here and fax or call members and urge them to vote YES on H.R. 305.
Find out if your U.S. Representative is on the committee, and, if so, be sure to tell him or her that you are a constitutent! Regardless, urge your representative to support H.R. 305, the Horse Transportation Safety Act, which bans use of double decked trailers to haul horses and promotes highway safety for everyone. 
You can reach committee members, your Representative and the House leadership through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Call the committee:(202) 225-4472 or (202) 225-9446. Fax the committee: (202) 226-1270

More about the proposed law
There is a USDA regulation banning the use of double decked trailers to transport horses to slaughter. 9 CFR 88.3  But the USDA has also said it does not have the resources to enforce the regulation, giving the industry a virtual green light to continue using double decked trailers to haul horses to slaughter.  Also, the law allows horses to be hauled in double decked trailers to destinations other than slaughter houses. So, horses are routinely hauled long distances in double decked trailers to some destination close to the slaughter house. Once there, they are then transferred to another vehicle which takes them to the slaughter house.
Double decked trailers can have ceiling heights as low as 5'7". (The industry standard for vehicles to transport horses is 7'-8').  According to the USDA, an equine can be 8 feet tall when standing on all four legs and close to 12 feet tall when rearing. 
The bottom deck of a double decked trailer has 3" I Beams every 12" on center to support the top deck.
Steep and narrow ramps with metal floors cause the horses to slip and fall, causing injuries. Horses are forced to jump down into a narrow opening leading to the bottom deck; they are often injured as a result.
Because of the low ceiling heights horses cannot raise and lower their heads and necks for balance. Horses routinely throw their heads and rear, unlike cattle, hogs, goats or sheep for which these double decked trailers are designed.  Horses suffer head and back injuries because of the low ceiling height, the 3" I beams, and overhead ramp storage.
They are held on these trailers in this way for more than 24 hours at a time without food or water. Many suffer serious injuries during these arduous journeys to slaughter and are trampled and even killed.
Sometimes the upper deck collapses. There have been a number of accidents involving over full double decked trailers, most recently a horrific one in Illinois. The double decked trailer crammed with frightened Belgian horses overturned, killing 17 horses and injuring many more.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Americans Against Horse Slaughter And WFLF/Humanion Films Call On All Americans To Step Up Efforts To End Horse Slaughter

Americans Against Horse Slaughter Philadelphia, PA
For Immediate Release
July 23, 2010
 

Powerful Policy Makers join Film as speakers and cast in Humanion Film’s “Saving
America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed”
 

Congressmen Ed Whitfield of Kentucky, House Representative Dan Burton of Indiana
and Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana have all joined the film, Saving America’s
Horses.  Producers Katia Louise and Debra Lopez have recently interviewed these
powerful policy makers for the film about their thoughts and positions regarding pending
bills that would protect America’s equines from slaughter and protect our wild horses.

Check out WFLF Humanion Films’ new “Action to End Horse Slaughter” preview clip
which includes exclusive statements by these powerful policy makers. Special
appearances in this preview additionally include Tippi Hedren of the Roar Foundation
and Neda DeMayo of Return to Freedom. This special pre-release preview clears the air
on misinformation that has been circulated by pro slaughter proponents. Learn more
about what you can do to help end this barbaric practice without further delay.

How You Can Help
 

Please Contact The Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (Vermont) and all the
Senate Judiciary Committee Members (see list below) and ask them to move S727 out of
committee and on to the floor for a vote to pass The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act.

Next, contact the House Judiciary Subcommittee Members and ask them to move HR503
out of committee and onto the floor for a vote. Members:http://judiciary.house.gov/about/subcrime.html

You can also contact your U.S. representative and your two U.S. Senators and urge him
or her to vote YES on the anti horse slaughter bill by calling the Captiol Switchboard at
202-224-3121

Step up your efforts!  Watch the all new exclusive “Action to End Horse Slaughter”
preview clip from “SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES – A NATION BETRAYED”
HERE!


