Irvine bans retail sales of dogs, cats

Attendees, including a man in a dog outfit, celebrate 
the Irvine City Council's vote to ban retail sales of dogs and cats.

By JEFF OVERLEY / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
 

IRVINE – The latest chapter in a fast-growing debate over animal welfare in puppy mills and other venues played out Tuesday night in Irvine, where elected officials backed government intervention to safeguard pets and animals used for entertainment.
On a 4-1 vote that drew a standing ovation, the City Council banned retail sales of dogs and cats, rodeos and circuses featuring exotic animals.

Report: Chinese Raccoon Dogs Skinned Alive for Knockoff Ugg Boots Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/10/11/report-chinese-raccoon-dogs-skinned-alive-for-knockoff-ugg-boots/#ixzz1aXoGUD4y

Raccoon dog in Ranua, Finland

Peter Lilja / Getty Images

It's a trend that provokes mockery, yet persists due to its unrivaled comfort. But now "Ugg boots" — or more specifically, knockoffs of the classic UGG Australia brand — are coming under fire for the inhumane treatment of Chinese raccoon dogs.

How To Win An Argument With A Meat-Eater

• The Hunger Argument
• The Environmental Argument
• The Cancer Argument
• The Cholesterol Argument
• The Natural Resources Argument
• The Antibiotic Argument
• The Pesticide Argument
• The Ethical Argument
• The Survival Argument

"Outsmart him. Outrun him. Outlive him." -- Dave Scott

Animal Cruelty: Who is to Blame?

 

For many of us who are aware of the multitude of ways that animals suffer at the hands of humans around the world, this ubiquitous cruelty is the most pressing social justice issue of them all. From declawing to debeaking, ear clipping to tail docking, the suffering that human beings inflict on animals being used for food, clothing, research, ‘pets’ and entertainment appears to know no bounds, and the many brutal ways in which we force animals to succumb to our desires appear to be limited only by the scope of our imaginations.

But why does all this cruelty take place? And what can we do about this horrifying brutality as individuals? It’s easy to point the finger at the direct perpetrators of animal cruelty as being villains who need to be brought to justice. It’s much harder – and yet much more significant – to turn that critical eye inward and ask oneself, ‘What am I doing to contribute to this?’ But it is only by asking that question that the path toward emancipation from barbaric injustice becomes clear.

Chinese Dog Eating Festival Banned After 600 Years Because Of Social Media Outcry

A 600-year-old dog eating festival in Qianxi, China was banned this week after a massive social media outcry called for its cancellation. Fifteen thousand dogs are slaughtered annually at the festival, which commemorates a battle fought in the town. Before the battle, an invading army killed all the dogs in the town of Qianxi to prevent being exposed by barking dogs. After capturing the town, the army ate the dog meat to celebrate.