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I saw The Misfits a while ago, the John Huston film with Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe.  I ran out of the theater in tears.  They do roundups in the film, which is how we get horses in the first place.  We capture them, kidnap them and take them away from their lives.  Horses form tight-knit bands and this shatters their social structure.  Fouls are taken from their mothers and they are placed in a traumatizing, unnatural situation.  This movie is a great example of why it's awful to take horses and make them work for us.  Some people love The Misfits, but I was too upset to get through it.  Huston didn't fake any of the roundup scenes.  I hope others out there that saw the film had the same, moving reaction that I did.  It would at least give his brutal, artistic choice some meaning in the world.  It's not at all ok with me what Huston did here.   



Roundup practices are what made horse-drawn carriages possible in the first place.  These carriages have always upset me.  Horses are beautiful, galloping creatures that are meant to run in the wild.  You can see in their eyes how miserable they are going alongside traffic, dealing with the noise, and not to mention the huge chance of collision.  It's dangerous for both humans and the horses.  This video illustrates my point:

I feel certain that it wasn't in God's plan to have these magnificent creatures that were meant to run in the wild live their lives this way.  They are slaves...no freedom, no life, no joy.

Carriages are still popular in New York.  I'm grateful to other tourist cities like Biloxi, Palm Beach, Key West, Paris and London, who are sophisticated enough to have already banned horse-drawn carriages.  New York is considering the ban and I'm wondering what their hesitation is.  There is a great speech given by veterinarian, Holly Cheever, at an event called "Yay or Neigh: Should the carriage industry be banned in NYC?".   I've posted bits and pieces from her presentation below, but you can see the whole thing and get more info HERE.
 

Horses are exposed to health hazards such as:

RESPIRATORY DISEASE - horses working in traffic lanes are constantly nose-to-tailpipe, and show corresponding respiratory impairment



LAMENESS is a major problem for horses who must pound the city streets' unnaturally hard, concussive surfaces, especially since the majority are not given adequate farrier care and since many horses come into this industry with preexisting injuries or arthritis incurred in their previous uses on race tracks or Amish farms.

HEAT PROSTRATION is seen in many cities in the northern temperate zone and has been the leading cause of death in the carriage horse populations of New York, Atlanta, and Boston. Since New York City's asphalt surfaces have reached temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit as reported in the New York Times, keeping horses sufficiently cool on hot summer days becomes impossible. The low end of the scale should include a wind chill factor for the obvious reason that all mammals are more susceptible to hypothermia when wind chill is present.  

"SPOOKING" can happen to even the best trained and well-mannered horse.  Their evolution as herbivores (i.e. prey animals) has conditioned them to bolt first and consider the situation later, dictating the need for the driver to be constantly in contact with the horse's head, whether by holding the reins securely from the carriage box or by standing at the horse's head with the reins in hand.



Here's what we can do to help move this ban forward:

•    This Friday, March 12th!!  You can make a difference!  The New York City Council’s Consumer Affairs Committee is holding a public hearing.  They will address several horse carriage bills like the NYCLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets) bill which the NYLHV (New York League of Human Voters) has been working on for well over a year.  The  NYCLASS bill seeks to phase out the horse carriages over three years and replace  them with the 21st Century eco-friendly, horseless carriage. This new industry offers the current horse carriage drivers high paying union jobs, establishes accountability measures to ensure a safe and fair industry, makes the City a leader in eco-tourism, and retires the current carriage horses to farms and sanctuaries!

•    You can attend the hearing and even speak at it.  Check out their facebook page for the hearing HERE. And if you can't make it, click HERE to send a fax to your City Council Member urging support for the NYCLASS bill and opposing the horse carriage industry’s undeserved fare increase  bill.

•    Visit the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages and educate yourself.  You will also find a petition on the site that you can sign to try and end this.

•    The most effective way to put a stop to this is to contact your local legislator and ask if they will sponsor a ban. Whether you are a New Yorker or not you can also contact the mayor's office.  Additionally, you can contact New York City counsel members and ask them to support Intro 658-A, the bill to ban horse drawn carriages and to oppose Intro 653-A the industry bill.

•    You can sign this petition on the PETA website in conjunction with singer Pink's fight to end horse-drawn carriages.  Pink is working hard to end this.

•    Watch the documentary called Blinders: The Truth Behind The Tradition, which takes an in-depth look at the horse-drawn carriage industry.

And finally, If you want that horse-carriage feel, why not go for the guys/gals on the bike taxis?!  They want to do the job, they choose to do the job, and they always look so happy riding around!  It's better than a taxi in terms of gas and such, and sorta has that same carriage-y vibe.