Senate Judiciary Committee Members

1.  Patrick J. Leahy    Vermont                       #(202) 224-4242

2.  Herb Kohl   Wisconsin                     
          #(202) 224-5653
                                                                       Fax:(202) 224-9787

3.   Dianne Feinstein  California                    #(202) 224-3841
                                                                       Fax:(202) 228-3954

4.   Russ Feingold    Wisconsin                     #(202)-224-5323

5.   Arlen Specter   Pennsylvania                    #202-224-4254
                                                                       Fax:(202)-228-1229

6.  Chuck Schumer   New York                       #202-224-6542
                                                                      Fax:(202)-228-3027

7.  Dick Durbin   Illinois                                  #(202) 224-2152
                                                                      Fax:(202)-228-0400

8.  Benjamin L. Cardin   Maryland                  #202-224-4524
                                                                       Fax:(202)-224-1651

9.  Sheldon Whitehouse    Rhode Island        #202-224-2921
                                                                        Fax:(202)-228-6362

10.  Amy Klobuchar   Minnesota                        #202-224-3244
                                                                          Fax:(202)-228-2186

11.  Ted Kaufman   Delaware                            #(202) 224-5042
                                                                           Fax:(202) 228-3075

12.    Al Franken     Minnesota                      #(202) 224-5641

13.    Jeff Sessions  Alabama                             #(202) 224-4124

14.   Orrin G. Hatch     Utah                                 #(202) 224-5251
                                                                            Fax:(202) 224-6331

15.  Chuck Grassley         Iowa                           #(202) 224-3744
                                                                            Fax:(202) 224-6020

16.   Jon Kyl       Arizona                                       #(202) 224-4521
                                                                             Fax:(202) 224-2207

17.  Lindsey Graham    South Carolina             #(202) 224-5972

18.   John Cornyn     Texas                                  #(202)-224-2934
                                                                             Fax:(202)-228-2856

19.   Tom Coburn    Oklahoma                              #(202)-224-5754
                                                                               Fax:(202)-224-6008

Powerful Policy Makers join FILM as speakers and cast in Humanion Film’s “Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed”

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 23th, 2010

Powerful Policy Makers join FILM as speakers and cast in Humanion Film’s “Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed”


WFLF/Humanion Films and Americans Against Horse Slaughter Call on all Americans to Step Up Efforts to end horse slaughter.

Congressmen Ed Whitfield of Kentucky, House Representative Dan Burton of Indiana and Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana have all joined the film, Saving America’s Horses. Producers Katia Louise and Debra Lopez have recently interviewed these powerful policy makers for the film about their thoughts and positions regarding pending bills that would protect America’s equines from slaughter and protect our wild horses.

Check out WFLF Humanion Films’ new “Action to End Horse Slaughter” preview clip which includes exclusive statements by these powerful policy makers. Special appearances in this preview additionally include Tippi Hedren of the Roar Foundation and Neda DeMayo of Return to Freedom. This special pre-release preview clears the air on misinformation that has been circulated by pro slaughter proponents. Learn more about what you can do to help end this barbaric practice without further delay.

Take Action! Print and circulate the WFLF Prevention to Equine Cruelty Pamphlet. (caution graphic photos)

Contact your U.S. representative and urge him or her to vote YES on the anti horse slaughter bill: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Contact the Judiciary Subcommittee Members: Phone: 202-225-3951
Website: http://judiciary.house.gov/about/subcrime.html

Call your Representative and the House leaders through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

Step up your efforts! Watch the all new exclusive “Action to End Horse Slaughter” preview clip from “SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES – A NATION BETRAYED” HERE!

