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2009
2008
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For Immediate Release: June 24, 2009 Rodeo: Animal Abuse in Action (Davie) The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) will gather with informational literature and signs reading "Be Cool Not Cruel…Buck the Rodeo” to protest against the Youth Rodeo in Davie on June 25, 2009. WHEN: June 25, 2009 from 10:30am to 12:00 noon Each summer, children from camps and community recreation programs are brought to the rodeo arena in Davie in a desperate attempt to keep a dying tradition alive. “Adults need to convince young people that twisting a calf’s neck until she falls to the ground or jerking an animal to a falling stop with rope around her neck and back legs is 'sport'” says ARFF Coordinator Jim Dunn. "They have to convince the kids that this isn’t animal cruelty. How do they do that? They institutionalize the cruelty - with an arena and flags and lots of happy talk over the loudspeaker. And they repeat over and over, 'Shucks, it doesn’t hurt ‘em'. But the smart kids know - it really does hurt." Rodeo animals have endured serious injury and unimaginable terror at the hands of these "good ‘ol boys". Many have died. The smart kids are asking, "Why aren’t these people arrested for animal cruelty?” Good question. Events at the "Pro Rodeo for Youth" are violent activities that display and encourage brutal treatment of animals. At the rodeo, children see animals terrorized and harmed, seemingly with adult approval. ARFF is calling upon community members to refrain from supporting the inherent cruelty of the rodeo. # # # |
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For Immediate Release: June 19, 2009 Broward School Board Hears Circus Policy Proposal (Fort Lauderdale) The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) spoke before the Broward County School Board this week, calling for the establishment of a district-wide policy prohibiting affiliations with animal circuses at all Broward schools. The room fell silent as ARFF Project Coordinator, Amanda Burk, showed a clip from the documentary video Training and Tragedy which showed undercover footage of a circus trainer violently abusing elephants. "Often schools that do not sanction animal circus fieldtrips still distribute tickets to be used outside of school hours,” says Burk, “No parent expects that events promoted through their school’s distribution of materials would be affiliated with animal cruelty and human safety violations, but that is precisely the message such continued affiliation sends.” ARFF provided informational packets including a twelve-page partial list of one circus’ history of federal animal cruelty violations. ARFF officials await a response that reflects positively upon Broward schools. # # # |
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For Immediate Release: May 28, 2009 Miss Florida USA Gets Ugly (Fort Lauderdale) The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) recently sent a letter to Grant H. Gravitt Jr., executive producer at Tel- Air Interests, Inc. – parent company behind all Miss Florida USA and Miss Florida Teen USA pageants, requesting immediate removal of the Fur Information Council of America (FICA) from the pageants sponsor list. From July 14th through 18th, 2009, contestants from across the state will be competing for the title of Miss Florida USA 2010. This year, prizes range from cash and jewelry to television appearances. Yet at this event dedicated to beauty and grace, one pageant prize is getting recognition for its ugly and barbaric qualities. FICA is a long time sponsor of the annual pageant. The Miss Florida USA website features contestants modeling fur coats designed by FICA, claiming fur to be "the fabric of choice." In addition, a select few pageant “winners” will receive fur coats and other fur items from FICA as prizes. In its letter, ARFF cites that killing methods on fur farms are gruesome, and clearly favor profit over animal welfare. They go on to state that, “as no killing method is fool-proof, undercover investigations routinely document animals on fur farms being brutally skinned alive. “ According to ARFF, so long as Miss Florida USA and Tel-Air Interests continue to cohort with FICA, they are directly supporting the inhumane practices of the fur industry. ARFF has suggested that with many wonderful, modern and cruelty-free prize options available, there is no place for the skins of dead, tortured animals in this or any other pageant. Currently, the fur industry consumes millions of animals each year. No federal law exists to regulate how animals used for fur are treated or killed, and killing methods on fur farms include such brutal procedures as neck snapping, gassing, and electrocution. The fur industry has historically refused to condemn even the most blatantly cruel practices. Genital electrocution—deemed “unacceptable” by the American Veterinary Medical Association—is frequently used by the industry and causes animals to suffer from cardiac arrest while they are still conscious. Pending Mr. Gravitt’s response, ARFF plans to be a continued presence outside the pageant with signs and literature illustrating the painful truth behind the fur industry. # # # |