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  • Tara
  • Mar 11, 2010
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Horses can definitely be mistreated, just as dogs and cats can etc. But that does not mean it's routine. I don't know much about the NYC horses but I do know there are a lot of different ways to approach a horse and get to know one without aggression and oppression. A person will know very clearly when a horse does not want to do something and that's where the fine line is. I see horses as being generous, trusting and giving; hence, therapy horses. They can comminicate with people who can not speak or see or hear. They can't speak to us in ways we're used to either, or even scratch their own tick bite, yet it is entirely possible for a horse to live a long and happy life (into their 30s, 40s even) alongside a human being as well another horse, perhaps a donkey, or goats and barn cats. Like several posters before, being able to walk in and walk out of their stall when they chose to is optimal. It's a shame the happy human-horse scenario that exists makes headlines less.
  • Tara
  • Mar 11, 2010
  • 73
Ooh and horses are pretty much are vegans too.
I went to Morocco on a holiday last October and I was AMAZED by the amount of animal mistreatment! Snake charmers (de fanged, of course, how cruel!) and dancing monkeys led around by strings! And bears (dancing with chains on their feet!)
And horse drawn carriages, of course! Everywhere you looked, they were as numerous as taxis! My group wanted to go on one, thank god we didn't in the end because I don't think I could have lived with myself! I didn't know about round ups then...
We walked in the end...it's really unfair the horses don't have that freedom...!
Oh my.  I don't even want to see those videos, they look scary.  I am a self-identified horse lover, which for me does not mean only letting horses roam free.  I enjoy being around trained horses and riding horses and treating them with respect and dignity.  I think humans can interact with horses in non-violent and non-compromising ways.  I will admit that I do not know much about round ups and will definitely seek to learn more about that and how being an equestrian may or may not have an effect on the practice.  I would like to respond, however, to the comments regarding working horses.  Anytime I've seen the carriages in NYC it breaks my heart to see horses in such conditions.  They are overworked and always look so dejected, and let's face it, horses are not built to trot on roads all day alongside cars.  Like I said, I don't think that it's wrong for humans to ever work with horses, but as far as carriages are concerned, there would have to be some radical changes to make it even remotely decent.  I don't even know if that is possible in an urban setting.  
I live in LA, and every time I travel to NY and see the horse-drawn carriages, it infuriates me.  For a city so full of culture and sophistication, I cannot believe that they are still using horse-drawn carriages!!  It is awful, and I'm so glad that you posted this...thank you for helping spread the word against taking these beautiful creatures from their natural state.  xoxo

Walter,
When an industry wants to cut corners they will, no matter what specific laws and regulations are on the books. I wish it was that simple to tell businesses they have to do x, y, and z and they would comply. But sadly this usually just isn't the case especially where the needs of animals are concerned.

You mentioned that we are in a recession and that it wasn't time to be throwing people into the unemployment lines. From what I understand this is a phase out type of ban where it will still be three years time before horse carriages would even be banned in NYC. And not only that, the people who currently work for this industry in NY are offered a job with the union behind them.

There is an outdoor mall near my home in Cali and they have horse-drawn carriages.  I feel horrible for these poor horses that have to pull around a carriage filled with shoppers all night long.  What can I do on a local level to stop it?
Any update on the March 12,2010 public hearing?
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monkeys are people too!!!
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Mar 2, 2010

Seriously, they are almost the same as us.  I remember reading this article in National Geographic a while ago that said,  "Scientists have sequenced the genome of the chimpanzee and found that humans are 96 percent similar to the great ape species." Look at how beautiful and amazing and special they are.  Please help me help the monkeys and stop NASA! 



Something so horrible and sad is happening!  NASA is preparing an experiment where they would expose tiny squirrel monkeys to a massive burst of gamma radiation, equal to a three-year journey to Mars and back.  You can read further about this at MSNBC, however, I find it upsetting that they only presented one side of this.  Not once do they bring up the fact that this type of radiation exposure is so dangerous!



They want to test this out on the monkeys so that if there ever is a mission to Mars, they will have an idea about what the long-term exposure to radiation would do to the human pilots (since monkeys are so close to humans). They have done experiments like this before... And have found that gamma radiation can cause depressive behavior, diarrhea, weight loss, hair loss, open sores, skin hemorrhages, and death. It’s so horrible that they know what the effects are, and they still want to put these monkeys through this.