Contact:
Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email

Production
Email

PDF of this Release

###

Friday, July 16, 2010

Judge Grants Media Access to Tuscarora Wild Horse Roundup

wild horseNevada U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks has lifted the injunction prohibiting BLM from proceeding with the Tuscarora roundup. The judge has also denied plaintiff Laura Leigh's motion to delay the roundup until August, after the foaling season.
But the judge then ruled, "As to Leigh's First Amendment challenge to the closure of public lands during the gather, the court shall grant Leigh's temporary restraining order. Leigh argues that a blanket closure of 27,000 acres of public land on which the Tuscarora Gather is going to take place is a prior restraint on her First Amendment rights because she will be unable to observe and report on the health of the horses and the BLM's management of the gather. The court agrees [and]... finds that the blanket closure ... is unconstitutional". The BLM can, however, draft a "more reasonable closure".
"The court's order in no way [a]ffects the BLM's closure of the airspace above the 27,000 acres of public land. The court finds the closure of airspace to be constitutional and necessary". (A copy of the Order is attached below for downloading.)
In deciding to allow the roundup to proceed now instead of later, Judge Hicks was persuaded by BLM's last minute "review" filed yesterday by a BLM team that claims the horses dying or suffering from dehydration or water intoxication were in that condition prior to the roundup. The "review" states that a BLM contractor found Tuscarora wild horses without water and said "the next 24-78 hours is critical". BLM recommended rounding up as many horses as possible and warned of a "potentially high mortality" rate.  Horses showing signs of dehydration on the range would be left to die.
Leigh pointed out, however, that there was no mention by BLM of a drought or dehydrated horses in the Tuscarora HMAs until after her lawsuit was filed. She disputed the "hastily assembled" "review" by BLM:
The Defendants' admit they do not grasp the issue causing the high mortality rate of the horses they run into catch pens. We discover they had not calculated a drought by mid-July or that horses would run out of available water by mid-July although they had studied the probable effects of their intended Gather the several months preceding the Gather, beginning in January 2010. No other BLM document discusses or addresses "drought" for range management in the year 2010 in the Owynee, Rock Creek or Little Humboldt areas. It was in fact, only after suit was filed did these emergency conditions become newly revealed.
Leigh offered to visit the herds and attempt to verify BLM's claim a roundup must proceed immediately because of drought.
At least Leigh and other members of the media and public will be allowed to monitor BLM's roundup.
For more on this case and the Tuscarora roundup, read Animal Law Coalition's report below.
Update July 15, 2010: Nevada federal District Court Judge Larry Hicks has issued an injunction prohibiting BLM from proceeding with the Tuscarora roundup. 
The BLM had temporarily suspended its Tuscarora roundup of wild horses initiated in the intense summer heat just days ago on July 10, 2010.
BLM halted the roundup after public outcry over the deaths of horses now said to number 12 including 3 foals.
Based on BLM's representation the roundup would not begin again until Sunday, July 19, 2010, the judge set a hearing on July 14 on a motion for restraining order filed by plaintiff Laura Leigh to delay the roundup until August and compel BLM to allow access to the roundup by the media and the public.
The judge explained that he was then informed despite BLM's representation to the court, BLM Director Bob Abbey had issued an order for an "emergency" roundup of the horses prior to the hearing.  
Judge Hicks ordered, "Based on this change in the BLM's position, the court finds it necessary to grant an immediate injunction preventing the Tuscarora gathering of wild horses until further order by the court."
Go here for more on the planned Tuscarora roundup of 1,438 wild horses in the 482,191 acres of the Owyhee, Rock Creek, Little Humboldt Herd Management Areas. In proceeding with the roundup on July 10, BLM basically ignored thousands of citizens who submitted letters and emails in protest during a period of public comment on the planned roundup.
An appeal of BLM's decision to round up wild horses in the Tuscarora HMAs has been filed with the Interior Board of Land Appeals by In Defense of Animals and Craig Downer, a wildlife ecologist. BLM, however, can resume the roundup while the appeal is pending.
The dehydration, the deaths, the cruelty (cont'd)

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Doubt Cast On Pilot Valley "Estray" Horses Rounded-Up By BLM

July 7, 2010

Doubt Cast On Pilot Valley "Estray" Horses Rounded-Up By BLM

CHICAGO, (EWA) - On June 23, 2010, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Elko District office buried on its website a notice that  approximately 175 "abandoned, domestic, estray" horses located within Pilot Valley, NV, were scheduled for impoundment beginning June 25. The round up was expected to take 3 - 4 days with corrals set up on nearby private land owned by Simplot Land and Livestock until the horses could be transported and placed under the jurisdiction of the State of Nevada.
 
According to Nevada laws, an estray is a horse that is found running loose on public lands but shows signs of domestication and the owner is unknown. A horse is considered "feral" under Nevada law if the animal was domesticated or is the offspring of domesticated horses and has become wild with no physical signs of domestication. The state of Nevada owns estray and feral horses. Wild horses and free-roaming Mustangs are protected by the BLM under the 1971 Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act.   
 
