Missouri Lawmakers Repealing Puppy Mill Measure Approved by Voters

This is infuriating. Here's a link to the full story...

Months after Missouri voters approved a measure that cracks down on what animal advocates say are some of the nation’s most notorious puppy mills, lawmakers are poised to repeal much of the law, saying the rules are too costly and punish legitimate dog-breeders who generate an estimated $1 billion annually in the state.

Animal advocates complain that elected officials essentially have overruled the will of the people, and they are prepared to put the issue on the ballot again next year.

Save the Chimps Video with Anjelica Huston

"Change of Heart": New Book about Animal Activism

We received an email about a new book being released by Lantern Books. It's called "Change Of Heart: What Psychology Can Teach Us About Spreading Social Change." The author is Nick Cooney and he's the Director of The Humane League, an animal advocacy non-profit with offices in Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington DC.

In the author's words...

"Change Of Heart provides science-based answers to many questions that are hotly debated among animal activists. For example, why is it so hard for our family members and co-workers – many of whom have companion animals that they love – to cut cruelty from their diets and go vegan? What messages and techniques have been proven effective in getting people to make compassionate decisions like boycotting fur and adopting companion animals instead of buying them? And why do so many people say the oppose the cruel practices of factory farming, yet still eat meat, eggs and dairy products?

Change of Heart has received rave reviews from leading animal activists. Rory Freedman, co-author of the New York Times bestseller Skinny Bitch, proclaims “If you want to create a better world, read this book!” Gene Baur, Director of Farm Sanctuary, adds that “Change of Heart provides fresh, research-based insight into how non-profits and individuals can more effectively create social change.” Ingrid Newkirk, Director of PETA, raves that “This should be mandatory reading for everyone with a good heart and a good cause.”

Emotion vs. Reason

There's always a dilemma in debating any issue as to whether one should rely on emotion or reason to advance one's argument. You'll find this dilemma surrounding issues such as the death penalty, abortion and gay marriage. And it's especially the case in animal rights advocacy.

Many people say that PETA relies too heavily on emotion to argue its position. Others say that emotion is the only way to move humans to care about anything other than themselves.

I'm really torn. I think you have to take a little of A and a little of B. I have a terrible temper and can throw out the vitriol with the best of them. I can pack an emotional punch as well. But in my experience, it usually backfires, particularly with men. One comes across as the hysterical female who can't reason her position. This is frustrating on many different levels. On the other hand, clear cold reasoning can fall flat if there is no conviction underlying the words.

I think the best thing to do first is educate yourself about the issues. If you know what you are talking about, then you won't get flustered and angry. You know your points and you lay them out. But I don't think there's anything wrong with indignation either. It just has to be backed up with facts, reasoning and logic. The combination is a powerful weapon for advocacy.

Alley Cat Allies Wins Recognition for Financial Efficiency

We've been supporters of Alley Cat Allies for years, ever since we rescued a feral cat colony living in our apartment building's parking lot 14 years ago (5 of those clowns are aging nicely with us with us now...including Charlotte who's on the masthead).

They do excellent work on feral cat issues, but I'm glad to see that they are recognized for their financial efficiency too. They do a good job of using donations for actual programs instead of bloated overhead.

Here's a Charity Spotlight article on them from MainStreet.com.

Yay!