It's obvious this is so damaging to the system - just look what the EPA has to say about it. "Because of the gamma ray's penetrating power and ability  to travel great distances, it is considered the primary hazard to the general population during most radiological  emergencies. In fact, when the term "radiation sickness"  is used to describe the effects of large exposures in short  time periods, the most severe damage almost certainly results  from gamma radiation." Additionally, NASA even admits that these experiments will more than likely cause cellular damage.  Bottom line, this is VERY bad. 

However, there are non-animal test methods!  In fact, there are many alternative methods that have already been declared scientifically valid. 

NASA is currently conducting research on space radiation using methods that are more humane and scientifically superior to animal experimentation.  In Defense of Animals (IDA) supports the use of Tissue Equivalent Plastic to simulate human skin and monitor its properties on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.  NASA’s anatomical model - Fred the Phantom Torso - is an impressive radiation detector and could be included on Moon and Mars probes as well as the International Space Station.  IDA is also aware that NASA constantly collects data from the radiometric equipment integrated into spaceships and spacesuits.  I hope that NASA will use these innovative methods on future lunar flights and planned lunar base - in an atmosphere that more closely resembles deep space.

For more information on testing methods that don’t involve animals visit the Humane Society or the European Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods.

But we can try to stop this!  In Defense of Animals (IDA) and the International Primate Protection League (IPPL) are trying hard to stop NASA from irradiating these monkeys. Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL)– a lab run by the Department of Energy – is supposed to run the radiation portion of the experiment... But has not decided yet whether or not they will do it.  The experiment is being reviewed by the BNL’s safety, science, and animal welfare committees, so send them a message now and tell them not to run these tests!



You can send them a message by following this link, and telling the Director of BNL and the Secretary of Energy NOT to perform these experiments!


 
We can let them know that we do support their efforts to collect radiation data using modern and humane methods. Especially because animal species differ from one another in so many ways, and it is highly unlikely that animal research will produce results that will be accurate for humans.



Another option is to contact NASA through PCRM's website HERE.
 
Let's try to help save these innocent monkeys!  Post this to your facebook, tweet about it, and email it to everyone you know who would want to help the monkeys.



And if you want to educate yourselves further about animal testing, I recommend looking at these publications offered at In Defense of Animals.

We can make a difference!

UPDATE: If you are looking for more info about this issue, please read Noah Gittel's comments below.  He is a Research and Education Programs Coordinator at PCRM, and he really knows his stuff!

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ginnifer goodwin talks turkeys on jimmy kimmel!
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Mar 1, 2010

Take a look at this clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live.  Last week Ginnifer Goodwin was on and she talked to Jimmy about why she went veggie, and about the Adopt-A-Turkey program at Farm Sanctuary!

Could she be any more gorgeous?  Yay!! Doesn't she just glow?  Ginnifer just exudes warmth, balance and grace... that's exactly what a plant-based diet does for you!

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pete the moose update!
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Feb 15, 2010


A couple months ago I wrote about Pete, a moose who had been attacked by dogs as a baby, separated from his mother, and was then saved by David Lawrence, a farmer.  The story was so sad because the State of Vermont has been trying to take Pete away from David... Because it’s illegal to possess wildlife in Vermont without a permit.

I was so touched by this story, I have been following Pete’s plight.  Well, Pete’s supporters have been fighting to keep him safe!  Pete got a lawyer, and there are over 5,000 names on the Save Pete petition.  Their goal is to get to 10,000, so if you haven’t already, please sign this petition!  We need to protect this innocent and beautiful animal.

Click HERE to sign the petition.

We can also contact Elizabeth White, the chief organizer of Save Pete, to show our support, and see if there is anything we can do to help!

Click HERE to contact Elizabeth.

I contacted Elizabeth, and she said that we need to keep the pressure on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife, and the only way to do this is to keep Pete’s plight in the public eye.  Tell everyone you know about Pete, and let’s help spread the word to make this a huge, national campaign!  Post this story on your facebook, email it to friends, tell your coworkers and family about it.  Even telling one person helps!

You can also join the ‘Save Pete the Moose’ fan page on Facebook, to show everyone how many supporters Pete has!

Click HERE to join the 'Save Pete the Moose' fan page on Facebook.

Also we can write to Governor Jim Douglas, or to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife, and tell them how horrible this is!

Click HERE to write to Governor Jim Douglas.

I know that this is just one moose… but his story touched me and many others, and maybe we can save his life!

Let’s keep working to save Pete!

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christian the lion
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Feb 2, 2010
I know that a lot of you have probably seen this, but I had to share! Every single time I watch this it just makes me sob… like a crazy, huge crying session.  I love it so much!  I just can’t believe how much this video touches and moves me.