Nevada authorities plan to sell the horses rounded up by the BLM at auction on July 10. The horses will be available to all buyers and are therefore at risk of ending up at slaughterhouses in Mexico or Canada.
 
But serious questions are being raised as to whether these horses are, in fact, estray or feral. After investigating the history and location of the Pilot Valley area, wild horse advocates found Pilot Valley sits at the edge of a known wild horse territory called the Toano Wild Horse Herd Area. BLM wanted to make this area "horse free" in 1993, but according to BLM's Program statistics, approximately 168 wild horses were reported as still residing in the Toano range as of last year.
 
The proximity and near identical number of horses has lead mustang advocates to speculate that the horses the BLM rounded up as estray might actually be wild horses from the Toano range that are entitled to roam free under federal protection. How, they ask, does BLM know these horses are estray or feral and not wild horses?
 
Suspicions are further fueled by the unusual suddenness of the roundup, just 48 hours after notice of the removal was posted.  "These horses will go from free roaming to sold in fifteen days or less with tight security at the facilities where they are now being held," said Valerie James Patton, Vice President of Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA). 
 
"Even BLM's own news release stated those horses had been there a long time, long enough to grow in size", Patton added.  "So now the question becomes, how long is a long time?  Since 1993 when BLM filed papers to zero out the Toano Herd Area?"
 
"Given the long history of abuse and impropriety that has characterized the Wild Horse & Burro Program, I have to ask," said EWA's Vicki Tobin, "Did BLM openly remove federally protected wild horses from the range to sell them for slaughter because they have no fear of being held accountable? It would be illegal for BLM to round up wild horses declaring them estray and turn them over to the State. The BLM is prohibited from sending wild horses to slaughter, whether directly or indirectly."
 
While questions have begun surfacing as to the true status of the Pilot Valley horses, Laura Allen of Animal Law Coalition and EWA points out, " Before selling estray horses, the state is supposed to use reasonable diligence to try to find the owner including placing a notice about the estray with a full description in the local paper. BLM's news release states these are domestic estray horses abandoned by local residents. So why isn't an effort being made to find the local owners and hold them responsible to care for these horses instead of rushing these horses off for instant sale?"
 
"Another concern is, there are very specific definitions as to how to determine estray and feral livestock from federally protected wild horses and so far, the only thing we've seen is a take-our-word-for-it position from officials", she said.

"The Department of Interior has an almost unblemished reputation as a consistent source of scandal, mismanagement and corruption," explained EWA president John Holland, "starting with Teapot Dome in the Harding Administration through to the current disaster in the Gulf. So when things look this suspicious, questions are bound to arise."

In fairness to the BLM, EWA contacted them on July 1, to ask how they determined the horses were estray and is still awaiting a response.

EWA calls for a federal investigation to find out how BLM determined these horses are not the federally protected wild horses from the Toano range, which should include genetic testing and an accounting of the Toano wild horses.



Contacts:

Valerie James-Patton                         
Equine Welfare Alliance
530-474-1128

Laura Allen
Animal Law Coalition and Equine Welfare Alliance, general counsel
607.220.8938
 
The Equine Welfare Alliance is a dues free, umbrella organization with over 100 member organizations. The organization focuses its efforts on the welfare of all equines and the preservation of wild equids. www.equinewelfarealliance.org 

Animal Law Coalition is a coalition of pet owners and rescuers, advocates, attorneys, law students, veterinarians, shelter workers, decisionmakers, and other citizens, that advocates for the rights of animals to live and live free of cruelty and neglect. www.animallawcoalition.com

Monday, July 5, 2010

Amy and Raelyn Nelson have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as Special Guest Speakers and Cast for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 6th, 2010


Amy and Raelyn Nelson have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as Special Guest Speakers and Cast for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films is pleased to announce that Amy and Raelyn Nelson have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as Special Guest Speakers and Cast for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed! The Nelson family has been raising awareness to end horse slaughter for almost ten years. Willie Nelson’s daughter, and grand-daughter, Amy and Raelyn (Aunt and Niece), have been working locally in their state of TN and federally on behalf of the horses. They have lobbied in Washington D.C. on multiple occasions to gain support for the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R 503/ SB. 727). The girls and Willie all speak at various venues in effort to teach others how to show support for the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act and also the Restore Our American Mustangs Act (ROAM) to amend the 1971 Free Roaming Wild Horses and Burros Act.

