ASPCA Blog

FDA Asks Farmers to Voluntarily Stop Using Antibiotics—Is It Enough?

Monday, April 16, 2012 - 3:45pm
Cow

Guest blog post from Suzanne McMillan, ASPCA Director of Farm Animal Welfare

As many of you know, animals raised on factory farms often receive antibiotics in order to remain healthy in an otherwise harmful environment as well as to promote growth. But there are dangers involved for both humans and animals! Antibiotic resistance in humans is a very big concern, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been under increasing pressure to do something about it.

Last week the FDA finally responded, releasing three documents addressing the use of antibiotics in livestock. While it’s great that the FDA is acknowledging a problem, these documents are extremely disappointing. Producers are simply asked to voluntarily curb their use of antibiotics, and pharmaceutical companies are asked to voluntarily stop labeling certain antibiotics as useful for livestock growth. All of this despite a federal court ruling just last month that ordered FDA to stop relying on voluntary programs to curb the use of certain antibiotics. Further, these programs focus only on using antibiotics for growth promotion—not on the similarly common practice of feeding animals antibiotics to prop up their already weak immune systems.

The coalition Keep Antibiotics Working, of which the ASPCA is a member, calls the FDA’s new plan an “inadequate response” and urges it to, at the very least, establish “an enforcement mechanism and timeline” for achieving the voluntary protocols it proposes. 

For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to help farmed animals, please visit our Farm Animal Cruelty section.

Tags: 
Advocacy
Farm Animals

Time to Get Active: It's National Volunteer Week!

Monday, April 16, 2012 - 4:00pm

For 146 years, our members have been getting active for animals. In honor of National Volunteer Week, we want to take a moment and thank YOU for all that you do for animals. From assisting in the care and placement of shelter animals to educating the public on animal welfare issues, the work you do saves lives!

To help keep you motivated, we’ve come up with a few easy volunteer tips that pack a big punch!

Volunteer at your local shelter or animal rescue organization. Shelters across the country are in desperate need of volunteers to help out with tasks as diverse as walking dogs, organizing fundraising events, and fostering abused or frightened animals. Check out our top ways to help your local shelter.

Become an Animal Activist. Being a voice for animals can mean educating the public on spaying/neutering, fighting for stronger animal legislation or reporting animal cruelty. Check out these easy ways you can speak up for those who can’t.

Support the ASPCA. Volunteers have been the heart of our organization since its founding in 1866. The ASPCA remains the leader in rescuing animals from abuse, passing humane laws and sharing resources with shelters nationwide. Become a member today and directly help us—and our furry friends.

Don't forget to share this page with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter!

Tags: 
Take Action
Volunteer

A Sad Day for Dogs in Missouri—House Votes to Repeal Prop B

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 3:00pm
A Sad Day for Dogs in Missouri—House Votes to Repeal Prop B

Folks, we are facing our worst-case scenario: By a vote of 85-71, the Missouri House of Representatives has just joined the Missouri Senate in passing Senate Bill 113. This Bill would result in the total repeal of Prop B—also known as the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act—and wipe out the provisions to protect puppy mill dogs Missouri citizens fought for.

“On November 2, Missourians went to the polls, and Prop B won with the support of nearly a million Missouri voters,” says Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives. “Whether you care about ending puppy mill cruelty or the democratic process, this attack on the will of the people is appalling.”

It is now in the hands of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to stop this assault on voters’ rights—and our team is on full alert ready to take necessary action. Please stay tuned for breaking news regarding the repeal of Prop B.

Tags: 
Advocacy
Animal Cruelty
Puppy Mills

Spring Cleaning? Don't Toss Those Towels!

Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 3:45pm

Hey folks, anyone else in the mood for a little spring cleaning? There’s something so refreshing about emptying out the closets—but before you toss your dusty treasures, give your local shelter a call. It likely could use old towels, bedding, plastic bags, office supplies…and much more!

What better feeling than knowing a homeless pet is snuggled up on that old comforter you no longer use or that your old printer is now helping to make adoption flyers? Plus, items don't need to be in tip-top shape—just clean!

For more easy ways to make a difference, visit our Top Ten Ways to Help Your Local Shelter. And thanks in advance for putting smiles on furry faces!

Tags: 
Take Action
Volunteer

Happy 146th Birthday, ASPCA!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 3:45pm

Gee, that sure is a lot of candles on our cake. Yep, today marks the 146th birthday of the ASPCA, the oldest humane organization in the Western Hemisphere (but we’ve been told we don’t look a day over 100!).

When our founder Henry Bergh first spoke up for animals in Civil War-era New York, America was not a very animal-friendly place—but Bergh rallied people to the cause and succeeded in getting the New York State Legislature to pass a charter incorporating the ASPCA on April 10, 1866. Nine days later, the first anti-cruelty law was passed and, with a team of three, the ASPCA began working to enforce it.

Within five years, SPCAs had sprung up in cities including Boston, Buffalo and San Francisco. By 1888, 37 of the 38 states in the Union had passed anti-cruelty laws! We’re proud of the ASPCA’s role in changing the way people think about animals, and even prouder of you, our supporters, for helping us do such great work. In celebration, please join us this month in going orange for animals!

Want to Donate Your Birthday to the ASPCA?
Henry Bergh spent his life helping to fight animal cruelty—think of how proud he would be if you donated your birthday to help animals. It’s easy. Just set up your own special ASPCA birthday page and watch as your family and friends donate critical funds to animals in your honor.

And thank you for 146 years of compassion!

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