Puppy Burned, Beaten and Left for Dead Inspires New Legislation

It's hard to believe that the court system is leaving in the Perpetrator's  (Human Garbage) care..... an infant.  

Full Article: Here

Puppy Burned, Beaten and Left for Dead Inspires New Legislation

posted by: alicia graef

Last August an eight-week old pit-bull shepherd mix was found by a passer-by in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. She had second and third-degree burns covering more than 60 percent of her body, along with a broken jaw and teeth. More than 300 maggots found on her body left vets to conclude she had been left for dead two weeks prior.

Despite the severity of her injuries, the puppy who has since been named Susie, fought to live and was lucky enough to get taken in by the Guilford County Animal Shelter, receive extensive vet care and find a new loving home.

While what would push someone to commit these acts of cruelty is unfathomable to most people the guilty party here, Lashawn Whitehead, then 20, gave the explanation that the dog jumped on the couch next to his newborn and he just “lost it.” Yes, this man has a newborn baby too.

Whitehead was sentenced in March and received probation for animal cruelty and six-eight months in jail for setting personal property on fire. Despite the disturbing nature of the crime, the state’s laws currently only call for probation for a first offense.

Disappointed by the outcome of the sentencing, Susie’s supporters set out to gain support for tougher penalties for animal abusers in North Carolina with Susie’s Law, S.B. 254. Community members wrote lawmakers and canvassed neighborhoods with information packets about new legislation that would make animal abuse a Class F felony, which would allow judges to hand out a jail sentence to those convicted. Animal cruelty is currently a Class I felony, which doesn’t include jail time.

Advocates of the law are also pushing for tougher laws against animal abusers with the sentiment that it’s something that can benefit children and families as well. Animal abuse is a well-known predictor of violence towards humans and other crimes.

A few state representatives stepped up to sponsor the bill that passed the Judiciary III Committee and House of Representatives unanimously with bipartisan support this week. Susie’s Law is now on its way to the state Senate where it will either be sent on to the governor for a signature, or sent back to committee. If it’s signed into law, it will take effect on December 1.

Meanwhile, Susie’s reportedly working on campaigning for the law in her honor, in addition to training to be a therapy dog who will visit burn units, among other facilities.

Visit North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare for more information on how to help.

Gulf Oil Spill: 10 Horrifying Facts You Never Wanted To Know

Gulf Oil Spill: 10 Horrifying Facts You Never Wanted To Know

posted by: Beth Buczynski 1 day ago

Despite promising efforts to stop the Gulf oil leak through a 'top kill' effort, a mind boggling amount of damage has already been done to this precious ocean ecosystem.

It can be hard to keep track of all the devastating statistics, quotes, and facts concerning this disaster, but it is essential that the public maintain a working knowledge of what's going on, both politically and environmentally.

As a people, we must demand change from both an oil industry that drills first and asks questions later, and the corrupt government agencies that let them get away with it. We must also realize that we have encouraged this sort of behavior through lifestyles that are addicted to oil, and an unwillingness to make sacrifices for a cleaner, healthier future.

Here are 10 of the most horrifying facts about the Gulf oil spill. Read them and let their gravity weigh heavy on your hearts and minds. Let them motivate you to take action so our planet never experiences this kind of manmade disaster ever again.

1. New estimates show the undersea well has spilled between 17 and 39 million gallons. These estimates dwarf those of BP, who claimed the spill had only released 11 million gallons to date, and mean that the Gulf leak is far bigger than Exxon Valdez, making it the worst spill in American history.

2. The National Wildlife Federation reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead. And 316 sea birds, mostly brown pelicans and northern gannets, have been found dead along the Gulf Coast as a result of the spreading oil.

3. The Minerals Management Service, directly under the supervision of the Interior Department failed to impose a full review of potential environmental impacts of the BP drilling operation because preliminary reviews of the area concluded that a massive oil spill was "unlikely."

4. The Department of the Interior’s Office of the Inspector General released a report indicating that at one Gulf Coast office of MMS, agency officials attended sporting events on the dime of oil companies, stored porn on company computers, used cocaine and crystal meth, falsified inspection reports, and accepted "gifts" from "good friends in the oil industry." (Links via ProPublica). 

5. A significant amount of the oil slick is being drawn well to the south in the east-central Gulf of Mexico, meaning that it has been captured by the Loop Current. Oil in the loop is a hazard to the Florida Keys, (and entire East Coast) as well as areas of the west coast of Florida. Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico could also be at risk of exposure to the oil, which also could be drawn into the Gulf Stream through the Florida Straits, and perhaps northward to part of the Atlantic Seaboard.

6. As much as we'd like to forget it, the Gulf Coast is prime hurricane country, and if a storm blows in, the result could be devastating. The presence of oil could lead to a more powerful hurricane because crude accumulating at the surface could be raising the temperature of the surrounding water.