Check out the Preview Trailer for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED on the official film website and also on YouTube. The Preview Trailer presents the inspirational tone of the film while also serving to raise awareness for the CAUSE.

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros.

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Donations are needed to bring this film to completion.

Please support this film and help us to save America's equines. “We are their voice and they need to be heard” – Katia Louise

More great ways to support this CAUSE:
Come Stand With Us!
Sign up for Action Alerts
Donations
Collaborate

Contact:
Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email

Production
Email

Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed 
Director, Producer ~ Katia Louise
Associate Producer ~ Debra Lopez
Associate Producer ~ Nancy Stanley

Executive Advisory Board 
Paula Bacon
Laura Allen
Dr Nena Winand
John Holland
Julie Caramante
Shelley Abrams

Advisory Board Members 
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman
Dr. Lisa Jacobson
Craig C. Downer
Sinikka Crosland
Valerie James-Patton
Jo Anne Normile
Joy Aten
Debra Lopez
Sonja Meadows
Ellen-Cathryn Nash
Nancy Stanley
Vicki Tobin

###

Friday, June 18, 2010

Canada has its first Bill to ban horse slaughter!

Courtesy:
Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC)

Canada has its first Bill to ban horse slaughter!  A big thank you to NDP MP Alex Atamanenko and horse supporters everywhere for this huge, historical step toward banning horse slaughter in Canada.

Bill C-544, "An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act and the Meat Inspection Act (slaughter of horses for human consumption)", was tabled on June 16, 2010 by MP Alex Atamanenko:  http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=4633655&Language=e&Mode=1 
Click on the various sub-titles on the left of the document.

On June 16, 2010, a Private Member's Bill to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption was tabled in Canadian Parliament by MP Alex Atamanenko (NDP Agriculture Critic).  The basis of the bill is the fact that horses are not food-producing animals and many are treated with drugs that are prohibited from entering the human food chain.
 
This bill is a huge step forward in the movement to abolish a cruel, archaic and unnecessary industry, and we applaud Mr. Atamanenko for his monumental initiative. 

What can horse advocates do to ensure that this bill becomes law? 
There is a process involved:  All Private Member's bills must be debated and pass three readings.  In order to move forward, a vote must take place and a bill must have the support of the majority of Members of Parliament. 
For more information on this process please click on the link below:

While Parliament is in recess for the Summer, this is the time for horse advocates to reach out to their MP to brief them on this issue and to encourage them to support this Bill when the Fall session resumes.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Horsemeat making consumers sick

Courtesy Laura Allen
Animal Law Coalition
Will food safety concerns mean the end to slaughter of US horses? Visit this link for more info and how you can take action to urge Congress to pass HR 503/SB 727 to end the slaughter of US horses for human consumption. http://www.facebook.com/l/657ec;animals.change.org/blog/view/will_consumer_safety_concerns_end_slaughter_of_us_horses
Will Consumer Safety Concerns End Slaughter of U.S. Horses? 
The number of American horses that are slaughtered is driven by a demand in some other countries for horsemeat, where it's usually a pricey delicacy. The demand has dropped dramatically over the years from a high in 1989 of 348,400 horses to 134,059 horses slaughtered in 2008. In 2009-2010, demand has dropped even more. In Europe, in particular, demand in the past year has dropped as consumers have learned of the shocking cruelty of horse slaughter in North America.
The demand for American horsemeat may soon plummet and end altogether, especially in the European market. Indeed, the second largest grocer in Belgium and Holland pulled American horsemeat from the shelves.

But there's more good news for our horses and those calling for an end to the slaughter. Beginning July 31, 2010, the European Union will begin enforcing restrictions on the sale of meat from horses that have been given certain drugs and steroids. This means that, where horsemeat is destined for the E.U., Canadian or Mexican slaughterhouses (where U.S. horses are sent for slaughter) must obtain veterinary records of all drugs or medication provided to the horse in the preceding six months. By 2013, all horses to be slaughtered for human consumption in the E.U. must be accompanied by veterinary records from birth that show the horse has never been given banned substances.
This is impossible for American horses.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

300+ Acres per Wild Horse and Burro is Not Enough Space says BLM?

