Dear Member & Supporter;

Sometimes I find it hard to believe that ARAN is still very much a small grassroots group. For nearly seventeen years now we’ve being fighting animal abuse.  There can be no denying it that our work continues to be highly effective in various areas ranging from effective media coverage, life changing educational programs, grassroots activism and inspiring huge numbers of people everywhere to take action to help animals.  Whilst I am often the more public face of ARAN, what lies behind the scenes is a determined group of highly educated, tenacious volunteers working often long, hard, stressful hours – and the work pays off because we’re seeing positive change happening faster than ever before.  Every single day of the week I receive many calls, emails and yes the good old-fashioned letters from our members everywhere thanking us for the work that ARAN does but more importantly to thank us for touching or changing their lives or indeed someone they know and this is how we gauge success.  I wish I could tell you that we'll end all this suffering, exploitation and cruelty right now, but we won't, and it's going to take some time, but what I do want you to know is that there is hope on the horizon and I mean that because we're seeing so much change in peoples attitudes and behaviors and we know our work is paying off faster than ever before.

Please see attached some nice pictures of recent ARAN events:-

      

For the last four and a half months we have led massive outreach efforts on the streets, we’ve mobilised hundreds of our supporters to take action, led big demonstrations to expose fur farms, animal experimentation, circuses, slaughterhouses and much more and yes, media coverage, we’ve literally blanketed the entire country with the animals’ plight on possibly every local radio station and newspaper in the country, and of course on every national radio station and newspaper - consistently.  It was only up until last week that our media coverage has started to quieting down which gives us more time to focus on other areas.  There can be no denying it those who hurt and abuse animals would never want ARAN being this effective and they would NEVER want you supporting ARAN.  But to be this effective it takes huge amounts of long hours, sleepless nights, stressful moments and painstaking bearing witness to the cruelty through the continuous heartbreaking undercover investigations that are coming out and that we review – we're happy to take on this pressure, but we honestly cannot do this without you.  

Remember, that the next time we ask you for your time to write an email or letter, send a donation, or attend an ARAN event or demonstration that those simple requests are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what goes on behind the scenes at ARAN to fight animal abuse – you really have the easiest options of fighting animal abuse.  I honestly would hate to think if ARAN was to wrap up in the morning, it would be a very sad, dark day for the animals – but I hope that I can count on your support to ensure our continued determination, growth and success.

Thank you,

John Carmody

Founder of ARAN

P.S. Click here for a really nice video link to our latest school educational class. It's because of the kind, generous support of our members that we can get in to schools and out on the streets, but there really is so much more that we want to do and cannot, because we simply do not have the resources to do so.

Don't sit around the house. Get out and enjoy nature! LOL

A FRIEND SENT ME THIS I HAD TO SHARE LOL :) 

Don't sit around the house.
        Get out and enjoy nature!

              

            
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
 
          Never mind, go back inside

Tell the Indian Tourism Minister that you won't visit India until it enforce's the ban on the Jallikattu.

 

Dear Member & Supporter,

This week ARAN will launch a new 'boycott' drive to support efforts in India to enforce an existing ban on the cruel Indian, Jallikattu, which is currently going un-enforced, but what is Jallikattu? Jallikattu is a cruel contact game in which terrified bulls are surrounded by hundreds of shouting men, are hit with fists, have their tails twisted and pulled – and some even snapped and broken – and are jumped on and wrestled to the ground. Men pounce on the backs of bulls, sometimes alone, sometimes together and attempt to wrestle him to the ground. There are reports that chili powder is rubbed into the bulls’ eyes, they are given alcohol and then have to undergo the trauma of being chased by mobs who try to overpower and bring them down. Investigations at five Jallikattu events after these regulations had come into place documented bulls being tied so tightly it would cause them severe discomfort and pain, hit with fists, having their tails twisted and pulled, jumped on and wrestled to the ground. Not only is Jallikattu cruel to animals, it also poses a threat to public safety. In one four-day period in January 2011 again after these regulations came to be, 215 people sustained injuries during Jallikattu events. Out of this, 154 people were spectators who suffered injuries. Two people died. Click here to see the Jallikattu.