7. Transocean Ltd., the owner of the Deepwater Horizon rig leased by BP, has been flying under the radar in the mainstream blame game. Because of past experience with Gulf Oil spills, Transocean decided to insure the Deepwater Horizon rig for about twice what it was worth. In a conference call to analysts earlier this month, Transocean reported making a $270 million profit from insurance payouts after the disaster.

8. Perhaps because it knows the possibility of remedying the situation is practically impossible, BP has made publicly available its laughable "Oil Spill Response Plan" which is, in fact, no plan at all. Besides mentioning the protection of Arctic wildlife (probably lifted directly from the Exxon Valdez plan), the plan does not include any disease-preventing measures, oceanic or meteorological data, and is comprised mostly of phone numbers and blank forms. Most importantly, it includes no directions for how to deal with another deep-water explosion in the future.

9. A large number of fishermen are becoming seriously ill - and many of them believe that the chemicals that BP is using in the Gulf are to blame. Local shrimpers in Louisiana are already predicting that it will be seven years before they can set to sea again.

10. Gambling websites are now placing odds on what species will be first to become extinct as a result of the oil belching from BP's ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico.

SIGN THE PETITIONS!

• Prevent Another Oil Spill: Rethink Offshore Drilling
• Tell President Obama to Stop Offshore Drilling!

Find full Care2 Coverage of the Spill here.

SHUT DOWN CONKLIN DAIRY FARMS

 I must admit, I couldn't watch this. I can't watch an an animal be abused.  It would shatter me, I am still haunted by visions of animal abuse from 15 years ago.

Sign Petition



Sign Petition

SHUT DOWN CONKLIN DAIRY FARMS AND ARREST AND CHARGE GARY CONKLIN AND HIS CREW WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY!!!

Targeting: The Governor of OH, The OH State Senate, The OH State House, see more...The Governor of OH, The OH State Senate, The OH State House, Trent Grant (Madison County Ohio Deputy Prosecuting Attorney ), US House (United States House of Representatives), Sid D. Brown (Madison County Ohio Prosecuting Attorney ), Joe Biden (Vice President of the United States), Troy D. Evans (Madison County Ohio Deputy Prosecuting Attorney ), US Senate (United States Senate) and Barak Obama (President of the United States)
Started by: Joan E Loza Mobry

SHUT DOWN CONKLIN DAIRY FARMS AT 12939 US HIGHWAY 42 IN N PLAIN CITY, OHIO IMMEDIATELY AND ARREST AND CHARGE GARY CONKLIN AND HIS CREW WITH EXTREME ANIMAL ABUSE, EXTREME ANIMAL CRUELTY AND EXTREME ANIMAL TORTURE!!!

Gary Conklin, owner of Conklin Dairy Farms, located at 12939 US Highway 42 N Plain City, Ohio 43064-8748 (telephone number (614) 873-8024) and his crew were filmed by Mercy For Animals committing horrific acts of Extreme Animal Abuse, Extreme Animal Cruelty and Extreme Animal Torture. During these horrific acts, ALL of the offenders were filmed laughing and joking about how they enjoy torturing these poor animals.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!

Gary Conklin, of Conklin Dairy Cattle Sales LLC, said Tuesday night in an e-mailed statement. ''We will not condone animal abuse on our farm.''

I have watched the video in it's entirety. Gary Conklin is on the video (at the 1:25 counter) and he is clearly abusing a cow. Gary Conklin is kicking the cow in the face, head and neck numerous times with extreme force!!! His claims of not condoning abuse can only be described as an out and out BOLD FACED LIE!!!

Sign this petition and demand that Gary Conklin and his crew be arrested and charged with Extreme Animal Abuse, Extreme Animal Cruelty and Extreme Animal Torture and that Conklin Dairy Farms in N Plain City, Ohio be immediately shut down!!!

"Animals Do Not Have A Voice Of Their Own. If We Do Not Stand Up And Speak For Them... Who Will?!"
~ Joan E Loza Mobry

SHUT DOWN CONKLIN DAIRY FARMS AT 12939 US HIGHWAY 42 IN N PLAIN CITY, OHIO IMMEDIATELY AND ARREST AND CHARGE GARY CONKLIN AND HIS CREW WITH EXTREME ANIMAL ABUSE, EXTREME ANIMAL CRUELTY AND EXTREME ANIMAL TORTURE!!!


Please Note: If you Have An International Address And You Would Like To Sign This Or any Other Petition On Change.org There Are 2 Ways That You Can Do This...

1. Address: Your Address. City: Your City, Your Country. Zip Code: 12345 (or any other 5 random numbers). State: AL (only because it is the first on the list, you can use any one you choose).

2. Address: 1234 My Street (or any other 4 random numbers & any other "Street Name" that you choose). City: Your City, Your Country. Zip Code: 12345 (or any 5 random numbers). state: AL (only because it is the first on the list, you can use any one you choose).