From In Defense of Animals:
 
Act Today To Oppose Roundup Of 2,000 Horses And Burros In California
 
Earlier this week, a federal judge dismissed the our lawsuit, on a technicality, to stop the roundup and long-term holding of 2,000 horses from the Calico Mountain Complex in Nevada. We are more committed than ever to continue to fight this injustice against American wild horses and burros. Please stick with us through this long battle – we must continue to submit public comments against each and every roundup, and urge Congress to change the broken system that has for decades wrongly taken freedom and family away from innocent wild horses and burros.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently issued its formal proposal to roundup 2,000 wild horses and burros in the Twin Peaks Herd Management Area in California. The BLM says this nearly 800,000-acre area can only have 448-758 horses and 72-116 burros; the BLM plans to remove 1,855 wild horses and 210 burros. Thousands of you commented earlier this year, opposing this ill-conceived plan and we must again document our opposition. We must not give up until wild horses and burros are protected from these horrible roundups.

https://secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1501&JServSessionIdr004=lzgb5628j3.app246b

Wild Horses sent to Slaughter while Cattle Graze?

From Animals Australia:
Thousands of wild horses in Western Australia desperately need support today.

For decades wild horses have grazed peacefully around Lake Gregory in the Kimberley. Bred from two purebred Arab stallions taken to Balgo Mission in the 1950's, these beautiful part Arab horses were considered so unique and valuable that the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, chose 13 for his stables.

Now the 5,000 horses at Lake Gregory have been issued a death sentence by the WA Department of Regional Development and Land who say they are causing 'unacceptable environmental damage'. The lake that these horses graze around is over 100 Km in circumference, and the entire area the horses inhabit is a huge 400,000 hectares. The Department has no issue with the 5,000 cattle grazing on the same property remaining.

The indigenous groups that live around Lake Gregory have grown up with these horses and love them. Despite the Department being aware that the horses were increasing in numbers every year, they provided no assistance to indigenous groups to introduce humane population control. Now they have ordered that the horses be rounded up and transported 3000 Km to an abattoir in South Australia for slaughter; their meat to be exported for human consumption.

Local group Wild Horses Kimberley are calling on the government to allow them to geld the stallions and inject the mares with a fertility drug. Despite this, the WA government is proceeding with the plan to round up the horses for slaughter as early as next week.

Please urgently demand of Minister Brendan Grylls — the minister whose department is responsible for the proposed cull — that the horses not become the innocent victims of government mismanagement, and to instigate Wild Horses Kimberley’s humane alternative proposal.

Learn more

Monday, May 24, 2010

Judge Dismisses Suit Challenging Calico Roundup

wild horses




Update May 24, 2010: U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman has dismissed this case, entering summary judgment in favor or the BLM. A copy of the opinion is attached below.
The judge found the issues related to the legality of the round up of the Calico Mt. Complex wild horses are moot because the roundup has already occurred.

The judge explained that while he denied plaintiffs In Defense of Animals, Craig Downer and Terri Farley, a preliminary injunction that would have stopped the roundup before it occurred, they should have appealed that denial. Because they failed to appeal the denial of the motion for preliminary injunction at the time, Judge Friedman said he could not now hear their claims.

(There is an exception to the mootness doctrine for claims that are capable of repetition but evading review, meaning acts or omissions which could never be challenged in court because it would be moot by the time the court could reach a decision. That exception would have applied in this case. But, said the judge, for that exception to apply and for the court to be able to review the plaintiffs' claims, they would have had to appeal the denial of the motion for preliminary injunction.)

The judge also dismissed their remaining claims for lack of standing. The judge explained that plaintiffs were challenging the legality of warehousing wild horses in long term holding facilities including as Interior Secy. Ken Salazar has proposed, on "preserves" in the midwest or East. The judge acknowledged that when he denied the motion for preliminary injunction, he did state there was a likelihood of success on that claim. Wild horse enthusiasts, wildlife ecologists, advocates and many other citizens as well as the plaintiffs in the case, hoped the judge's words meant he intended to end the warehousing of wild horses in long term facilities and pave the way for them to remain free roaming on the range.
 