ARAN has started contacting Indian officials, tourist agencies and others to inform them of our efforts to highlight the cruel spectacle here in Ireland and across Europe with our below 'ad' which is a mock-up of the 'Incredible India' tourist ad's that promote the beautiful country.

TAKE ACTION:

Tell the Indian Tourism Minister that you won't visit India until it enforce's the ban on the Jallikattu. Email, tourismminister@nic.in.

Rani Singh

Research Coordinator 

Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN)

ARAN Sparks National Debate with New Campaign to Stop the Killing of Dogs this Christmas

  VIA 

"I honestly never gave adopting an animal a second thought until I read about the killing of dogs in pounds. Your striking image in today's Irish Times has certainly sent a shiver down my spine that I now intend on taking a dog from the pound or shelter when the time comes, but more importantly, I will never, ever buy from a breeder again. I wish you all the very best in your noble endeavors".

"A superb piece of publicity, John, and the combination of picture, plus the very extensive text, really bring the problem home. You're a master of management, someday you'll have a political party knocking on your door, begging you to handle their PR profile - wait and see!".

"My heart goes out to all you beautiful people at ARAN for your inspiring and truly dedicated campaigning to save the lives of dogs in the pounds. You've opened my eyes, and my heart".

"Thank god for ARAN, your campaigns are truly changing the entire face of a nation that has been ignorant to the plight of all animals".

"And always a lot of media! That's the power of ARAN. I think we'll copy this demo, it's very good to get the attention for the topic from the media and public! And what works for Ireland will work for Belgium too, I think".

Dear Supporters & Members,

The above is just some of the many emails coming into ARAN since the launch of our new campaign yesterday. The response to our latest initiative is certainly sparking debate across the country and we have no doubt our efforts will spare the lives of dogs this christmas and beyond, keep reading, and be sure to watch our campaign video, here. Official statistics released by the Department of Environment to ARAN for 2010 revealed that over 5,000 dogs were killed in Irish pounds last year, ARAN believes that figure is much higher considering the many thousands of animals who die on the streets due to starvation, disease, accidents and cruelty situations. To combat the problem just in time for christmas, we kicked off a new campaign that will tour various Irish cities that have the highest dog-pound kill rates, a team of campaigners from ARAN laying “dead” in real donated “blood” covered body bags in a cordoned off “crime scene” to symbolise the death of dogs in pounds taken out in bags. Another team spoke with shoppers and the media about the importance of giving a helpless animal a permanent, forever loving home through a shelter or reputable rescue center who are busting at the seems with desperate animals all looking for a good home. A couple of campaigners held posters with an image of a dead dog with the tagline ‘Buying Animals is Killing Animals, Adopt – Don’t Buy'. The event struck a serious cord with the many who stopped-by to get a glimpse of what was going on. 

National radio station 4FM kicked off ARAN’s campaign less than 24 hours before it being launched, the programme also enabled us to talk about other campaigns such as veganism, blood sports, animal-act circuses, animal experiments and our campaign to ban fur factory farming in Ireland. The morning of our event, online news sites including Sligo Today, Breaking News and Irish Examiner ran articles, whilst radio stations were lining ARAN up for interviews. Dublin’s 98FM, FM104, Newstalk, Today FM, Beat FM, Tipperary FM and others were also covering the campaign that went out to thousands of listeners. Shortly after our event, the Irish Times ran a fantastic article and covered our campaign the following day with a huge picture showing our ‘Buying Animals is Killing Animals, Adopt - Don’t Buy’ campaign poster. Irish speaking newspaper Gaelsceal is also covering the campaign. Online websites such as Broadsheet picked up on the campaign that stirred debate amongst their readers, and websites as far-afield as Korea, Holland and India picked up on the issue too. If people who bought dogs from breeders had to face the consequences right then and there, they would be a lot more likely to do the right thing and adopt from an animal shelter instead. No matter how they do the math, buying an animal from a breeder adds up to killing a homeless animal in an animal shelter.

YOU CAN HELP STEM THE TIDE OF DOGS DYING IN POUNDS:-

1. If you are looking to give an animal a permanent loving home, always adopt and never breed or buy.
2. Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter about the importance of the above. Contact ARAN for a copy of our ‘Buying Animals is Killing Animals’ poster used during our Grafton Street event.
3. Write a letter to your local or national newspapers explaining the importance of adopting a shelter dog or cat. Contact ARAN for a list of your local newspapers and tips on effective letter writing.
4. Always spay and neuter your companion animal and encourage everyone you know to do the same.