The love between Christian and his former owners is so huge.  I just can’t believe how animals are so mistreated and underestimated.  The lion loved those men soooo much… it is so beautiful.

I love this story... however, I wish that the buying and selling of animals didn't exist, and that we only had animals in our care that are rescued.  It would be ideal if places that sold animals just didn't exist anymore.


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reading to dogs!
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Feb 1, 2010
Check out this video to see how this church uses dogs to help children learn to read!

It's really a WONDERFUL program for at risk children with low test scores. During the children's afternoon tutoring program, Pepe and Brandy come in to listen to them as they read!  The idea behind it is that the dogs are not judging the kids as they read, try to sound out words, and figure things out.  And it works!

I was so interested in this program that I did some research on the topic and found Intermountain Therapy Animals.  This organization runs a nationwide program called R.E.A.D, whose goal is to improve literacy skills in children through the assistance of therapy dogs!  Visit their website to see how you can help out, and learn more about these extraordinary dogs!


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peaceable kingdom: the journey home
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Jan 14, 2010

This is a short clip that I recently watched.  Tribe of Heart makes documentaries about compassion towards animals, the planet, and every living being.  I met these guys in 2000 in Washington, DC. When I was there I saw their first film, The Witness.  That was such a great film... blew me away.  It was so heart-opening and truly changed me.

They have been working on Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home for awhile now.  I'm looking forward to seeing the whole film.  If you have a few minutes, watch the clip.  It's interviews of people who saw the film and of the filmmakers.  Very well done, moving, and so inspiring.

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woodstock farm animal sanctuary
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Jan 11, 2010

Hey there – at the request of MISH DEVINE, here are some photos from my last trip to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary!  You can see the rest of the photos here. 


Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary is an amazing place, I highly recommend that any of you who live in the area go!  It is located in Willow, NY.  They have rescued hundreds of animals, and have given them a safe place to live.

They also have an e-newsletter. You can check out the most recent newsletter here.

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much love animal rescue
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Dec 15, 2009

The holidays are coming up sooo fast I can hardly believe it!  A lot of you will be sending cards to loved ones (hopefully recycled paper ones!) and I wanted to tell you that you can spice up your card giving this year with Much Love holiday card inserts.  By giving these to friends, you are making a donation in their names to Much Love Animal Rescue, which helps save dogs and cats!



The inserts are a perfect gift for any animal lover and feature an adorable little dog or cat painting by artist Karen Rumora.  And the best part is that by gifting this, you save the life of a cat or dog in a shelter.  You can go to Much Love’s website to see a selection of the animals that you are helping!



Much Love is such a wonderful, non-profit organization dedicated to saving animals.  Since 2000, they have placed more than 2,000 animals in loving homes.  And all that work was done by volunteers, so this is a fabulous way to support such a kind organization!

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save pete the moose!
Posted by Alicia Silverstone on Dec 8, 2009

 

Kind Life community member Amanda Goodfried posted a link (thank you, Amanda!) several days ago and I would love everyone to watch this video and visit the Save Pete The Moose website.

What you will learn is that Pete, the most adorable moose, was attacked by dogs as a baby, separated from his mother, and was saved by David Lawrence, a farmer.  Pete now lives with David on a hunting reserve.  Pete and David have a deep relationship!  The terrible thing is that the State of Vermont is trying to take Pete away from David, because its illegal to possess wildlife in Vermont without a permit.  On top of that, David and Pete live on a hunting reserve in Albany...where people can pay to shoot at herds of elk.  This whole situation is so heartbreaking, I can’t stand it. 

First of all, it's so incredibly sad that there are hunting reserves where people can go with the sole purpose of gunning down innocent animals.  I know that there are many places like this around the world, but it's just so unbelievable that we do this.  My heart and brain simply cannot understand this and it makes me very, very sad.  

Secondly, Pete will be killed if the state can't find a home for him!  His future is very uncertain right now, so I encourage everyone to visit the Save Pete The Moose website to sign the petition and see what else you can do to help.  Another thing that we can do to help Pete is to email Jim Douglas, the Governor of Vermont.  You can email him here.  One more thing that we can all do it send notes to the kind people who are working to save Pete to thank them for their efforts!  You can get their contact info here.

Also, we can all spread the word!  Email your friends, put it on your Facebook, just let people know about Pete!

Lastly, what can we do to stop hunting for good, and educate others around us?  I think the key to ending situations like this and hunting is to inform people.  There are so many websites you can visit to educate yourselves.  These are just a few but I recommend looking at American Humane Association, American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Friends of Animals, People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.  

But don't forget to visit www.savepetethemoose.org, sign the petition, and SAVE PETE!!


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