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For Immediate Release: May 20, 2009 Local Restaurant Fails to Remove Cruel Lobster Game (Royal Palm Beach) The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) sent a letter to the owners of the Royal Palm Ale House after receiving several complaints about the lobster game, which is a cruel contraption that works like other coin-operated claw games, but instead of housing stuffed animals or toys, the "prizes" inside are live lobsters. Since the Ale House has not removed the game, ARFF will protest. WHERE: Royal Palm Ale House,1136 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach Supported by scientific evidence which confirms that lobsters feel pain—just as all other animals with sophisticated nervous systems do—ARFF has requested that the Royal Palm Ale House remove this atrocity from its otherwise reputable business immediately. ARFF argues that lobsters used in these games are bumped, poked, prodded and repeatedly tormented by the mechanical claw as the "player" works the control arm in an attempt to remove an individual lobster from the tank. One witness reported to ARFF that he saw intoxicated people “banging on the side of the machine like monsters,” and otherwise tormenting the contained lobsters. Another anonymous tip sent to ARFF noted that “if the business that is hosting the game says that it is not cruel, they obviously have not watched as these lobsters (once caught) are dropped into a shoot; I saw antennas and small legs fall off when I witnessed the game being played.” Several area restaurants have removed the lobster game after receiving complaints from patrons and ARFF. Unfortunately for the lobsters and the community, the Royal Palm Ale House refuses to admit that this game is inhumane, and continues to house it at their bar. # # # |
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For Immediate Release: May 6, 2009 Shriners Annual Convention Draws Ire (Coral Springs) Activists from the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) will highlight the truth behind Shrine circus fundraisers, with a protest during the Florida Shrine Association’s 2009 Convention’s opening day activities. When: Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 2:00pm until 3:30pm Shrine circuses have deplorable, long-standing records of animal abuse and human safety violations. Because the Shriners do not hold an exhibitor’s license, they contract with outside parties for animal acts to use under the Shrine name. In doing so, Shriners have been able to deflect an extensive history of animal cruelty directly associated with their circus fundraisers. Animal exhibitors leased by Shriners include Royal Hanneford Circus, Circus Hollywood and Tarzan Zerbini Circus to name a few – each with a hefty record of USDA violations. Charges against these circuses range from failure to meet minimum space requirements, failure to provide veterinary care and nutritious food and clean drinking water, to the use of unsafe enclosures and endangering animals and the public. By employing animal acts, the Shriners put audiences in danger of disease, injury and even death. The list of tragic incidents affiliated with Shrine Circuses is long and varied. In 2005, while contracted by the Mizpah Shrine of Indiana, a Tarzan Zerbini Circus trainer was stomped to death as he loaded elephants into a trailer following a circus performance. In 2003 an attendant of the Hadi Shrine Circus of Indiana was reportedly hospitalized after being bitten on the face by a chimpanzee during a public photo session. Several elephants used by the Shriners have tested positive for a human strain of tuberculosis, and in 2005 an elephant named Lota died as a result of this highly dangerous, airborne disease that is costly and difficult to treat, particularly in elephants. It is clear that the abuse of animals is not necessary to raise funds, as five of Florida's largest Shrine temples use non-animal fundraisers, such as charity golf tournaments, car shows and festivals. While many support Shrine circuses with the impression that their donation will be used to help children in medical need, the fact is that circus fundraisers finance individual temple costs, not hospitals. In reality, the parent group for all Shrine hospitals, Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, is a separate entity from the Shriners, and receives less than two percent of its budget from Shrine temples. A 2007 New York Times investigation titled, “In Shriners: A Blurry Line of Giving,” confirmed a trail of money leading not to children but to trips, parties and alcohol for the Shriners. From deceptive fundraisers to animal abuse, the Shriners’ practices seem far from family friendly. “The Shriners are never held accountable for the accidents, injuries and deaths that are an inevitable outcome of abused and restricted animals forced into constant contact with the public,” according to ARFF Project Coordinator, Amanda Burk. "Continued support of a cruel and dangerous form of entertainment is not only needless and unacceptable; it is reflective of the true character of the organization. As long as circuses are synonymous with the Shriners, so is cruelty.” # # # |
