AR-NEWS Digest 495 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) (US) USDA develops fast test for E. coli bacteria by allen schubert 2) (US) List of Yellowstone's Problems by allen schubert 3) (US) E. coli Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts by allen schubert 4) (US) Monkeys Allegedly Used for Research by allen schubert 5) (US) Wording of New Ben & Jerry's Labels by allen schubert 6) (US) Ben & Jerry's To Label Products by allen schubert 7) (US) Company Recalling More Hamburger by allen schubert 8) [US] Kelly Miller Circus Coming by Debbie Leahy 9) Letter to copy on downed animals by jeanlee 10) Reward Offered In Frog Abuse Case by SDURBIN@VM.TULSA.CC.OK.US 11) Re: Letter to copy on downed animals by Liz Grayson 12) (UK) Beagles rescued from research breeder by Chris Wright 13) "Compassion for Animals" by "bhgazette" 14) "Compassion for Animals" by "bhgazette" 15) Court TV: Kennel Abuse case (Swen & Jeanette Bergman) by Pat Fish 16) [CA] New Age Hunting by David J Knowles 17) Dallas World Aquarium Inia Import Permit - Comment Period[US] by bchorush@paws.org (pawsinfo) 18) The Bear Facts by Sean Thomas 19) The Bear Facts by Sean Thomas 20) Health Canada Website, www.hwc.ca by Sean Thomas 21) (US) Oklahoma Horse Abuse Case by JanaWilson@aol.com 22) Ct. Gov. Signs Bill to Ban the Drowning of Wildlife by Mike Markarian 23) Richard Leakey Event on Oct. 29, 1997 by SDURBIN@VM.TULSA.CC.OK.US 24) Huntington Alert!! by Jun1022@cybernex.net (Student Abolitionist League) 25) Cats set on fire by mad "people" by "sa338@blues.uab.es" 26) (US/UK) U.K. Youth Ate 'Mad Cow'-Risky Meat by allen schubert 27) Admin Note--was...Re: Letter to copy on downed animals by allen schubert 28) (US) U.S. Expands Hamburger Recall by allen schubert 29) (US) Clinton Signs Tuna-Dolphin Bill by allen schubert 30) [CA] New Age Hunting (Correction) by David J Knowles 31) largest hamburger recall in history (USA) by NOVENAANN@aol.com 32) Hudson Foods hamburger recallexpanded to 1.2 million pounds by Vegetarian Resource Center 33) department of defense online database by NOVENAANN@aol.com 34) (US) Soy, Fiber Diet Cuts Endometrial Cancer by allen schubert Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 00:01:07 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) USDA develops fast test for E. coli bacteria Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815000104.006d5930@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" from Mercury Center Web page: ------------------------------------------------- Posted at 4:00 p.m. PDT Thursday, August 14, 1997 USDA develops fast test for E. coli bacteria WASHINGTON (AP) -- The food industry soon will be able to quickly and accurately detect E. coli bacteria in meat, produce and other products under a test developed by Agriculture Department scientists, officials said Thursday. The test, described as similar in method to a home pregnancy test, can determine the presence of a dangerous strain of E. coli within five to 10 minutes instead of 48 hours or more, said USDA scientist Dan Laster. ``We think this will encourage more testing of meat and other foods because it is such a simple process,'' said Laster, who developed the material used in the tests at the agency's Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman said the tests will be used to find E. coli in food ``before it gets to the grocery store and the kitchen table.'' The food industry performs such tests voluntarily. The tests will be marketed for about $10 each beginning in two weeks by Meridian Diagnostics Inc. of Cincinnati, which developed them along with the Agriculture Department. Meridian already makes tests for many infectious illnesses. The company also plans to apply for Food and Drug Administration approval for consumer uses beyond the wholesale food industry, perhaps even in private homes, said Meridian Chairman William J. Motto. ``In theory, you could use it anywhere,'' Motto said. People infected with E. coli bacteria develop bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps, and it can be fatal. It is most dangerous to infants, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Just this week, a major hamburger supplier was forced to recall 40,000 pounds of meat because of fears of E. coli contamination, and the Centers for Disease Control reported Thursday that contaminated alfalfa sprouts sickened some 70 people in Michigan and Virginia. Some current E. coli tests work as rapidly as the new test, but are not as accurate. And those that are as accurate take longer and cost more, officials said. In general, the tests would be used this way: A sample of fluid from meat or produce -- for example, water used to wash strawberries -- would be placed in a plastic well. A color would immediately appear indicating that the test was done properly. Then within a few minutes, a second color would appear to indicate whether dangerous E. coli are present. Companies usually test samples from a batch of meat or produce to check for harmful bacteria in the entire lot. If the test performs as well in private industry as it has in the laboratory, Glickman said it would be added to the Agriculture Department's own food-testing programs. That testing, by federal inspectors, is in addition to the food industry's own voluntary testing. Eventually, Laster said, scientists hope to develop similar tests that can be used on animals before they are slaughtered for food. Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 00:22:09 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) List of Yellowstone's Problems Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815002207.0071c02c@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ref to bison & brucellosis from AP Wire page: ----------------------------------------- 08/14/1997 16:55 EST List of Yellowstone's Problems By The Associated Press Some of the problems affecting Yellowstone, the crown jewel of America's national park system: MONEY: There isn't enough. The park budget has increased from about $12 million a year in the mid-1980s to more than $20 million today. But higher operating costs, an increasing number of programs and inflation have forced cuts in personnel, maintenance and other areas. INFRASTRUCTURE: It's crumbling. Yellowstone has about 2,200 buildings. Many have leaky roofs, deteriorating foundations and other problems. Sewer and water service are also falling apart. Roads are buckled and riddled with potholes. BRUCELLOSIS: The disease caused a national uproar last winter. Montana officials, afraid Yellowstone bison would spread the disease to cattle, killed or sent to slaughter nearly 1,100 bison -- one-third of the park's herd. Brucellosis can cause cattle to miscarry but has never been shown to have been transmitted from wildlife to livestock. LAKE TROUT: The exotic species is eating up the native Yellowstone cutthroat, on which grizzly bears and bald eagles feed. Lake trout were illegally introduced to Yellowstone at least 15 years ago. Biologists are trying to remove the fish, and fishermen must keep all lake trout they catch. VISITORS: Their numbers continue to grow. Yearly attendance has jumped by about 1 million in the last decade alone to about 3 million. Officials are looking at ways to control the number of visitors. Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 00:22:18 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) E. coli Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815002215.006d9558@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" from AP Wire page: ------------------------------------ 08/14/1997 17:02 EST E. coli Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts By TARA MEYER Associated Press Writer ATLANTA (AP) -- Alfalfa sprouts tainted with E. coli sickened at least 70 people in Michigan and Virginia, the first time the salad-bar favorite has been blamed for an outbreak of the deadly bacteria, the government said Thursday. The sprouts were probably contaminated by animal waste while they were still seeds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The seeds came from the same distributor, which the CDC would not identify. In June and July, 60 people in Michigan and 48 in Virginia became ill from E. coli bacteria -- about double the numbers from last year, said Dr. Roger Shapiro, a CDC epidemiologist. At least 70 of those cases were linked to tainted sprouts. E. coli causes severe, bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. The infection usually goes away in a week, but sometimes is fatal. About 10,000 to 20,000 E. coli infections occur in the United States each year. The infection is most dangerous to infants, the elderly and pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The CDC said it is not clear whether when the contamination took place at the farms where the seeds were grown, or at the company that distributed them. But the agency said the growing operations where the sprouts were harvested appeared sanitary. E. coli infections usually are linked to undercooked ground beef. In July, 20 people in Colorado got sick from ground beef patties distributed by Hudson Foods Inc. of Rogers, Ark., which is now recalling 40,000 pounds of meat possibly tainted with E. coli. But the bacteria can show up in a wide range of foods, especially raw vegetables. The CDC reported U.S. outbreaks of E. coli linked to contaminated lettuce in 1995 and 1996 and to unpasteurized apple juice last year. In Japan last year, at least 6,000 people were sickened by E. coli linked to radish sprouts. Sprouts have also been linked to four salmonella outbreaks in the United States since 1995. ``Even if you clean the seeds, a microscopic amount of the salmonella bacteria on the seed can multiply during the sprouting process,'' Shapiro said. ``It's likely that it will be a similar situation with E. coli.'' The government recommends washing sprouts, although that is not foolproof. Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 00:29:31 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) Monkeys Allegedly Used for Research Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815002928.006e2f4c@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" from AP Wire page: ----------------------------------- 08/14/1997 00:47 EST Monkeys Allegedly Used for Research MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Scientists violated school policy by using 65 monkeys from a zoo for potentially fatal research, a University of Wisconsin official said Wednesday. Thirty-nine of the monkeys died or were killed as a result of the research, a ``serious breach'' of the university's agreement with the Henry Vilas Zoo, Graduate School Dean Virginia Hinshaw said. Another 26 monkeys were killed for tissue research, and 110 monkeys were sold or traded to other researchers to prevent overpopulation, she said. ``I regret that this activity has cast doubt on a facility that is important to the community,'' Hinshaw said. The university's Primate Research Center owns and maintains the monkey house at the zoo where it keeps 158 rhesus and stump-tailed macaques. University policy for the past eight years has banned the use of zoo monkeys for invasive research. Primate center officials have previously said that monkeys taken from the zoo were used only for breeding and non-invasive research. Hinshaw's investigation began after The Capital Times of Madison reported last weekend that data showed some of the dead zoo monkeys had AIDS. The Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, which has about 1,300 monkeys, is one of seven regional centers conducting research on primates to solve human health problems. Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 00:30:04 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) Wording of New Ben & Jerry's Labels Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815003002.0071d474@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" refs to rBGH from AP Wire page: ----------------------------------- 08/14/1997 15:19 EST Wording of New Ben & Jerry's Labels By The Associated Press The label Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. of Burlington, Vt., will put on its ice cream containers advertising its ban on milk from cows treated with hormones to increase milk production: ``We oppose recombinant bovine growth hormone. The family farmers who supply our milk pledge not to treat their cows with rBGH.'' In smaller print, this language required by the Food and Drug Administration: ``The FDA has said no significant difference has been shown and no test can distinguish between milk from rBGH treated and untreated cows.'' For products that contain chunks of milk chocolate or other ingredients, Ben & Jerry's will add this: ``Not all of the suppliers of our other ingredients can promise that the milk they use comes from untreated cows.'' Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 00:30:21 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) Ben & Jerry's To Label Products Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815003018.0071de3c@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" more detail with refs to BGH from AP Wire page: ----------------------------------- 08/14/1997 09:01 EST Ben & Jerry's To Label Products By CURT ANDERSON AP Farm Writer WASHINGTON (AP) -- Those pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream such as Cherry Garcia or Chunky Monkey soon will soon sport labels designed to appeal to shoppers worried about the use of artificial hormones in dairy cows. Although the government says the hormone known as RBGH is safe, Ben & Jerry's labels now will declare that the farmers from whom it buys milk have agreed not to use the genetically engineered substance to increase milk output from their cows. Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. of Burlington, Vt., had wanted to label its products ``RBGH free,'' but the company ran into trouble with public health officials in the state of Illinois who said such language was misleading and could imply there was something wrong with milk from RBGH-treated cows. Ben & Jerry's and organic food companies today announced settlement of a lawsuit against the state in which the parties agreed to compromise language that will include the statement: ``We oppose recombinant bovine growth hormone. The family farmers who supply our milk pledge not to treat their cows'' with the hormone. The label also states that the FDA has found no significant difference between milk from RBGH-treated and untreated cows. National distribution of the anti-hormone labels had been held up pending resolution of the suit. Use of RBGH -- recombinant bovine growth hormone -- has caused consternation among anti-biotechnology advocates since it was introduced in 1994. But many dairy farmers viewed it as a means of boosting milk production by as much as 10 percent. RBGH is produced naturally in a cow's pituitary gland but can be injected as a supplement to increase milk output. The hormone is made by St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. and is now used in 25 percent of the nation's dairy herd, company spokesman Gary Barton said. The Food and Drug Administration certified RBGH, also called RBST, as safe in February 1993, but Ben & Jerry's chief Perry Odak said the company refuses to buy milk or cream from hormone-injected cows for any of its products. ``It's both a business decision and part of our social mission,'' Odak said. ``Consumers ought to be able to know what is and is not in their products. Our product is all natural.'' Ben & Jerry's sued Illinois and the city of Chicago in May 1996. Illinois agreed to settle the case because Ben & Jerry's decided not to use the words ``RBGH free'' on its labels and also promised to mention that some ingredients, such as milk chocolate, could possibly come from cows treated with the hormone. ``There is no way to ensure that they do have RBGH-free milk. That's why we had opposed it,'' said Tom Schafer, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Public Health. The city of Chicago also had agreed to the settlement, Schafer said. The hormone's natural origins make it impossible to detect in milk from treated cows. FDA says there is no difference in the composition of milk from treated or untreated cows and that labels must reflect that fact. For that reason, Ben & Jerry's can only say on its labels that farmers from whom it buys about 1.9 million gallons of cream and 1.5 million gallons of condensed skim milk each year have signed pledges not to use RBGH on their cows. Nevertheless, food companies like Ben & Jerry's that are inclined toward the organic end of the market say use of anything artificial is automatically suspect -- Odak calls it ``unnatural and unnecessary'' -- to them. ``You're able to offer a product that is free from a very questionable additive,'' said Allison Williams, spokeswoman for the 74-store Fresh Fields chain. ``Our customers feel very strongly about RBGH.'' Fresh Fields' parent company, Whole Foods Market of Austin, Texas, joined Ben & Jerry's in the lawsuit along with Stonyfield Farm Inc. of New Hampshire and Organic Valley, a Wisconsin dairy cooperative. Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 00:33:45 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) Company Recalling More Hamburger Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815003343.006880f8@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" refs to Burger King and Boston Market/possible e. coli tainted food from AP Wire page: --------------------------------- 08/14/1997 00:50 EST Company Recalling More Hamburger OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Hudson Foods Inc. said Wednesday it is recalling another 20,000 pounds of ground beef that may be infected with E. coli bacteria and were delivered to Burger King and Boston Market, the Omaha World-Herald reported Thursday. Hudson, based in Rogers, Ark, said Tuesday it was recalling 20,000 pounds of suspected frozen patties that it had distributed to retail stores and warehouse clubs in 35 states in June and July. The 40,000 pounds of possibly tainted meat is believed to have all been produced in a Hudson processing plant in Columbus, Jacque Knight, spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service in Washington, told the newspaper. Kim Miller, a spokeswoman for the Burger King chain office in Miami, Fla., said her company has voluntarily recalled ground meat produced at the Columbus plant from 1,205 restaurants in its central and western regions, including Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Colorado. Jeff Beckman, a spokesman for Golden, Colo.-based Boston Chicken Inc., said the comparatively small amount of meat his company received from the Columbus plant has already moved through the chain's restaurants. He said the meat ``most likely'' was shipped to restaurants on both coasts. The USDA said it learned about the problem from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment after it received reports that about 20 people became ill after eating the Hudson product in early July. There have been no E. coli illness in Nebraska linked to the meat, said Dr. Thomas Safranek, Nebraska state epidemiologist. Hudson, the nation's third-largest publicly traded poultry company, opened the $28 million Columbus plant in September 1995. At the time, Hudson said the plant would produce three million pounds of hamburger a week for Burger King. Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 05:35:08 -0400 (EDT) From: Debbie Leahy To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: [US] Kelly Miller Circus Coming Message-ID: <01IMGHCE61CI90N9N0@delphi.com> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII NAPER SETTLEMENT INVITES CIRCUS BACK TO TOWN Please speak out against the use of performing animals at an upcoming circus in Naperville, Illinois. The Naper Settlement Museum Village has invited the Kelly Miller Circus back again this year for a Sept. 19-21 engagement--complete with elephant rides--despite complaints and protests generated from last year's circus. Kelly Miller circus animals will repeat the same tiresome routine 440 times during 32 consecutive weeks. Last month at another Miller circus, Carson & Barnes, a humane investigator found animals living in the most appalling conditions in her 14 year career. Let the organizers know that you oppose the use of animals at this event and urge them to cancel the animal acts. Mention: * Performing animals endure a miserable life of continual confinement, total domination, and fierce punishment. * Animals used in traveling shows are deprived of all their natural behaviors. * Animals are forced to perform demeaning and uncomfortable tricks. * Animal acts are offensive to members of the community who oppose animal cruelty. * Elephant rides are extremely dangerous for both riders and viewers--many elephant rampages have resulted in deaths and injuries. Illinois Animal Action is running advertisements in an area paper asking residents to sign and mail-in a petition opposing the circus. Please support this effort with your polite letters and faxes, and send us copies of your correspondence. Contact: John Stevens, President Naper Settlement Museum Village 201 W. Porter Naperville, IL 60540 phone) 630/420-6010 / fax) 630/305-5255 ============================== Illinois Animal Action P.O. Box 507 Warrenville, IL 60555 630/393-2935 ============================== Date: Thu, 14 Aug 1997 22:15:21 -0400 From: jeanlee To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: Letter to copy on downed animals Message-ID: <199708151157.HAA03420@envirolink.org> Hi All- This letter to copy and send goes to your representatives and senators. The text that follows is for your senators. For your representative, CHANGE the two references to the number of the bill - the House bill is H.R. 453. Same name of bill. Senators go to United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510. Reps to U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515. If you don't know who represents you, call 1-800-688-9889. Here's the text: Dear: This is about legislation which gets introduced year after year but somehow never gets enacted into law - that is, the Downed Animal Protection Act, whose number this year is S. 850. This bill would ban the sale of sick and/or injured (downed) animals at stockyards.=20 Currently, there are NO laws to protect these animals, who are routinely beaten, shocked with electric prods, and dragged by chains (sometimes pushed with a forklift!) to slaughter. They are also often abandoned or dumped alive on stockyard "deadpiles." We=92re not even close to being a compassionate society. Please cosponsor S. 850 and help eliminate the suffering many sick and injured farm animals are forced to endure, ensuring that downers are humanely euthanized. Be on the lookout and vote against any amendments, usually pushed by the meat industry, which would allow auctions and stockyards to transport downed animals to slaughter. There is no way sick and injured animals can be humanely transported. =20 Sincerely yours, Letter to copy on downed animals Date: Fri, 15 Aug 97 07:33:17 UTC From: SDURBIN@VM.TULSA.CC.OK.US To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: Reward Offered In Frog Abuse Case Message-ID: <199708151233.IAA04114@envirolink.org> (Norman, OK USA): An animal sanctuary is offering a $200 reward to find those responsible for severing a large bullfrog's left foot. The amphibian is being treated with antibiotics at WildCare Foundation. Second Chance Animal Sanctuary is offering the reward. Mary Freiburger of Norman said she found the frog a week ago near Crossroads Blvd. There were about seven boys on bicycles nearby, and Freiburger said she saw five frog carcasses on the sidewalk. "I picked up the frog, got him in my car, and started telling the kids I was going to call the police," she said. WildCare officials hope the frog can be released. The stub on his leg is healing. -- Sherrill Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 09:07:22 -0500 From: Liz Grayson To: JeanLee@concentric.net Cc: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: Re: Letter to copy on downed animals Message-ID: <33F4686B.2E97@earthlink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Dear Jeanlee, Does this bill look to ban the sale of sick (downed) animals at stockyards, ban the transportation of all sick and/or injured animals or demand that all sick and/or injured animals be euthanized? Liz jeanlee wrote: > > Hi All- > > This letter to copy and send goes to your representatives and senators. > The text that follows is for your senators. For your representative, > CHANGE the two references to the number of the bill - the House bill is > H.R. 453. Same name of bill. Senators go to United States Senate, > Washington, DC 20510. Reps to U.S. House of Representatives, > Washington, DC 20515. If you don't know who represents you, call > 1-800-688-9889. Here's the text: > > Dear: > > This is about legislation which gets introduced year after year but > somehow never gets enacted into law - that is, the Downed Animal > Protection Act, whose number this year is S. 850. This bill would ban > the sale of sick and/or injured (downed) animals at stockyards. > Currently, there are NO laws to protect these animals, who are routinely > beaten, shocked with electric prods, and dragged by chains (sometimes > pushed with a forklift!) to slaughter. They are also often > abandoned or dumped alive on stockyard "deadpiles." We’re not even > close to being a compassionate society. > > Please cosponsor S. 850 and help eliminate the suffering many sick and > injured farm animals are forced to endure, ensuring that downers are > humanely euthanized. Be on the lookout and vote against any amendments, > usually pushed by the meat industry, which would allow auctions and > stockyards to transport downed animals to slaughter. There is no way > sick and injured animals can be humanely transported. > > Sincerely yours, Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 16:42:39 GMT From: Chris Wright To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (UK) Beagles rescued from research breeder Message-ID: <33fd70ab.30248627@post.demon.co.uk> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Thanks to a personal donation of 15,000 pounds from Liz Stewart of Dorset Animal Rescue, 50 beagles have been bought from the now closed Consort Kennels in Herefordshire. Consort bred beagles specifically for use in laboratory experiments but recently closed in the face of mounting public opposition. The beagles were due to be sold off to research establishments for use in tests until Liz stepped in. Homes are now being sought for the dogs which know no life other than the concrete runs that they've spent their entire lives in. Consequently, they've never been on a lead, never been house-trained and never run around on grass. The dogs will need a lot of love, care and time to get over their ordeal. Anyone who wants to give a home to one of these dogs, or wishes to give a donation to help Liz recoup some of the money (the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection have donated 5000 pounds) should contact her: Liz Stewart, Dorset Animal Rescue, Stourton Caundle, Sturminster Newton, Dorset. Tel: 01963 362539 Sarah Kite of the BUAV said "These dogs are the lucky ones. Last year 6,555 beagles were used in experiments, many in toxicity studies on agricultural, industrial or household chemicals." The Daily Mirror has been instrumental in publicising the plight of the dogs and their assistance has been invaluable. As they observed in their editorial today: "The Mirror has saved 50 beagle puppies destined for experiments. They can now live happily. But we should not rest until dogs are now longer used for barbaric tests." Chris Wright Date: Fri, 15 Aug 97 12:10:28 PDT From: "bhgazette" To: "AR News" Subject: "Compassion for Animals" Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"; X-MAPIextension=".TXT" Kristin von Kreisler says she has compiled stories of how animals have shown compassion toward humands and other animals; the result is "Compassion of Animals," which will be published in November. Ms vonKreisler believes there are lots of people in the AR movement who will want to read this book, and she would like to hear from folks who are: 1) willing to read galley proofs and review the book for their inhouse publication (I'm sure she'd like for your newsletter to have a fairly large audience!); 2) willing to print press release of the book; 3) willing to send her anecdotes of how animals have shown compassion (she's planning a second book). Contact her at KristinVK@compuserve.com (Or is it compuserv.com????) Date: Fri, 15 Aug 97 12:10:28 PDT From: "bhgazette" To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: "Compassion for Animals" Message-ID: <199708151712.NAA28267@envirolink.org> Kristin von Kreisler says she has compiled stories of how animals have shown compassion toward humands and other animals; the result is "Compassion of Animals," which will be published in November. Ms vonKreisler believes there are lots of people in the AR movement who will want to read this book, and she would like to hear from folks who are: 1) willing to read galley proofs and review the book for their inhouse publication (I'm sure she'd like for your newsletter to have a fairly large audience!); 2) willing to print press release of the book; 3) willing to send her anecdotes of how animals have shown compassion (she's planning a second book). Contact her at KristinVK@compuserve.com (Or is it compuserv.com????) "Compassion for Animals" Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 18:20:40 +0000 (GMT) From: Pat Fish To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: Court TV: Kennel Abuse case (Swen & Jeanette Bergman) Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Friday, Court TV is running the trial of Swen & Jeanette Bergman's puppy mill, where several dogs died. They're up on animal cruelty charges. Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 11:20:41 -0700 (PDT) From: David J Knowles To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: [CA] New Age Hunting Message-ID: <1.5.4.16.19970815112108.08b719a0@dowco.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >From The Vancouver Sun - Friday, August 15th, 1997 This little piece ran in a section called "OUT TAKES" in the Recreation & Fitness section, which was compiled by Dawn Hanna. "New Age Hunting >From the 'what-will-they-stoop-to-next?' department comes a new video called The Sacred Hunt. It's a product of the infamous Marty Stoufler (pictured right) - the same guy who brought us Wild America and who is under review in the U.S. for such antics as seeking permission from the Denver Zoo to shoot footage of "wild" polar-bear cubs in the facility's fake den, tying a rabbit to a post with fishing line, then letting a raccon attack it and a miscellany of other incidents of mistreating animals. And it's funded by a dozen or so hunting organizations. Here's some Orwellian prose from the accompanying press release: ' From the outsidem hunting may appear to be egoic [sic] domination of nature, but from the inside the hunter's relationship to the animal is precisely the opposite, one of kinship, interdependence and transdendence. Respect, admiration, even reverence charaterize the hunter's innermost bond to wild animals.' Hey, no surprise to us. We've always seen hunters - just at the moment they're about to let fly that bullet or arrow - call out ' I respect and admire you, wild animal. With your untimely death, we, your brothers and sisters, are more connected to the spirit within. Yeeee-ha!" [Dawn Hanna can be contacted at: dhanna@pacpress.southam.com Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 11:32:23 -0700 (PDT) From: bchorush@paws.org (pawsinfo) To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: Dallas World Aquarium Inia Import Permit - Comment Period[US] Message-ID: <199708151832.LAA21422@siskiyou.brigadoon.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Posted by Bob Chorush *********** The Dallas World Aquarium has filed for a permit with NMFS to capture and import four amazon river dolphins from South America to Dallas. Listed below is the summary from the Federal Register. There is a 30 day comment period. As noted in the summary, "Historically, study results conclude that due to a number of factors this species has fared poorly in captivity in the United States, with an average longevity of 32.6 months for the 35 animals for which data was available." Inia will very likely be listed as endangered in the near future. Since the Dallas World Aquarium has not demonstrated any intent to study the return to the wild of this species, it must be assumed, that if captured, these four animals will die at the aquarium, probably in short order, thereby diminishing the native population. The native population is relatively unstudied and no cencus has been taken. This capture, if allowed, would do nothing to improve habitat or chances for survival of the remaining members of this population nor would it likely provide information or individuals from captivity to restock this population. Despite differing opinions on the keeping of dolphins in captivity, granting of this permit would appear to negatively impact the native population while adversely affecting the health and longevity of the captured animals. The Progresive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will be filing comments to oppose this capture and import. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 080797A] Marine Mammals; Public Display Permit (PHF# 852-1356) AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Receipt of application. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that The Dallas World Aquarium, Inc., 1801 North Griffin, Dallas, TX 75202, has applied in due form for a permit to import Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), for purposes of public display. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 15, 1997. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following offices: Permits Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13130, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301/713-2289); and Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, 9731 Executive Center Drive North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, (206/526-6150). Written data or views, or requests for a public hearing on this application, should be submitted to the Chief, Permits Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this particular application would be appropriate. The holding of such a hearing is at the discretion of the Director, Office of Protected Resources. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216). The applicant requests authorization to import four Amazon River dolphins (Inia geoffrensis). The Venezuelan Service Agency for the Protection, Restoration, Promotion and Rational Utilization of the Wildlife and Aquatic life of the Country has issued a capture license to the applicant. The dolphins would be collected from the Apure River near San Fernando, Venezuela, and maintained at the J.V. Seijas Aquarium in Valencia, Venezuela, until the public display facility at the Dallas World Aquarium receives final approval from the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). As any issues relating to the care and maintenance of captive marine mammals are within the purview of APHIS, under the Animal Welfare Act, copies of the application are also being sent to APHIS for review. The Dallas World Aquarium is open to the public on a regularly scheduled basis with access that is not limited or restricted other than by charging an admission fee; and offers an educational program based upon the educational standards of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has included this species in the 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals under the category ``vulnerable'', i.e., taxa believed likely to move into the Endangered category in the near future if causal factors continue operating. Population data concerning Inia geoffrensis in Venezuela is limited and the application states that no census has been taken of the subject wild population/stock. Therefore, NMFS has concerns about the status and conservation of the dolphins in the Orinoco river system and the potential [[Page 43517]] impacts of the permanent removal of four sub-adults from this population/stock. Additionally, NMFS is concerned that holding this species in captivity may involve a significant risk to the health and welfare of the animals held. Historically, study results conclude that due to a number of factors this species has fared poorly in captivity in the United States, with an average longevity of 32.6 months for the 35 animals for which data was available. (See Inia geofffensis in Captivity in the United States, Melba C. Caldwell, David K. Caldwell and Randall L. Brill. 1989. Proc. Workshop on Biology and Conservation of the Platanistoid Dolphins, Wuhan, People's Republic of China. The World Conservation Union (IUCN), Occasional Papers of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, Number 3. 35-41.) The applicant has addressed, in part, some of the survivability factors raised in the Caldwell study, citing successful behavioral experiences with this species at the J.V. Seijas Aquarium in Valencia, Venezuela. The applicant submitted additional information on August 4, 1997, to address the concerns cited above; however, several aspects of these concerns persist. As a result, before decision is made to issue or deny issuance of a permit, NMFS is soliciting information that will assist the agency in determining whether: (1) The applicant meets the three public display criteria; (2) the proposed activity is humane and does not present any unnecessary risks to the health and welfare of the marine mammals; (3) the proposed activity by itself or in combination with other activities, will not likely have a significant adverse impact on the species or stock; and (4) the applicant's expertise, facilities, and resources are adequate to accomplish successfully the objectives and activities stated in the application. Dated: August 8, 1997. Ann D. Terbush, Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 97-21464 Filed 8-13-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F Bob Chorush Web Administrator, Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) 15305 44th Ave West (P.O. Box 1037)Lynnwood, WA 98046 (425) 787-2500 ext 862, (425) 742-5711 fax email bchorush@paws.org http://www.paws.org Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 15:10:08 -0700 From: Sean Thomas To: ar-news@envirolink.com Subject: The Bear Facts Message-ID: <33F4D3C0.6431@sympatico.ca> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="------------7B281D02BA" Sean Thomas Co-Director, Animal Action Ottawa Citizen Hit reload or refresh if you're not getting today's Online date. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] National Highlights [Image]National News [Image]Across Canada [Image]News in Depth FRONT PAGE | CITY | SPORTS | BUSINESS | NATIONAL | WORLD | EDITORIALS ENTERTAINMENT | YOUR MONEY | INTERNET | COLUMNISTS | CLASSIFIED [National - Ottawa Citizen Online] Thursday 14 August 1997 Britain ponders fake-fur guard hats Canadian bearskin raises ire of animal rights activists Stephen Smith The Ottawa Citizen Britain's new defence Reuter / A soldier guards minister has ordered a review of the use of St. James Palace wearing the real bearskin -- real busby. Canadian bearskin -- on the hats of the famous Royal Household guards. The review is the latest sign of the new Labour government's willingness to question popular British traditions, such as the fox hunt, that are not so popular with Britain's animal rights groups. (Defence Minister) Lord Gilbert has asked to see the rationale behind the army's continued use of bearskins," ministry spokesman Alan Patterson said from London. Lord Gilbert "involves himself in animal rights issues," Mr. Patterson said. The 50-centimetre-tall hats made with the fur of Canadian black bears sit atop the red-coated foot guards of the Royal Household Divisions five Guards regiments -- the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards -- perform the ceremonial guard duties at Buckingham Palace and other Royal sites in London. According to a tradition cited by both Mr. Patterson and Capt. Rob Foster, adjutant for Ottawa's bearskin-wearing Governor General's Foot Guards, the hats have been a familiar feature of the five Guards regiments since the Battle of Waterloo in 1814. The bearskins, originally worn by French troops in Napoleon's army, were adopted by the British guards as a symbol of their triumph at Waterloo. Capt. Foster said the bearskins were originally intended to stop cavalry charges by frightening the horses. Bear fur, he said, is known to make horses "skitterish." The other notable advantage of bearskins was the added height they afforded infantry soldiers, Capt. Foster said. "It made them look more ferocious." In this age of synthetics, alternatives to natural bearskins are on the market. But the synthetic bearskins aren't too fond of wetness, which rainy London has plenty of. "The artificial fur flattens down in the rain and clumps together, looking very scruffy and not at all in keeping with the rest of the Guards uniform, which is very smart," Mr. Patterson said. "And it's important that they look smart." But the British army hasn't ruled out an artificial alternative to the bearskins. "We move with the times. We take into consideration animal rights." Whether natural or artificial, the bearskin hat is no bargain. Animal Action, an Ottawa-based animal rights group that wants to stop the use of bearskins in Canadian regiments like the GGFGs, said a new, natural, Made-in-England bearskin hat costs the army in excess of $1,200. "There's no justification -- either for blowing away a bear or spending taxpayers' money," said Animal Action co-director Len Goldberg. Yet Capt. Foster said new bearskins are simply not an option for his unit. "The ones we use now are, on average, 25 years old. When they become worn-out, we refurbish them using the same bear's fur," he said. The impact of a potential ban on Britain's use of bearskins would not affect Canada's fur industry, said Tina Jagros, vice-president of marketing at the North American Fur Auction in Toronto. She said the 50 Canadian pelts purchased each year to make 150 bearskins for the British guards are but a drop in the bucket. Ms. Jagros said where a ban would have an impact is in the native communities that hunt the bears. And if the aim is save bears, she said, the ban won't stop their being killed. "You won't save bears -- they will still be hunted for meat," she said. "The hunt won't be affected but you will be hurting a part of society that could use the money most." FRONT PAGE | CITY | SPORTS | BUSINESS | NATIONAL | WORLD | EDITORIALS ENTERTAINMENT | YOUR MONEY | INTERNET | COLUMNISTS | CLASSIFIED FEEDBACK | GATEWAY Copyright 1997 The Ottawa Citizen Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 15:10:08 -0700 From: Sean Thomas To: ar-news@envirolink.com Subject: The Bear Facts Message-ID: <199708151909.PAA13507@envirolink.org> ----------------------------- Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN ---- M U L T I P A R T ---- Decoded from: 7BIT ---- Part 1 ---- Lines: 4 Sean Thomas Co-Director, Animal Action ----------------------------- Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN ---- M U L T I P A R T ---- Decoded from: 7BIT ---- Part 2 ---- Lines: 137 Ottawa Citizen Hit reload or refresh if you're not getting today's Online date. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] National Highlights [Image]National News [Image]Across Canada [Image]News in Depth FRONT PAGE | CITY | SPORTS | BUSINESS | NATIONAL | WORLD | EDITORIALS ENTERTAINMENT | YOUR MONEY | INTERNET | COLUMNISTS | CLASSIFIED [National - Ottawa Citizen Online] Thursday 14 August 1997 Britain ponders fake-fur guard hats Canadian bearskin raises ire of animal rights activists Stephen Smith The Ottawa Citizen Britain's new defence Reuter / A soldier guards minister has ordered a review of the use of St. James Palace wearing the real bearskin -- real busby. Canadian bearskin -- on the hats of the famous Royal Household guards. The review is the latest sign of the new Labour government's willingness to question popular British traditions, such as the fox hunt, that are not so popular with Britain's animal rights groups. (Defence Minister) Lord Gilbert has asked to see the rationale behind the army's continued use of bearskins," ministry spokesman Alan Patterson said from London. Lord Gilbert "involves himself in animal rights issues," Mr. Patterson said. The 50-centimetre-tall hats made with the fur of Canadian black bears sit atop the red-coated foot guards of the Royal Household Divisions five Guards regiments -- the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards -- perform the ceremonial guard duties at Buckingham Palace and other Royal sites in London. According to a tradition cited by both Mr. Patterson and Capt. Rob Foster, adjutant for Ottawa's bearskin-wearing Governor General's Foot Guards, the hats have been a familiar feature of the five Guards regiments since the Battle of Waterloo in 1814. The bearskins, originally worn by French troops in Napoleon's army, were adopted by the British guards as a symbol of their triumph at Waterloo. Capt. Foster said the bearskins were originally intended to stop cavalry charges by frightening the horses. Bear fur, he said, is known to make horses "skitterish." The other notable advantage of bearskins was the added height they afforded infantry soldiers, Capt. Foster said. "It made them look more ferocious." In this age of synthetics, alternatives to natural bearskins are on the market. But the synthetic bearskins aren't too fond of wetness, which rainy London has plenty of. "The artificial fur flattens down in the rain and clumps together, looking very scruffy and not at all in keeping with the rest of the Guards uniform, which is very smart," Mr. Patterson said. "And it's important that they look smart." But the British army hasn't ruled out an artificial alternative to the bearskins. "We move with the times. We take into consideration animal rights." Whether natural or artificial, the bearskin hat is no bargain. Animal Action, an Ottawa-based animal rights group that wants to stop the use of bearskins in Canadian regiments like the GGFGs, said a new, natural, Made-in-England bearskin hat costs the army in excess of $1,200. "There's no justification -- either for blowing away a bear or spending taxpayers' money," said Animal Action co-director Len Goldberg. Yet Capt. Foster said new bearskins are simply not an option for his unit. "The ones we use now are, on average, 25 years old. When they become worn-out, we refurbish them using the same bear's fur," he said. The impact of a potential ban on Britain's use of bearskins would not affect Canada's fur industry, said Tina Jagros, vice-president of marketing at the North American Fur Auction in Toronto. She said the 50 Canadian pelts purchased each year to make 150 bearskins for the British guards are but a drop in the bucket. Ms. Jagros said where a ban would have an impact is in the native communities that hunt the bears. And if the aim is save bears, she said, the ban won't stop their being killed. "You won't save bears -- they will still be hunted for meat," she said. "The hunt won't be affected but you will be hurting a part of society that could use the money most." FRONT PAGE | CITY | SPORTS | BUSINESS | NATIONAL | WORLD | EDITORIALS ENTERTAINMENT | YOUR MONEY | INTERNET | COLUMNISTS | CLASSIFIED FEEDBACK | GATEWAY Copyright 1997 The Ottawa Citizen The Bear Facts Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 15:14:38 -0700 From: Sean Thomas To: ar-news@envirolink.com Subject: Health Canada Website, www.hwc.ca Message-ID: <33F4D4CE.5741@sympatico.ca> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit You can post comments regarding Helath Canada's misuse of primates on their website. It's located at www.hwc.ca (go to the guest book or email them directly). Let them know that sanctuary is the only option for it's 750 macaques. Sean Thomas Co-Director, Animal Action Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 15:24:14 -0400 (EDT) From: JanaWilson@aol.com To: AR-News@envirolink.org Subject: (US) Oklahoma Horse Abuse Case Message-ID: <970815152336_-1136225192@emout12.mail.aol.com> According to a local Oklahoma City news: A Norman, Oklahoma woman who faces trial on animal cruelty charges says her horses were not mistreated. But an animal advocate, a local vet and prosecutors disagree. They say the eight horses were near starvation when they were taken from the Thunderbird Riding Stables in late March of this year. After a preliminary hearing, Judge Reg Gaston ordered Cindy Steveson to face trial on the animal cruetly charges. Steveson has filed a civil suit to the get the seized horses returned to her. In an interview, Steveson said the horses looked thin because they were old and had weathered a hard winter. She said the horses were kept in a pasture during the winter, not in a stable. "Some of them don't winter well. They did look bad; I won't say they didn't look bad. They would naturally gotten fat here anyway. It's just a natural thing. Anybody who knows anything about pasture animals knows that," she said. But the spokesperson for a local Norman humane society said there was nothing natural about the horses' condition. They tried to work with Steveson and her husband to get them to see