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Lily Tomlin Wants YOU To Participate In IDA's International Day Of Action For Elephants In Zoos - Saturday June 20

Actress/Activist calls for "mammoth changes" for elephants in zoos

The first International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos (IDAEZ) is almost here - June 20. IDAEZ will be a global event to bring attention to the plight of elephants in zoos. Pro-elephant advocates will turn out en masse at their nearest zoos, holding outreach events and demonstrations to educate the public about the tragic effects of keeping elephants in small, impoverished zoo pens where they suffer and die prematurely.

What:     Many demonstrations, around the world, on behalf of elephants suffering in zoos

When:    Saturday, June 20

Where:  Zoos all around the world. Events are already scheduled in California, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and internationally in Australia, Canada, France, Spain, Thailand. Click here for list of scheduled events.

Click here for help organizing an event, or to volunteer with an already-scheduled event.

"I don't think anyone in their right mind would think a zoo display provides enough space for these giants of the earth. But if the public is informed, they will raise an outcry and demand change. It’s time to stop the destructive practice of keeping elephants in zoos." - Lily Tomlin 

Elephants are highly intelligent, complex and self-aware individuals who have evolved for long distance living. In the wild they range tens of miles a day, live in large, tight-knit family groups, and communicate with one another at great distances. Yet zoos keep elephants in tiny exhibits of a few acres or less, where lack of movement and standing on hard surfaces cause painful foot infections and arthritis, the leading causes of euthanasia in captive-held elephants. The stress and boredom typical of intensive confinement results in abnormal behaviors such as repetitive swaying and head bobbing.

In addition, many zoos still use a cruel, circus-style management method based on negative reinforcement and the use of bullhooks (a steel-tipped device similar to a fireplace poker) to poke, prod, stab and beat elephants into submission.

The newest scientific studies document what IDA has been saying all along: zoo conditions and practices have a profound effect on the lives of elephants, drastically shortening their life spans. Simply put, the earth’s largest land mammals just don’t belong in zoos.

The elephants need your help!

That’s why IDA is urging everyone to participate in this very special day by coordinating or joining an event at your community's zoo. Your event can be as simple as handing out leaflets and holding signs, or you can create educational displays and provide petitions for people to sign. IDA will assist you by providing event materials including leaflets and fact sheets, helpful tips and more.

How you can get involved:

• Coordinate an event. Submit your event information here, and we’ll post it on our web site so others can join you on June 20 and help make your city’s IDAEZ event a huge success.
• Join an event. Check our events listing page to locate one near you (be sure to visit more than once as we’ll be adding more events up until June 20).
• Bring a friend or two to an IDAEZ event. Share information about the elephants’ plight with your family, friends and colleagues.
• Visit our web site for more ways you can help make the International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos a success for the elephants.
• Hold an elephant awareness party. If you do not live near a zoo that holds elephants but are passionate about taking action on June 20, hold an elephant party to raise awareness and donations for IDA’s elephant campaign. Contact us  for materials and suggested videos to share.

Cruelty can’t stand the spotlight. So please join IDA and compassionate people around the globe on Saturday, June 20, to help bring an end to the suffering of elephants in zoos.

For more information, visit http://www.helpelephants.com/ or contact IDAEZ Event Coordinator Melissa Gonzalez: Melissa@idausa.org or call 707-981-7701.

In Defense of Animals, located in San Rafael, Calif., is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA's efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi, Mumbai, India, and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We welcome your feedback and appreciate your donations. Please join today! All donations to IDA are tax-deductible.

In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner, San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel. (415) 448-0048 Fax (415) 454-1031
idainfo@idausa.org

http://www.helpelephants.com/idaez.html

Pledge action at Change.org initiated by Roxie

http://www.change.org/actions/view/no_profit_for_pain_deny_license_renewals_for_awa_violators

https://secure3.convio.net/aavs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=175

No Profit For Pain: Deny License Renewals for AWA Violators

For years there has been intense public scrutiny regarding random-source animal brokers called Class B dealers and their methods of obtaining dogs and cats, as well as the care and treatment they provide to animals at their facilities. Congress has also voiced concern, calling for the creation of an Institute for Laboratory Animal Research Committee to investigate the issue, and federal legislation aimed at eliminating random-source Class B dealers has been considered.

Regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), legislation outlining the minimal standards of care for animals in research and other industries, random-source Class B dealers typically obtain dogs and cats from shelters and then sell them to education and research facilities. Currently, there are 10 random-source Class B dealers operating in the U.S., and the majority have been cited by USDA for multiple violations of the AWA, including C&C Kennels (Wewoka, Oklahoma) and R&R Research (Howard City, Michigan).

The above-mentioned random-source Class B dealers have committed violations that range from failure to provide clean, safe housing and adequate veterinary care and treatment to obtaining animals from illegal sources. Although USDA considers these dealers high risk and inspects them at least four times a year, the agency continues to allow them to retain their licenses. As a result, these dealers are profiting from animal pain and misfortune. In fact, random-source Class B dealers have pocketed well over $3.5 million over the course of just three years, despite their unscrupulous activities.

It is the USDA’s responsibility to enforce the AWA to ensure that dealers are humanely caring for and legally obtaining animals. Rather than continuing to repeatedly cite random-source Class B dealers with AWA violations, USDA should terminate their licenses.

What you can do!

Use the form below to contact USDA and urge the agency to eliminate random-source Class B dealers. You may use the sample letter if you wish, or edit it so that it is in your own words.