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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 25, 2009 Rodeo Violence to be Protested by Animal Rights Activists DATE: Saturday April 4, 2009 (Davie) - Rodeos are violent and encourage brutal treatment of animals and insensitivity to animal suffering. It is common for the animals in rodeo events to suffer multiple physical injuries and to be psychologically scarred. The "Sunshine Stampede" gay rodeo in Davie is no exception, and the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida will protest the cruel event on April 4. Steers are subjected to painful tail-twisting to make them run from chutes. Terrified baby calves are chased around the arena during the calf-roping* event, before being snapped to a halt by a lasso tightened around their necks. It is common for these animals to suffer multiple injuries. In the “bronc riding” or “bull riding” events, the animals are physically provoked into displaying so-called “wild” behavior through the use of bucking straps or electric prods. Take away the cruel tail-twisting, the painful electro-shock prods and bucking straps, and you take away the rodeo. “Unless you like to support extreme animal cruelty, the rodeo is not for you,” said Brad King, ARFF volunteer. “It is true that cowboys, cowgirls and animals all risk injury in the rodeo, but the animals do not have a choice about whether or not to participate.” ARFF encourages people (including cowboys and cowgirls) who respect animals to stay clear of the gay rodeo and to join in ARFF’s protest. *This event has been renamed "tie-down roping" by the rodeo to deflect criticism. # # # |
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For immediate release: March 23, 2009 The Marcan Tiger Preserve: Protecting Nothing but Profits (Miami) The end of March brings a familiar event to south Florida, as thousands of families flock to the Miami Dade County Fair and Exposition for nights of fun and celebration. Yet, according to the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF), amid the glow of flashing lights, roar of carnival rides and the smell of funnel cakes on the griddle lays an attraction that is far from family friendly. The Marcan Tiger Preserve’s show, Tigers of India, confines a handful of Bengal Tigers to barren cages in the overwhelming commotion that is one of the biggest events of the year in Miami. Under the care of Josip Marcan, the tigers are forced into thirty minute performances, and left on display throughout the day. Though Marcan defends his show with claims of educational purpose, ARFF asserts that there can be no valuable lessons learned in witnessing wild animals robbed of their natural lifestyle and forced to perform tricks for human entertainment. According to ARFF’s Project Coordinator, Amanda Burk, "Even under the best circumstances, captive animals used for entertainment are not afforded the conditions and treatment that are most beneficial to their well being." Tigers are solitary and territorial animals. Forcing them into daily performance and continuous interaction with large crowds is as hazardous to the public as it is detrimental to the animals. In one of thousands of incidents with captive animals, a tiger being used by Josip Marcan during a Cole Bros. Circus performance in New York escaped and prowled the streets for thirty minutes, pursued by dozens of police officers with machine guns and tranquilizer darts. In January 2009, Marcan was forced to pay nearly a million dollars to two drivers for the injuries they sustained in a five-car pileup that resulted from that escape. ARFF contends that contrary to industry claims, breeding animals for entertainment purposes cannot aid in the conservation of a species. Rather than fostering rescued tigers or working to protect and increase populations in the wild, Josip Marcan breeds tigers to live on his private facility and to use in his own shows. Tigers bred by Marcan can never be released in the wild because they lack the hunting and survival skills necessary to survive. Instead, Marcan loans these animals out to zoos, circuses, fairs and other venues for his own profit, with little regard for the conservation of the species. "Tigers and all captive animals used as entertainment are valued only for the potential profit they offer," states Burk. "This fact is never more evident than in the issue of white tigers." Marcan’s Tiger Preserve website cunningly states that white tigers occur as a result of "extremely rare double recessive gene," yet fails to elaborate on the fact that this double recessive gene can only occur through inbreeding, a practice that, more often than not, results in severe physical and mental disabilities for the tigers. Suffering from immune deficiencies, cleft palates, scoliosis and other deformities, countless white tigers die at an early age or are thoughtlessly disposed of for being unfit to perform. With a host of animal-free activities available at the fair, there is no need to confine wild animals to unsatisfactory conditions in the name of entertainment. In this light, ARFF has sent a letter urging the Miami Dade County Fair and Expo to drop this cruel and unsafe animal exhibit. ARFF encourages the public to send letters voicing their disapproval of Marcan’s exhibit. ARFF also encourages people to respect and enjoy animals acting freely in their natural habitats, and never in cruel displays that favor profits over animal welfare. # # # |
