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Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!
S. A. E. N.
"Exposing the truth to wipe out animal experimentation"

Newsletters
The Defender
Vol. 3, No. 2 - Winter 2004-2005

From the Desk of Michael Budkie, SAEN’s Executive Director

The death of millions of animals in our nation’s laboratories is a tragedy the likes of which most people never understand. Indeed, it is difficult to comprehend death on such a large scale. Death, even on the smallest scale is often sudden, shocking, and immensely saddening. It is hard to conceptualize the death of over 20 million animals within a single year. But, when death comes knocking at your own door, it is a much more personal experience.

On February 11, 2005, Damian, one of my best friends, passed away from acute kidney failure. Damian was a 12 pound black cat with long hair and intense yellow eyes. He loved to watch the fire or sit on my lap purring softly. He often spoke to me as he walked through our home, though I could not truly understand him. His death was an unexpected tragedy that has left a large void in the life of my family. This issue of The Defender is dedicated to Damian.

Damian is not alone – his death is repeated unendingly. In 2002 over 24,000 cats died in U.S. labs. These cats had no friend, no comforting hand, possibly not even adequate veterinary care. In 2002 over 68,000 dogs died in U.S. labs. Do you share your home with a cat or dog? Is he/she different in any real way from the thousands that suffer and die every day in laboratories? The litany of suffering and death goes on almost without end from day to day and from species to species. Little stands in the way of this tidal wave of mortality -- except you and I. It is up to us to fight for these innocent creatures.

This issue of The Defender will get you current on our common battle. Updates are included on: National Primate Liberation Week 2004 and our work to target a Convention of Cruelty of ‘scientists’, many of whom abuse animals in cruel experiments. Exposing Cruelty and Waste in California reveals our successes in exposing the truth about two horrendous labs in San Francisco and Davis, California.

World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week 2005 discusses how we will work with local activists across the country to raise awareness about the millions of dogs, cats, rabbits, monkeys, mice, guinea pigs, rats, and other animals that suffer and die in our nation’s labs every year. Please see how you can get involved.

Animal experimentation is regulated by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). But laws are only as good as the people enforcing them. While we have always suspected that enforcement of the AWA by the USDA was spotty at best, our recent conversations with several current and past USDA inspectors reveal the truth in: The Betrayal of Animal Protection – the Corruption of the USDA.

As we go through our days of work for the animals, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. We oppose huge government agencies, large laboratories, and well-heeled corporations. Our opponents are fueled by vested interest and self-preservation. Some might think our task immense, the odds daunting, and the likelihood of success small. But no revolution ever appeared likely. Over the years change has taken place because a few individuals steadfastly refused to give up in spite of overwhelming odds. Whether it be American Independence, Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation, or any other worthwhile cause, progress has come because people – just like you and I – demanded it. We must do no less for the animals. Their suffering will allow no less. Their unmourned deaths require us to act.

As this installment of The Defender is going to press, we’re launching investigations into the University of Iowa and the New Iberia Research Center (NIRC -- Louisiana) which imprisons over 6000 primates including chimpanzees. The animals of these and hundreds of other research facilities face imminent death. They have no comforting hand, no pleasant voice. They are denied food, water, and even sunlight. They know only the needle, the scalpel, and the cold hard cage.

Damian is gone, never to return. But his compatriots are in prison. His relatives are dying. He, they, are asking for our help. We cannot, MUST not deny them for they have nowhere else to turn.

As we look forward to major events like World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week 2005 and major protests in San Diego, at the National Institutes of Health, and at the USDA, we are constantly faced with a single question: ‘What can we afford to do?’ Often, the only factor that decides if we take on another lab like NIRC, or if we continue our battle against a major abuser of primates like UC, Davis is money. Can we afford it? You have the power to answer that question.

I cannot turn down Damian’s relatives. I cannot disregard 24,000 suffering cats. I cannot turn down the 4000 primates at UC Davis that cry out for my help. I cannot turn down the activists in Iowa that urgently require our assistance. I cannot ignore the 6000 primates incarcerated at NIRC. Can YOU?

I am grateful for your previous gifts which allowed us to come so far in our fight for the freedom of the animals that are victimized in U.S. labs. Please give generously so that we may continue our fight. Your donation of $25, $50, or $100 will help us to fight for the 24,000 cats that are imprisoned and suffering right now. Larger gifts of $250, $500, or $1000 will help us take on new campaigns like NIRC. Thank you in advance for your donation.

Return to The Defender Vol. 3, No. 2 - Winter 2004-2005
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