the horses had a problem on several different occasions. They then met with the Cleveland County DA office and charges were filed against Steveson. The horses are being kept by volunteers in Norman, Oklahoma City and Purcell. "At this point the horses have recovered tremondously. At the prelim hearing, we showed her a picture of one of the horses, and she said it wasn't her horse. She didn't recognize her own horse. That's how drastic the change was," the spokesperson said. One other horse has gained more than 200 lbs and all the horses have gained more than 100 lbs. When officials went to seize the horses in March, the spokesperson said each of them had a saddle and rider on its back. Four were still on the trails. "It's awful to think that anyone could have gotten on the backs of these skeletons and ridden them for pleasure. They were barely holding themselves up, much less someone riding them." Steveson said she did use the horses for riders on a sporadic basis. She said only children rode them, not heavier grown adults. Steveson said the horses lose muscle tone if they are not excercised. "I don't feel like I did anything wrong. I don't feel like I mistreated my horses at all. I haven't been allowed to say anything in my defense. My grandmother looks pretty bad too, but nobody mistreats her. Older horses don't always look fat. They do in the summer, but not in the winter," said Steveson. The humane group's spokeperson said their goal is not just a conviction in the case, but that they want guildlines put in place to ensure the health of the other horses at the stable. For the Animals, Jana, OKC Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 13:08:46 -0700 (PDT) From: Mike Markarian To: ar-news@envirolink.org, seac+announce@earthsystems.org, en.alerts@conf.igc.apc.org Subject: Ct. Gov. Signs Bill to Ban the Drowning of Wildlife Message-ID: <2.2.16.19970815163533.5387dd10@pop.igc.org> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 15, 1997 CONTACT: Laura Simon, (203) 393-1050 GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL TO BAN THE DROWNING OF WILDLIFE Bill Sets National Precedent for Nuisance Control Industry HARTFORD, CT -- Governor John Rowland held a ceremonial signing today at 11:00 AM in the Governor's Office on a new law which prevents nuisance wildlife control trappers from killing wildlife in cruel ways. The bill was triggered by public outrage in September, when nuisance trapper Michael Lipsett was arrested for animal cruelty after drowning two raccoons at a West Haven public marina. Lipsett's defense was that this practice is common. Nuisance wildlife trappers are licensed by the Department of Environmental Protection and can charge a fee -- usually hundreds of dollars -- for removing wild animals from people's homes. Many nuisance trappers drown animals in 55-gallon steel drums or inject them with acetone. The Act to be signed by the Governor will require that nuisance trappers follow humane euthanasia guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association and that they receive mandatory training in non-lethal, humane methods of alleviating nuisance problems. There is also a "truth in advertising" clause stating that nuisance trappers cannot advertise their services as "humane" unless their techniques truly are. The Fund for Animals' wildlife hotline in Connecticut received numerous complaints from citizens who were upset about methods used by nuisance trappers. Says Laura Simon, The Fund's Urban Wildlife Director who staffs the hotline, "People want to see animals treated humanely, even in situations when the animal may be perceived as a nuisance. There's no excuse for nuisance trappers to use barbaric methods when humane alternatives exist." Says Julie Lewin, The Fund's Connecticut Coordinator, "Nuisance control has gone out of control, and this is the first time nationwide that the industry has been regulated." # # # http://www.fund.org Date: Fri, 15 Aug 97 14:50:42 UTC From: SDURBIN@VM.TULSA.CC.OK.US To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: Richard Leakey Event on Oct. 29, 1997 Message-ID: <199708152229.SAA19693@envirolink.org> October 29th: Join Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, USA in honoring anthropologist Richard Leakey, the 1997 Moody Gardens ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AWARD winner. Known for his important discoveries concerning the origin of man as well as his efforts to save the African elephant from extinction, Leakey will speak at a dinner at 7:30pm in the Moody Gardens Convention Center. Public is invited, reservations required. Call: 1-800-582-4673, ext. 209. It will be on a Wednesday night. There are directions to Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas and other information at their web site: http://www.moodygardens.com -- Sherrill Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 16:32:26 -0400 From: Jun1022@cybernex.net (Student Abolitionist League) To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: Huntington Alert!! Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Action Alert!! PETA will be leafletting in Milford, NJ all day this Sunday against Huntington Life Sciences' animal abuse in Britain (this doesn't violate the gag order, which only covers the American investigation.) They'll be meeting up at 10 AM. For more info call Jason Baker at PETA (757) 622-PETA ext. 490 or if you aren't able to rendezvous at 10, beep Jason at (800) 820-5790 and he'll tell you where you can meet up. Call PETA to get PETA belieives they may be able to shut Huntington down with a little more effort, so participation is crucial. (somone please forward this to the NJ activist list) ****Call the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade-NYC upcoming events hotline at (800) 473-5490***** "Somewhere the monkeys are screaming. And screaming. And screaming." -Animal Man # 4 Grant Morrison, Writer (Available from Student Abolitionist League's Lending Library) Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 00:08:28 +0200 From: "sa338@blues.uab.es" To: ar-news@envirolink.org Cc: sa338@blues.uab.es Subject: Cats set on fire by mad "people" Message-ID: <33F4D35C.43B2@blues.uab.es> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit > For those who would like to help ... > Write to me if you'd like to see the letter I sent to the dean, president, > and chancellor of the University. > > >Date: Thu, 14 Aug 1997 16:45:21 -0500 > >From: David Gulbransen > >Organization: Vervet Logic > >To: paradise@spidernet.com.cy > >Subject: Please Help! > > > >On the morning of August 10, 1997 police arrested Indiana University > >Students Errett Rouch and Blake Case at their Bloomington home. > >According to police, Rouch and Case used hair spray and a cigarette > >lighter to set several neighborhood housecats on fire. > > > >The two students have been charged with animal cruelty, a class "A" > >misdemenor under Indiana law. Despite the serious nature the > >accusations, they face a maximum of one year in jail. > > > >One of the cats, 6 year-old Olivia, is hospitalized in Indianapolis with > >third-degree burns over 40% of her body. Although she is expected to > >survive, Oliva will undoubtedly be permanantly disfigured. > > > >IU officials are currently considering disciplinary action against the > >two. Under the Indiana University Student Code of Ethics, the students > >may be expelled permantly for their actions. However, the University > >remains undecided on their course of action. > > > >We have designed an on-line petition asking that these two "students" > >be punished to the maximum extent of the law and permenently expelled > >from Indiana University. Please help us make our message heard: > > > > The petition can be found at: > > > > http://cat.plaidhamster.com > > > > And letters of support and disgust can be sent to: > > > > Myles Brand, President, Indiana University > > pres@indiana.edu > > > > Kenneth R.R. Gros Louis, Chancellor, IU Bloomington > > grosloui@indiana.edu > > > >Thank you for your compassion and support! > > > >David Gulbransen > >Luke Heidelberger > > > > > - Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 20:49:02 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US/UK) U.K. Youth Ate 'Mad Cow'-Risky Meat Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815204859.006e4b70@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" from Yahoo news page: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday August 15 6:30 PM EDT U.K. Youth Ate 'Mad Cow'-Risky Meat By Theresa Tamkins NEW YORK (Reuters) -- So far, at least 20 young adults in the UK and France have developed a fatal neurological disorder that may have been caused by eating meat from cows with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or "mad cow disease." Now a study appearing in this week's British Medical Journal reveals that, if indeed BSE can cause human disease, the typical diet of teenagers and young adults may raise their susceptibility to the illness. An analysis of eating habits in the UK showed that teens and young adults were indeed more likely to be eating "riskier" meat products in the late 1980s, the time when the BSE was at its peak among cattle. The new variant of the human neurological disorder, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or CJD, does not usually strike younger people. CJD, (which has yet to be conclusively linked to BSE) follows disease stages characterized by confusion, disorientation, coma and death. The survey of 2,197 people showed that 45% of 16 to 24 year olds ate hamburgers and kebabs, compared to only 13% of those aged 50 to 64, according to lead study author Dr. Sheila Gore, a senior statistician at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Biostatistics Unit in Cambridge, U.K. "The quantities consumed by those who ate these products also decreased noticeably with age," she wrote. Meat pie and meat pastry consumption was also higher in the younger age groups, though