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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: February 10, 2009 (Boca Raton) – Last week, two pit bulls got loose and attacked several people in Boca Raton, biting one man on the leg. The incidents, while serious, should not be used as evidence to support a ban on pit bulls or other breeds. Legislation has been introduced in Tallahassee that would reverse Florida’s prohibition on breed-specific regulations. If the bill (Senate Bill 922, House Bill 189) passes, local governments would be allowed to ban the possession of pit bulls and other breeds. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida encourages Floridians to contact their legislators and encourage them to vote no on this harmful, misdirected and discriminatory bill. “Incidents involving aggressive dogs, such as those in Boca Raton, are used to dramatize calls for pit bull bans,” said Nick Atwood, Campaigns Coordinator for the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. “Dog bite statistics often tell a different story.” News reports following the Boca Raton incidents noted a dramatic increase in animal bites in the city (in 2008, there was a 50% increase in reported bites over 2007). But of the 53 reported dog bites in 2008 and 2007, 80% involved breeds other than pit bulls. “When you consider the popularity of each breed and the number of bites attributed to them, Wheaten Terrier’s may be Boca'’s most dangerous dogs,” suggested Atwood. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida contends that banning specific breeds does not effectively address the problem of dangerous dogs, and instead penalizes responsible dog guardians and entire populations of dogs indiscriminately. There are more appropriate methods of curbing dangerous dog behavior. Indeed, following last week’s attacks, the Boca Raton Police Services Department emphasized, “the need to better control unleashed dogs” as a means to this end. # # # |
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For immediate release: January 8, 2009 Ringling Bros. Circus: The Cruelest Show on Earth ARFF Activists will be present before and after each show throughout Ringling’s stay in Miami. Volunteers will don clown costumes and other props to keep up the spirit of family fun while educating patrons about the sad facts of circus life for animals through the use of videos, large banners, literature and other displays. WHEN: Thursday January 8th and Friday January 9th at 7pm Ringling’s history of animal abuse and human safety violations runs deep. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Ringling repeatedly for charges including failure to provide adequate veterinary care, causing physical harm and behavioral stress to animals and unsafe handling practices - just to name a few. Because no federal or other agency monitors training sessions, behind the scenes handlers are free to use whips, chairs and other weapons to gain the dominance that is needed to command constant performance of painful and unnatural stunts. Animals used in the circus do not perform because they want to but because they are scared not to. Ringling Bros. and its parent company, Feld Entertainment, are now set for trial in February 2009 on charges of elephant abuse. Although Ringling claims to be a leader in elephant care, at least 25 elephants, including four babies, have died since 1992. Yet, elephants are not the only ones harmed by Ringling’s negligent and cruel ways, and there are laundry lists of incidents to prove it. Animals used by circuses spend the majority of their time confined by chains or cages, are denied many of their needs and forced to perform almost daily. • In 2004, the USDA launched an investigation into Ringling regarding the death of a two year old lion named Clyde. After traveling through the intense heat of the Mojave Desert, Clyde is believed to have died from heatstroke and dehydration. • Again in 2004, two horses used in a Ringling show were struck by a freight train as they were being unloaded from the circus train near Dayton, Ohio. In addition to the cruelty of training, animal acts also turn the circus into a dangerous environment for families. Former Ringling employee, Tom Rider, made this statement regarding an elephant used by Ringling, “Although she was the most dangerous elephant in the group, she is the one they used in the three-ring adventure where the public is allowed to stand around the elephant with no safety net or other protection around her. Karen had a habit of knocking anyone who came into range, slamming them into the ground, yet they allowed her to have contact with the audience.” “Although love for animals motivates many to visit the circus,” states Melissa Gates, ARFF’s Managing Director, “supporting Ringling, or any circus using animal acts, allows a cycle of abuse to continue. ARFF urges the public not to go if animals are in the show.” # # # |
