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Russian Tattooist Timur Rimut recently inked his hairless sphynx cat with a large tattoo reading "Carpe Diem." Rimut sedated his pet during the session so she would keep still while he inked the design permanently on her chest. This is not the first case of a pet receiving a vanity tattoo in Russia: in 2010, owner Oskana Popova had her cat Mickey sedated for three hours to receive a colored chest tattoo of King Tut.

Cats have often received tiny ear tattoos for identification purposes, but these procedures are always performed by a trained veterinary specialist. Unnecessary vanity tattoos leave skin open to infection, especially if the owner neglects proper aftercare. When cats wake up after the inking session, they experience the same pain and soreness that humans feel while their tattooed skin heals. Obviously, cats are unable to give their consent to receive a tattoo.

Please sign the petition to outlaw vanity tattoos for Russian pets.

Five years ago, the murder of investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya attracted international attention to the ongoing attacks against Russian journalists and human rights activists. Despite several arrests in connection with Politkovskaya's murder, no convictions were secured.

According to the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, 22 Russian journalists and media workers have been killed between 2000 and 2010, and violent beatings have increased steadily over the past several years. Few of these cases have been investigated. As a result, many Russian journalists have silenced themselves out of fear.

Candid journalism is essential for raising awareness about human rights issues and inciting change. Please sign the petition to convince Russian officials to thoroughly investigate violence against journalists and activists.