ARAN is now fighting animal abuse sixteen years. We could never be Ireland's most effective, active, vibrant and outspoken voice for animals if it were not for our loyal army of now almost 4,000 supporters, and a team of tenacious, dedicated volunteers spanning most parts of the country, thank you.

ARAN

‘Fighting animal abuse across Ireland’

P.S. This is not the first time in the space of two weeks that we’ve stepped in to help animals! Many supporters may recall two pigs running from a farm in Ennis, Co. Clare. Shortly after the animals were caught, ARAN picked up on the story and offered to buy the animals and retire them to caring sanctuaries that we had lined up. Using the opportunity to make the connection that all animals have the same feelings just like dogs and cats, media coverage enabled us to get the plight of these animals and the feelings of all animals on live on Clare FM, with print articles appearing in Clare Herald, Clare Champion, Irish Daily Mirror, Irish Independent, Irish Star, Irish Sun and Irish Examiner. Sadly the farmers did not come out and offer the animals to ARAN, however our message of kindness towards animals was heard loud and clear. Also today, Irish speaking newspaper, Foinse, is covering ARAN's ban fur factory farming in Ireland campaign.

 

YouTube - Videos from this email

Breaking News: New Investigation Exposes Ireland's Shameful Fur Farms, Again!

Dear Supporters,

ARAN, Respect for Animals and the Animal, Anima and Fur Free Alliance (FFA) have released the findings of a new 2011 undercover investigation into Ireland's shameful fur factory farms, showing that yet again, animal suffering, is still very much business as usual. The recently obtained footage from an Irish mink farm, reveals images of animal suffering, including painful injuries on mink's tails; cramped, aged and filthy cages riddled with the animal faeces, and more shockingly the images of stressed, traumatised and balding animals; which spotlights the stereotypical behavior associated with intensive farming. Ireland's government are seeking submissions into Irish fur farms which close on December 31. The campaign received impressive media coverage including a full page exclusive article in the Irish Daily Mirror with a follow up from Irish newspaper, Foinse, radio stations such as Ocean FM, Highland Radio, Radio Kerry and Near FM also covering the issue. To launch the campaign, a giant mobile billboard shadowed the Department of Agriculture in Dublin with a message 'FUR FARMING: TIME FOR A BAN,' before taking to the streets to garner public support. Click here to see the billboard in action. 

Take action to ban fur factory farms now. Log onto our brand new website www.banfurfarms.ie to see the investigation, and then let our politicians know how you feel about animal abuse, and we've also made it easy and convenient for you to do so. Type a short message on the link inside the website, include your contact details, press send, and our legislators will know how you feel.

Ireland's outspoken vet on animal welfare, Peter Wedderburn had the following to say upon reviewing the footage.  "In the video footage of the mink farm, there were several aspects that cause specific concerns. The animals seem to be kept at a high stocking rate, causing forced proximity to one another, with consequent social pressures that lead to repeated bouts of fighting. Episodes of fighting are demonstrated on the video. This in turn results in physical injuries, with one mink shown to have an open wound on its tail and another with the end of its tail completely severed. The mink cages have wire mesh flooring. This may be convenient from a management point of view to prevent body waste accumulating, but from an animal welfare perspective, a solid floor is preferable. Wire mesh can be a stressful underfoot surface, requiring the animal to choose its footing carefully to avoid the feet slipping through the gaps, and the narrow gauge of the wire can lead to pressure sores on the feet. Farmed animals should be given the opportunity to express natural behaviours, and it’s difficult to see how this is possible for the mink in the video. They are enclosed in a small, empty space, with no other objects or activities for them to engage with. This is likely to create serious ongoing stress. The gross accumulation of matted faeces in and around the cages is indicative of a poor level of hygiene, with increased risk of ill health as a consequence."