But now, said Judge Friedman, he does not believe the plaintiffs have standing to pursue that claim. He explained that plaintiffs did not show the injury they would suffer from the roundup of the wild horses was related to placement in long term holding facilities. He said they only established a causal connection between their suffering and the round up and removal of wild horses from the Calico Mt. Complex.
The judge then said they also lacked standing to pursue the claim added by the plaintiffs after denial of the motion for preliminary injunction under the National Environmental Policy Act, ("NEPA"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321, et seq. They alleged the BLM had failed to consider the significant environmental impact of holding wild horses in long term holding facilities.

A "procedural injury" such as a NEPA claim was not sufficient to establish standing, said the judge, unless the plaintiff showed a causal connection between the NEPA violation and their injury. The judge found the plaintiffs had not established such a connection.
   
For more on this case, read Animal Law Coalition's report and update below and for more on the brutal roundup and removal of the Calico wild horses....

Monday, May 17, 2010

2010 Not a Good Year for Horse Slaughter Proponents

May 17, 2010 

by Laura Allen

CHICAGO, (EWA) - Equine Welfare Alliance and Animal Law Coalition applaud the grass roots efforts in 2010 that have resulted in a series of political defeats for those who want to bring horse slaughter back to the United States.
Of course, commercial horse slaughter for human consumption remains illegal in the U.S. and no state law can change that. Nonetheless, proponents of the cruel practice have tried to use state legislatures to try to convince Americans to bring horse slaughter back to the U.S.
horsesIn Missouri, for example, a bill, H.B. 1747, introduced by state Rep. James Viebrock, purported to allow the state to register and license and even provide inspections for horse slaughter facilities. There was even talk of building a horse slaughter plant in a small town in the state. 
The bill raised a howl of opposition from horse advocates across the state and country, leading some of its sponsors to become irate to the point of returning opponents' emails unread or forwarding them en masse to one opponent. Some legislators even left harassing, intimidating messages on an opponent's voice mail. 
Although state Sen. Dan Clemons announced publicly that Viebrock's bill would progress no further, its provisions were quietly buried in another, unrelated bill, SB 795. A firestorm of public anger erupted when this underhanded tactic was discovered, and the provisions were removed.
EWA's John Holland and former Kaufman, Texas Mayor Paula Bacon testified against HB 4812 in Tennessee, a pro-horse slaughter bill. Mayor Bacon described the economic and environmental devastation a horse slaughter facility caused to her town. Holland told legislators about the declining demand for horsemeat and stepped up enforcement of EU regulations and new restrictions that will likely mean fewer and fewer American horses will be eligible for slaughter. Add to that the dangers of American horsemeat from the toxic drugs given to horses here as established in a recent study published in the peer reviewed journal, Food and Chemical Toxicology, Association of phenylbutazone usage with horses bought for slaughter: A public health risk, and, said Holland, "it would make no sense and, in fact, would be irresponsible for legislators to promote horse slaughter with this bill".  The bill was then sent for "summer study", essentially withdrawing it for the session.
Also this year, an investigation revealing the cruelty of horse slaughter horrified European consumers and caused the second largest grocer in Belgium and Holland to remove American horse meat from its shelves and a major distributor to assure customers it will only sell European horse meat.
The Carry the Kettle first nation tribe in Canada declined an offer of economic assistance to reopen the Natural Valley Farms slaughter plant in Saskatchewan. The plant had been closed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency after it was discovered dumping blood into the local river and leaving waste in shallow pits.
In Illinois, a bill aimed at repealing the state's 2007 ban on slaughter was withdrawn by its sponsor when it failed to muster support.
Florida's legislature unanimously passed legislation toughening laws against those who butcher horses, or sell or purchase horse meat. The legislation was signed into law Friday by Governor Charlie Crist.
The people of Hardin, Montana said no to a proposed horse slaughter plant in their city and even amended city ordinances to prohibit the slaughter of more than ten animals in a seven day period.
Even Jim Schwartz, director of the Wyoming Livestock Board was puzzled by a law sponsored by state Rep. Sue Wallis, that made "send to slaughter" an option for horses in the custody of the Board.  "Send to slaughter is not an option in my opinion," said Schwartz. We agree.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

