AltWeeklies Wire
Protesters Decry UVM's Use of Live Pigs in Surgeons' Training Programnew
Advanced Trauma Operative Management offers practicing surgeonsa quick yet intense refresher in basic trauma-surgery techniques. But animal-rights advocates, as well as medical students and faculty around the country, believe live-animal training sessions have no place on college campuses.
Seven Days |
Mike Ives |
05-27-2008 |
Animal Issues
Are Chicken Farm Cages Humane?new

Although the egg industry says the cage systems are science-based and humane, animal welfare activists say they are cruel and restrict natural behaviors. In November, voters will decide whether to ban the cages in California, thanks to a six-month signature-gathering effort sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States along with other animal welfare groups.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Alex Felsinger |
05-22-2008 |
Animal Issues
San Fran's Animal Welfare Commission Wants to Outlaw Cruel Artnew
Still fuming over a recent exhibition of videos showing six different animals being bludgeoned to death, the commission is proposing a law -- the Humanitarian Art Ordinance -- that would treat art that abuses animals like child pornography: If an animal is harmed for the purpose of making art, it would be a criminal offense to display or possibly even keep in San Francisco.
SF Weekly |
Benjamin Wachs |
05-14-2008 |
Animal Issues
Wild Cougars are Moving into the Midwest -- and They May Be Here to Staynew
The numbers are not huge, but they do indicate an increase in cougars making their way back into the nation's corn and soybean belt, areas from which they were exterminated long ago. Now the Midwest is going to have to decide what to do about them.
Chicago Reader |
Stephen J. Lyons |
05-05-2008 |
Animal Issues
Poisoned by Purina: The Case of the Alpaca Massacrenew

Jerry Forstner's farmhands found alpacas bleeding from the eyes and shrieking in pain, as a result of eating feed from Purina Mills that was dosed with salinomycin -- a chemical used to kill parasites in pigs and chickens, but which is deadly to alpacas.
Cleveland Scene |
Denis Grollmus |
05-02-2008 |
Animal Issues
Foreclosure Pets: Household Animals Get Left Behind When Owners Are Pushed Outnew
"Generally, the people that leave the pets don't care enough to call us," says the public relations director for the Houston Humane Society. "Oftentimes we'll see a bag of dog food ripped open. They'll leave a bag of dog food and say a prayer and good luck. It's really upsetting."
Houston Press |
Paul Knight |
04-29-2008 |
Animal Issues
Rescue Groups Are the Answer to the Pet Industry's Dark Underbellynew
The Shih Tzu and Furbaby Rescue fosters and finds homes for abandoned small dogs, who often come out of puppy mills.
Charleston City Paper |
Stratton Lawrence |
04-23-2008 |
Animal Issues
Hog Wildnew
Feral pigs are ugly, destructive and mean. Some people in Texas just love to trap, stab or shoot them. Or put them in rodeos. With dogs.
Houston Press |
Todd Spivak |
04-21-2008 |
Animal Issues
It Ain't Easy Being a Pit Bull in Pasadenanew
Critics rip a proposed city ordinance that would force neutering of pit bulls.
Pasadena Weekly |
Andre Coleman |
04-15-2008 |
Animal Issues
Would a Proposed State Law Protect Philly's Dogs, or Just Put Breeders on a Short Leash?new
Proponents say that amended dog laws will finally protect the pups in Pennsylvania's infamous puppy mills and help law enforcement catch abusers. But to owners worried about reconfiguring or rebuilding kennels, regulating temperature or paying extra vet bills for things they've always done themselves, the proposals seem draconian and punitive.
Philadelphia City Paper |
J.F. Pirro |
04-15-2008 |
Animal Issues
San Francisco's Zoo Bluesnew
A scathing report shows how the privatized zoo spent its bond money on tourist traps, not animals.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
G.W. Schulz |
04-09-2008 |
Animal Issues
Cockfighting Becomes Felony in Virginianew
The time-honored practice of cockfighting is being elevated to a felony, thanks to legislation that sailed through the General Assembly, and despite the protests of the Virginia Gamefowl Breeders Association, an organization based in Blackstone that claims 2,000 members.
C-Ville Weekly |
Jayson Whitehead |
04-02-2008 |
Animal Issues
Raging Bullnew
The National Zoo endures some growing pains with its young elephant.
Washington City Paper |
Angela Valdez |
03-27-2008 |
Animal Issues
Tags: animal issues
Beetlemania in Coloradonew
Amid millions of dead trees, some start to hunt for hope.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Deb Acord |
03-18-2008 |
Animal Issues
Tags: animal issues
Roger Payne: A Whale of an Activistnew
A Vermont conservationist helped Americans hear songs from the deep.
Seven Days |
Kirk Kardashian |
03-14-2008 |
Animal Issues
Tags: animal issues