Petition Text
SHUT DOWN CONKLIN DAIRY FARMS AND ARREST AND CHARGE GARY CONKLIN AND HIS CREW WITH EXTREME ANIMAL CR

Dear Elected Officials,

Gary Conklin, owner of Conklin Dairy Farms, located at 12939 US Highway 42 N Plain City, Ohio 43064-8748 (telephone number (614) 873-8024) and his crew were filmed by Mercy For Animals committing horrific acts of Extreme Animal Abuse, Extreme Animal Cruelty and Extreme Animal Torture. During these horrific acts, ALL of the offenders were filmed laughing and joking about how they enjoy torturing these poor animals.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!

This is the link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYTkM1OHFQg&feature=player_embedded#!

Please watch the video and see for yourself just how cruel and sadistic these horrific acts of violence against innocent animals are. I assure you that you will be equally shocked and horrified by these sadistic acts of Extreme Animal Abuse, Extreme Animal Cruelty and Extreme Animal Torture THIS MUST END NOW!!!

Gary Conklin, of Conklin Dairy Cattle Sales LLC, said Tuesday night in an e-mailed statement. ''We will not condone animal abuse on our farm.''

I have watched the video in it's entirety. Gary Conklin is on the video (at the 1:25 counter) and he is clearly abusing a cow. Gary Conklin is kicking the cow in the face, head and neck numerous times with extreme force!!! His claims of not condoning abuse can only be described as an out and out BOLD FACED LIE!!!

We The Undersigned Are Alarmed And Shocked That These Acts Of Extreme Animal Abuse, Extreme Animal Cruelty And Extreme Animal Torture Have Occurred And That They Have Been Allowed To Continue!!!

We The Undersigned Demand That CONKLIN DAIRY FARMS AT 12939 US HIGHWAY 42 IN N PLAIN CITY, OHIO IS SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY AND THAT GARY CONKLIN AND HIS CREW ARE ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH EXTREME ANIMAL ABUSE, EXTREME ANIMAL CRUELTY AND EXTREME ANIMAL TORTURE!!!

We The Undersigned Request That These Poor Abused And Tortured Animals Be Sent To An Animal Sanctuary Where They Can Live Out The Remainder Of Their Lives Free From Acts Of Animal Abuse, Animal Cruelty And Animal Torture.

Thank You For You Prompt And Direct Attention To This Very Serious Matter.

Respectfully,
Joan E Loza Mobry
and

[Your name]

Conklin Dairy Farms Video Shows Cows Being Violently Abused ~VIDEO

AP / Huffington Post   |  By MEGHAN BARR 

CLEVELAND (AP/Huffington Post)-- An animal welfare group said Tuesday that a graphic video it secretly recorded shows workers at a dairy farm beating cows with crowbars, stabbing them with pitchforks and punching them in their heads.
The video was recorded in an undercover investigation at Conklin Dairy Farms Inc., said Mercy For Animals, a not-for-profit group that publicizes what it calls cruel practices in the dairy, meat and egg industries and promotes a vegan diet.
The video shows workers at the federally-subsidized farm holding down newborn calves and stomping on their heads. It shows one worker wiring a cow's nose to a metal bar near the ground and repeatedly beating it with another bar while it bleeds.
Conklin Dairy Farms, a fourth-generation family operation based in Plain City, said it takes the care of its cows and calves very seriously and had reviewed the video.
"The video shows animal care that is clearly inconsistent with the high standards we set for our farm and its workers, and we find the specific mistreatment shown on the video to be reprehensible and unacceptable," Gary Conklin, of Conklin Dairy Cattle Sales LLC, said Tuesday night in an e-mailed statement. "We will not condone animal abuse on our farm."
The company said it would interview its farm workers and anyone found to have willfully abused the cows or calves would be fired.
Since 1995, Conklin Dairy Farms has received almost $36,000 in federal farm subsidies, according to a database of farm subsidies maintained by the Environmental Working Group. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave Conklin Farms almost $12,000.

Story continues below

Last year, Mercy For Animals, which is based in Chicago, released a video showing workers at an Iowa egg hatchery tossing male chicks into a grinder. Industry groups said such instantaneous euthanasia was a common practice because male chicks can't lay eggs or be raised quickly enough to be sold for meat.
Mercy For Animals' executive director, Nathan Runkle, said the cow video was shot between April 28 and Sunday by an undercover worker at the dairy, about 25 miles northwest of Columbus. He said the documented abuse violates Ohio's anti-animal cruelty statute.
In 2009, Ohio voters passed a state constitutional amendment that authorized the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. The board is currently soliciting comments, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Mercy For Animals presented the video and the evidence it collected to the prosecutor's office in Marysville. The prosecutor's office didn't respond to a request for comment late Tuesday.
WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS DISTURBING IMAGES