The Lakota people of Pine Ridge South Dakota continue their struggle to protect their Sacred Horses from the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council and the Parks and Recreation Department

Statement by David Swallow, Jr., Wowitan Yuha Mani
Teton Lakota Spiritual Leader, Sun dance Chief of the Medicine Wheel Sun dance, and a Headman of the Lakota Nation Band of Wana Way Gu (Broken Bow)
*For Immediate Release
Statement Date; May 8th 2010
Transcribed To and edited by Keith Rabin  
Hau, Mitakuyapi Na Mita Kola.
Mitakuyapi Sunka Wakan Oyate
Lakota Nation, Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota

The Lakota people of Pine Ridge South Dakota continue their struggle to protect their
Sacred Horses from the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council and the Parks and Recreation Department.

Since June 2009, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council and the Parks and Recreation (OSTPR) have been removing horses owned by the Lakota People of Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota without permission, without notice and without any warrant issued or receipt. Despite repeated efforts, continued obstacles have made it impossible for the Lakota People to get their horses back. 
The horses were to be delivered to the St. Onge Livestock Company LTD by the OSTPR to be auctioned off on Sunday, 5/9/10 as loose horses.

In A statement from Elder and Spiritual leader David Swallow, on May 7, 2010, based on the grounds of trespassing on private property, a temporary injunction was granted by the Tribal Court to stop the "Oglala Sioux Tribe “Parks and Recreation Department” from auctioning off these horses on 5/9/10 [Mothers Day]. (Further details regarding the injunction to follow early next week).  

The " Mitakuyapi Sunka Wakan Oyate " is working to establish a designated fund where supporters will be able to donate funds to help return these Sacred horses to the safety and care of The People. Supporters are encouraged not to send any money at this time.
Please watch for updates as to how to help.
 
Mitakuyapi Sunka Wakan Oyate (Relatives of the Sacred Horses)
Lakota Nation, Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota


Our Horses are sacred to us and they are our relatives. 
We are family and we
take care of each other and help each other in times of need. 
That is the
Lakota way.


Media contact and liaison for Dave Swallow: Keith Rabin  rockartist1@q.com
General information: Atashnaa Werner info@thebuffaloheartproject.org



Friday, May 7, 2010

MO Pro Slaughter Bill Still Alive!!

By Laura Allen
Animal Law Coalition
 
Update May 7, 2010:  The pro-horse slaughter provisions from Missouri H.B. 1747, that were sneakily buried in S.B. 795, an unrelated bill, were NOT withdrawn or removed by amendment from S.B. 795 on May 5 as previously reported.

At least 1 anti-slaughter lobbyist at the Capitol that day was given to understand the pro-slaughter provisions had been removed prior to the House vote on the bill. That was not true.  Also, last week state Sen. Dan Clemens said there would be no further legislative progress on H.B. 1747, the pro-horse slaughter bill, leading citizens to believe the bill was dead for this session. In the meantime, the pro-horse slaughter provisions were simply quietly buried in S.B. 795.

The Missouri House of Representatives debated the House Committee Substitute version of S.B. 795 this past week amidst a strong public outcry against the horse slaughter provisions buried in the bill. The pro-slaughter provisions were originally in H.B. 1747 introduced by state  Rep. James Viebrock. For more on this and how these provisions came to be buried in S.B. 795, read Animal Law Coalition's reports below.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
S.B. 795 is currently in a conference committee because the Senate has refused to concur in the House Committee Substitute which passed the House with amendments, including the pro-horse slaughter provisions. If you live in Missouri, find your state senator here and urge them to reject the pro-horse slaughter provisions from H.B. 1747 that are buried in S.B. 795.   Find Missouri Senate leaders here (just click on their names) and a list of all Missouri state senators here.
Contact Missouri's Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon. Here is more contact info for the governor:

Office of Governor Jay Nixon
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 751-3222

Tell them horse slaughter is cruel and inhumane and has no place in American culture!

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/horse-slaughter/article/1160