news and notes

I'm hoping to have a more regular "news and notes" segment on the blog, to catch up on some headlines and tibits related to animals and animal advocacy.  Some items may resurface down the road, but in case they don't, or happen to deal with more time-sensitive issues, at least they'll get some mention here.

I'm also hoping to include some regular bible passages, quotes, and photographs or artwork in the segment.  So to kick things off, here are a few recent news and notes for your review:

for your information ...

- The New York Times last week strongly endorsed the California Prevention of Farm Cruelty Act, also know as "Prop 2," which is on the state's ballot for November 4.  The Oct. 8 editorial reads in part: "The fact that such fundamental decencies have to be forced upon factory farming says a lot about its horrors."  In case you haven't heard of Prop 2 yet, or wonder why it's such a big deal if it's just in California, Jennifer Fearing of the Yes! on Prop 2 campaign (endorsed by not one sparrow) writes: "If Prop 2 is passed, it will be the biggest victory for farm animals in U.S. history - and lead to reforms in farming practices nationwide."

watch for ...

- Tomorrow, Tuesday the 14th, the Oprah show will be focusing on "How We Treat the Animals We Eat" (check for local listings), featuring in part a discussion about Prop 2 (see above).  Regardless of how you or I may feel about Oprah, this is a landmark program which stands the potential to plant a lot of seeds regarding the welfare of farmed animals.  Earlier this year, Oprah ran an influential special on puppy mills.

- In case you've missed it, I'll be wrapping up a blog series on poultry tonight, with a more lighthearted post.  The series started thanks to the Humane Society's All Creatures Great and Small campaign, which is asking faith communities to think about our relationship to the animals we eat.  

be a part of ...

Thanks to Donna Newman for forwarding a petition to me last week called "Clemency for Ratchet."  I don't often pass along petitions about isolated situations, often because of the unfortunate sheer number of them, but this one hit me especially hard.  It has to do with a dog, Ratchet, adopted by a U.S. soldier in Iraq which was separated from its caretaker and threatened with execution, by gunshot to the head no less ...  I'll forego further commentary, but please read the story and check out the petition, where you'll also find links to sponsoring organizations.

passage ...

"Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God." (Psalm 84:3, NIV)

otherwise quotable ...

"Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.  You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." (Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince)

"I have a boyfriend!"  "That is why you bought all those new sweaters."  "Guilty!"  "The purple one with the panther is perfect; that is perfection."  "I know, it's like they threw a panther in the air and caught it in embroidery."  (Kath & Kim, U.S. NBC pilot)

image ...

This adorable photograph of a bunny is courtesy Amy Sondova of Backseat Writer (copyright):