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For Immediate Release:
December 11, 2008 Affection for animals leads many well-meaning people to visit circuses and places like SEF. However, behind the artificial "habitats" and colorful shows these places provide lies a world of hidden cruelty. Unlike human performers, the animals used in shows at SEF do not have a choice. These animals are forced to perform after enduring rigorous training sessions. Such sessions within the animal entertainment industry are known to include violent beatings, deprivation of food and water, intense confinement and many other forms of cruel intimidation. ARFF contends that SEF would turn a greater profit if it discontinued the use of animals. Animals are costly to provide for, and the threat of lawsuits from unpredictable behaviors resulting from the stress of this unnatural captivity of animals is not worth the risk to the patrons or to the animals. As evidenced by ARFF’s petition, people would attend SEF in greater volumes if animals were not a part of the arena. Longtime ARFF member, Jim Dunn, commented on the petition to SEF saying, “I don't think Santa would approve of your commercialization of his animal friends.” SEF is an unnatural environment for animals. “Frequent handling and human contact compromise the physical and psychological well-being of animals used in entertainment venues such as Santa’s Enchanted Forest,” said Melissa Gates, ARFF’s Managing Director. Tethered tightly and forced to walk in endless circles, the ponies used for rides often suffer hoof disorders, saddle sores, and mouth & tooth ailments because of ill-fitting equipment. Sea lions suffer from the chemicals used to treat their water, and often succumb to unnecessary deaths from being held in captivity. Dondi the elephant has been forced into this exploitative existence since being violently ripped from her parents in Thailand circa 1974. Gates adds, “Children learn nothing about animals' natural intelligence or behavior by seeing them in such displays and, in fact, are likely to be miseducated.” Venues such as SEF not only frighten the captive animals and make them vulnerable to harassment, they also create an unsafe environment for people. Bacterial infections that are transmissible to humans can breakout. The scared animals with no means of escape can also lash-out at people in a self-defense response to the stress. ARFF is asking SEF to make its venue cruelty-free by discontinuing the use of animals in its acts. # # # |
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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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For Immediate Release: November 25, 2008 Christodoulou and Darni-Sotiré to Co-Chair ARFF’s 20th Anniversary Fort Lauderdale – Philip Christodoulou and Coleen Darni-Sotiré will co-chair the 20th Anniversary Gala held by the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 7pm. The evening will feature guest celebrities, gourmet vegan cuisine, entertainment, and a host of unique live and silent auction items. Co-chair Philip Christodoulou: Philip has championed compassionate living through his work as a Jnan-Yogi. He currently teaches The Barkan Method’s Hot Yoga and Hot Vinyasa classes. Originally from South Africa with a background in the liberal arts, linguistics and law, he is an environmental artist who approaches yoga with exacting precision and reverence. He calls his eclectic style “Anuttara Janma” meaning Yoga of the Highest Birth. Co-chair Coleen Darni-Sotiré: Coleen is a designer and the owner of the very popular fine art gallery Shades of Light on historic Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. She has been involved with and is a long standing member of multiple animal rights organizations supporting the care and protection of all animals. ARFF’s 20th Anniversary Gala will be the largest fundraiser in the organization’s history. All proceeds from the Gala will be used to fund ARFF’s outreach, including the hiring of additional staff. "This essential work is helping to promote respect for non-human animals and to embrace compassion on a comprehensive level," Christodoulou remarks. “Galas are a great venue. What a wonderful way to spend an evening, being with others of like mind and heart collectively, while helping create a peaceful, respectful planet for the beautiful creatures that cannot help themselves,” says Darni-Sotiré. # # # |
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Immediate Release: October 27, 2008
“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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1431 N. Federal Highway • Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 • (954) 727-ARFF