At a news conference held by ARAN, Respect for Animals and Denmark's Anima, on Wednesday, November 30, we called on the government to implement in the upcoming Animal Health & Welfare Bill the original ban on Irish fur factory farming by 2012 as agreed in the previous programme for government. We've got one real chance remaining to ban fur farming in Ireland and we need to pull out all the stops now which is why ARAN and our colleagues are working round the clock, however, we cannot do this alone. Please ensure to send your emails to call on our Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, to ban fur farming in Ireland and to ensure it's part of the upcoming Animal Health and Welfare Bill. If you need any assistance with your email or letter get in touch with us.

Please stand with us as we charge ahead to bring fur factory farming in Ireland to an end, because together, we can make a difference.

ARAN

Watch Senator David Norris Deliver Giant "Postcard' to Highlight Puppy Farm Cruelty

Dear Supporter,

On Wednesday a group of ARAN members joined outspoken human rights campaigner and former 2011 presidential candidate, Senator David Norris, as he delivered a giant “Postcard” to the office of the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan. Whilst Senator Norris held the “postcard” for media photographers, ARAN members held placards of a helpless puppy with the tagline ‘We Hear Your Cries and We’re Coming to Help’. Watch exciting footage of the event here. 

Ireland is known as Europe’s puppy farming capital and this is for a very good reason. Hundreds of puppy farms operate across the country without any laws to govern their activities — the only hope of securing governance over these operations is the ‘Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2010’. For the last year ARAN has been working to ensure the legislation is signed into law and TV3’s recent ‘Animal A&E Investigates’ programme showed the need for the legislation to be enforced. The heartbreaking footage showed unscrupulous puppy breeders keeping female pregnant dogs in damp, dull, dirty and unhygienic ‘sheds’, where the animals appeared filthy, thirsty, hungry and deeply traumatised. Now that we have the Welfare of Greyhounds Act as part of Irish law, we must ensure the Minister signs the ‘Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2010’ into law without delay.

Pictures from the event below

 

TAKE ACTION:-

Send the Minister a polite email outlining why these farms, if they must operate, should be monitored by such legislation to ensure blatant cruelty and suffering is stamped out. Urge him to enact the legislation as a matter of urgency, email:Philip.Hogan@oireachtas.ie.

ARAN believes that there should no puppy farms or dog breeding operations existing in Ireland or anywhere in the world, considering that tens of thousands of helpless and homeless dogs are killed in Irish pounds as well as millions around the world - there should be no need to breed an animalwhen there are thousands awaiting death in pounds and tens of thousands desperate for a good home in many rescue shelters across Ireland and around the world. ARAN’s message is to adopt, never buy and always to spay or neuter your companion animal.

As always, thanks to our supporters and members who ensure that cruelty to animals in this country and around the world does not go unnoticed and unchallenged.

Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN)

'Fighting animal abuse across Ireland'

P.S. To find out how you can take part in upcoming ARAN campaigns, press events, demonstrations and other events designed to bring attention to cruelty to animals, please get in touch.

YouTube - Videos from this email

Please read. You'll be glad you did.

Ugly the cat
Everyone in the apartment complex where I lived knew who Ugly was.
Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world:
fighting, eating garbage, and, shall we say, love.
The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their
effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye and where the other
should have been was a hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side,
his left foot appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed
at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the
corner.
Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby, striped type, except for the sores
covering his head, neck and even his shoulders. Every time someone saw Ugly
there was the same reaction. "That's one UGLY cat!!!”
All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at
him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or
shut his paws in the door when he would not leave.
Ugly always had the same reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would
stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things
at him, he would curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness.
Whenever he spied children, he would come running, meowing frantically and
bump his head against their hands, begging for their love. If you picked him
up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he
could find.
One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor's dogs. They did not respond
kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I
got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly's sad life was almost at an
end. As I picked him up and tried to carry him home, I could hear him
wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. It must be hurting him
terribly, I thought.
Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear.
Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying, was trying to suckle
my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with
his head, then he turned one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the
distinct sound of purring.
Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled scarred cat was asking only for
a little affection, perhaps some compassion. At that moment I thought Ugly
was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he
try to bite or scratch me, try to get away from me, or struggle in any way.
Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.
Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a
long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray
could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of
spirit, to love so totally and truly.
Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books,
lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be
thankful . He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the
inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and
deeply. To give my total to those I cared for. Many people want to be
richer, more successful, well liked, beautiful, but for me.......
I will always try to be Ugly.
*