beef consumption increased with age. And older individuals also reported eating other meat products more often than younger people. Beefburgers and the meat pies may contain mechanically recovered meat, a potential source of contamination with the agent that causes BSE, write the study authors. "Mechanically recovered meat is basically meat that is removed from an animal's carcass using things like high-powered water jets," said Jon Cope, a spokesperson for the MRC, a government-funded agency in the U.K. that allocates research grants. "It's the sort of thing that goes into pies and pasties and mince meat and that kind of thing." Mechanically recovered meat is now strictly regulated. Since 1996, the recovered meat can only come from young cows under 30 months old and the use of the spinal column is prohibited. Brain and other nervous system tissue is thought to be the primary source of the agent that cause BSE. "Mechanically recovered meat whilst it's certainly not being posited as the cause of the new variant CJD, its one of the things that could cause it, because of the inaccuracy of the tools and the water jets could come into contact with the spine and other parts of the cow that are suspect," said Cope. Because the surveys conducted in the 1980s were not designed to answer questions about BSE, it's not clear if all the meat products were beef-derived or from pork or other sources. "Improved categorization of the data -- for example, to differentiate pork from steak and kidney pies and types of sausage and burger -- would be needed," Gore concluded. SOURCE: British Medical Journal (1997;315:16-32) Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 21:01:23 -0400 From: allen schubert To: lgrayson@earthlink.net, JeanLee@concentric.net Cc: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: Admin Note--was...Re: Letter to copy on downed animals Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815210120.006e312c@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Keep personal e-mail _personal_--do not post to AR-News! Please do not post commentary or personal opinions to AR-News. Such posts are not appropriate to AR-News. Appropriate postings to AR-News include: posting a news item, requesting information on some event, or responding to a request for information. Discussions on AR-News will NOT be allowed and we ask that any commentary either be taken to AR-Views or to private E-mail. Continued postings of inappropriate material may result in suspension of the poster's subscription to AR-News. Here is subscription info for AR-Views: Send e-mail to: listproc@envirolink.org In text/body of e-mail: subscribe ar-views firstname lastname Also...here are some websites with info on internet resources for Veg and AR interests: The Global Directory (IVU) http://www.ivu.org/global World Guide to Vegetarianism--Internet http://www.veg.org/veg/Guide/Internet/index.html Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 21:10:43 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) U.S. Expands Hamburger Recall Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815211040.006e885c@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" from AP Wire page: ---------------------------------- 08/15/1997 19:29 EST U.S. Expands Hamburger Recall By CURT ANDERSON AP Farm Writer WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government expanded its recall of ground beef produced by an Arkansas company to 1.2 million pounds Friday because of new evidence of possible contamination by E. coli bacteria. Anyone who has purchased frozen ground-beef patties since June 4 should check their freezers to determine if certain Hudson Foods Co. products are there. If so, the product should be returned to the point of purchase, said Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman. The tainted beef came from the Hudson Foods plant in Columbus, Neb., and government officials are trying to determine if other contaminated products were produced there. ``USDA is conducting a thorough investigation at the plant to ensure that no unsafe product is being allowed to go into commerce,'' Glickman said. Much of the ground beef probably has already been eaten, officials said. USDA is assuming the hamburgers were distributed to all 50 states. The Nebraska plant produces frozen ground-beef patties for such national chains as Burger King, Boston Market, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, officials with Rogers, Ark.-based Hudson have said. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. pulled all Hudson's ground beef from Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores nationwide earlier this week, spokeswoman Daphne Davis said. Customers can return any patties they purchased for a full refund, no matter when it was bought. ``We want them to have peace of mind,'' she said. Ms. Davis did not know how much Hudson's ground beef that might involve, or which stores might have sold it. Burger King said Friday it had found no evidence that any hamburger it bought from the company on the production days in question was tainted with E. coli. The suspect ground beef was produced at Hudson's Nebraska plant on June 4, June 5 and June 9. Burger King said it does its own E. coli screening tests on beef patties and also thoroughly cooks every burger at 155 degrees for at least 15 seconds, enough to kill the bacteria. ``We are confident that Burger King Corp.'s stringent quality standards, inspection policies and cookout requirements ensure the continued safety of our customers,'' the company, with headquarters in Miami, said in a statement. Another large customer, Colorado-based Boston Market, said it had purchased about 16,000 pounds of Hudson beef produced on the suspect days but that those patties were long gone from its restaurants. It also does extra tests and cooks beef at properly high temperatures, the company said. Although Hudson had voluntarily recalled some 40,000 pounds of hamburger earlier this week, federal officials say there appeared to be some unwarranted delay in determining how much beef may have been contaminated with E. coli. ``USDA will pursue the appropriate corrective action,'' said Cathy Woteki, undersecretary for food safety. A spokesman for Hudson did not immediately return repeated telephone calls seeking comment Friday, but before the expanded recall, spokesman John White told the Columbus (Neb.) Telegram that the contamination appears to have come from a specific load of beef trimmings. ``We have a lot of technology to detect it at that plant, but it's still a tough thing to do,'' White told the newspaper. E. coli bacteria can cause severe diarrhea, cramps and dehydration and can be fatal, although no deaths have been associated with this ground-beef recall, officials said. The young, elderly and people with weak immune systems are most susceptible. The initial Hudson recall began after health officials in Colorado traced the illnesses of about 20 people to hamburger patties they ate in early June. The federal Centers for Disease Control has asked all state health departments to check on local cases of E. coli illness to determine if there are others linked to the ground beef, a spokesman said. In January 1993, an outbreak of E. coli poisoning traced to contaminated and undercooked burgers from Jack in the Box fast-food restaurants resulted in three deaths and hundreds of illnesses, mostly in Washington state. After that, the government began a public education campaign designed to encourage adequate cooking of burgers. The government recall covers Hudson frozen-beef patties produced on the dates in question. Officials have not yet identified every batch of hamburger that could be contaminated, but so far, officials said consumers should check specifically for these codes: --All 48-ounce packages of ``Hudson Beef Burgers, Individually Quick Frozen'' that contain 12 quarter-pound patties. The code 156A7 is on the bottom of the package. --All 3-pound packages of ``Hudson 100% Pure Beef Patties, Individually Quick Frozen'' that contain 12 quarter-pound patties. The code 156B7 is on the bottom. --All 15-pound boxes of ``Hudson 60 -- 1/4 -lb. Beef Patties, Uncooked Individually Quick Frozen'' containing 60 quarter-pound patties. The codes 155B7, 155A7, 160A7 and 160B7 would appear on the bottom. --All three products contain the code ``Est. 13569'' in the USDA inspection seal on the label. Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 21:13:55 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) Clinton Signs Tuna-Dolphin Bill Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815211352.006e8a9c@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" from AP Wire page: ---------------------------------- 08/15/1997 17:15 EST Clinton Signs Tuna-Dolphin Bill WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Clinton signed legislation Friday that could allow tuna caught in large dolphin-trapping nets to be sold on grocery store shelves. The tuna-dolphin bill, an issue in Congress for several years, cleared Congress Aug. 1 after the House accepted a Senate compromise agreeable to the White House and many environmental groups. The new law lifts a 1990 embargo on imports of tuna from the Eastern Pacific, where the nets can scoop up dolphin with the fish. The House version passed in May would have immediately given the new imports the ``dolphin-safe'' label, but the Senate altered that to give the Commerce Department until March 1999 to study the fishing procedure before making a preliminary ruling on whether the label could apply. A final ruling by the commerce secretary would be due by Dec. 31, 2002. The problem of dolphins swimming with schools of tuna occurs mainly in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. The 1990 embargo was imposed after the huge encircling purse-seine nets were blamed for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of dolphins a year. Since then, however, techniques have been introduced that are safer for the dolphin. ``The act recognizes that ongoing international efforts have been a tremendous success,'' the president said in a statement. ``Dolphin mortalities have been reduced by more than 98 percent from previous levels. Foreign nations, whose fishing fleets have contributed to this success, will no longer face U.S. embargoes on their tuna products if they continue to participate effectively in this international program.'' Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 18:50:34 -0700 (PDT) From: David J Knowles To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: [CA] New Age Hunting (Correction) Message-ID: <1.5.4.16.19970815185102.373f820a@dowco.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Sorry, I made an error with the e-mail address for Dawn Hanna. The correct address is: dhanna@pacpress.southam.ca BTW, just wanted to point out that the statement about hunters having respect for the animals they are about to blast away, was quoted from the press release - not written by Dawn Hanna herself. David Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 22:28:58 -0400 (EDT) From: NOVENAANN@aol.com To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: largest hamburger recall in history (USA) Message-ID: <970815222857_1250790507@emout06.mail.aol.com> By Doug Palmer WASHINGTON (Reuter) - The U.S. Agriculture Department Friday announced the largest recall of U.S. ground beef products in history, giving consumers one more reason to look twice at their burgers before taking a bite. Hudson Foods Inc., an Arkansas-based meat processor, is voluntarily recalling at least 1.2 million pounds of frozen hamburger nationwide due to possible contamination with a deadly strain of the E. coli bacteria. The amount is far beyond any previous ground beef recall and 60 times the 20,000 pounds that USDA initially said Hudson Foods was recalling. The size of the recall could continue to mount as USDA investigates the matter. ``It's enough to make somebody a vegetarian,'' said Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. ``Clearly, the company has not been as careful as it should,'' he said. Hudson Foods, which is primarily a poultry processor, began the recall this week after ground beef product from its Columbus, Nebraska plant was tied to 16 cases of E. coli contanimation in Colorado in July. Five people were hospitalized for treatment, according to Colorado health officials. The strain of E. coli suspected of contaminating the beef can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration, and in some, life-threatening kidney failure. ``Unfortunately, these microorganisms are all around us,'' USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety Catherine Woteki told CNN. ''They occur naturally in cattle and at times during slaughter and processing there is some contamination that occurs.'' At this point, consumers should do two things to protect themselves, Woteki said. They should check to see if they have any of the potentially contaminated product. They should also, as a general rule, cook all ground beef to least 160 degrees Farenheit to kill any bacteria that is present, she said. As part of its investigation, USDA also wants to know why it took Hudson Foods so long to provide full production reports for the days when the contamination occured. The at least 1.2 million pounds of hamburger so far involved in the recall were processed at the firm's Columbus, Nebraska, facility on June 4, 5 and 9, the department said. Consumers who have bought Hudson Farms frozen ground beef patties since June 4 to return any unused portion to where it was purchased, the department said. The frozen patties were distributed nationwide in retail groery stores, wholesale stores and in fast food restaurants. Sara Lilygren, spokeswoman for the American Meat Institute, said consumers should keep the recall in perspective. ``A product recall is a sign that the system is working'' to keep unsafe food out of the mouths of consumers, Lilygren said. ''The U.S. meat supply is among the safest in the world.'' But Jacobson of CPSI said meat and poultry should always be treated with caution, due to the potential health risk. ``I think consumers should assume that meat and poultry is contaminated and treat it as such,'' he said. That means cooking it to the proper temperture and washing up to avoid spreading potentially deadly bacteria, he said. Bob Hahn, a food safety expert at Public Voice, a consumer advocacy group, agreed. ``The message consumers have to take home is that they have to take some action to protect themselves,'' he said. Even with continuing improvement in meat inspection, ''noboby can give you a guarantee that any particular piece of meat is safe,'' Hahn said. The specific Hudson Food products so far subject to the recall are the following: All 3-pound packages of ``Hudson Beef Burgers, Individually Quick Frozen,'' containing 12 quarter-pound frozen patties, with the code 1567A on the botton of the bag. All 3-pound packages of ``Hudson 100 Percent Pure Beef Patties, Individually Quick Frozen,'' containing 12 quarter-pound frozen patties, with the code 156B7. All 15-pound boxes of ``Hudson 60 quarter-pound Beef Patties, Uncooked Individually Quick Frozen,'' containing 60 quarter-pound frozen patties, with the code 155A7, 155B7, 160A7 or 160B7 on the bar code of the side panel of the box. 20:05 08-15-97 Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 22:06:53 -0400 From: Vegetarian Resource Center To: AR-News@envirolink.org (Animal-Wrongs-Usuals@Envirolink.Org) Subject: Hudson Foods hamburger recallexpanded to 1.2 million pounds Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.19970815220653.00c1105c@pop.tiac.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Hudson Foods hamburger recallexpanded to 1.2 million pounds By Curt Anderson, Associated Press, 08/15/97 WASHINGTON (AP) - The government expanded its recall of ground beef produced by an Arkansas company to 1.2 million pounds Friday because of new evidence of possible contamination by E. coli bacteria. Anyone who has purchased frozen ground-beef patties since June 4 should check their freezers to determine if any of the Hudson Foods Co. products are there. If so, they should be returned to the point of purchase, said Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman. The tainted beef came from the Hudson Foods plant in Columbus, Neb., and government officials are trying to determine if other contaminated products were produced there. ``USDA is conducting a thorough investigation at the plant to ensure that no unsafe product is being allowed to go into commerce,'' Glickman said. Much of the ground beef probably has already been eaten, officials said. The Nebraska plant produces frozen ground-beef patties for such national chains as Burger King, Boston Market, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, officials with Rogers, Ark.-based Hudson have said. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. pulled all Hudson's ground beef from Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores nationwide earlier this week, spokeswoman Daphne Davis said. Customers can return any patties they purchased for a full refund, no matter when it was bought. ``We want them to have peace of mind,'' she said. Ms. Davis did not know how much Hudson's ground beef that might involve, or which stores might have sold it. Burger King said Friday it had found no evidence that any hamburger it bought from the company on the production days in question was tainted with E. coli. The suspect ground beef was produced at Hudson's Nebraska plant on June 4, June 5 and June 9. Burger King said it does its own E. coli screening tests on beef patties and also thoroughly cooks every burger at 155 degrees for at least 15 seconds, enough to kill the bacteria. ``We are confident that Burger King Corp.'s stringent quality standards, inspection policies and cookout requirements ensure the continued safety of our customers,'' the company, with headquarters in Miami, said in a statement. Another large customer, Colorado-based Boston Market, said it had purchased about 16,000 pounds of Hudson beef produced on the suspect days but that those patties were long gone from its restaurants. It also does extra tests and cooks beef at properly high temperatures, the company said. Although Hudson had voluntarily recalled some 40,000 pounds of hamburger earlier this week, federal officials say there appeared to be some unwarranted delay in determining how much beef may have been contaminated with E. coli. ``USDA will pursue the appropriate corrective action,'' said Cathy Woteki, undersecretary for food safety. A spokesman for Hudson did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment. E. coli bacteria can cause severe diarrhea, cramps and dehydration and can be fatal, although no deaths have been associated with this ground-beef recall, officials said. The young, elderly and people with weak immune systems are most susceptible. The initial Hudson recall began after health officials in Colorado traced the illnesses of about 20 people to hamburger patties they ate in early June. The federal Centers for Disease Control has asked all state health departments to check on local cases of E. coli illness to determine if there are others linked to the ground beef, a spokesman said. In January 1993, an outbreak of E. coli poisoning traced to contaminated and undercooked burgers from Jack in the Box fast-food restaurants resulted in three deaths and hundreds of illnesses, mostly in Washington state. After that, the government began a public education campaign designed to encourage adequate cooking of burgers. The government recall covers all Hudson frozen-beef patties produced since June 4. Officials have not yet identified every batch of hamburger that could be contaminated, but so far, officials said consumers should check specifically for these codes: All 48-ounce packages of ``Hudson Beef Burgers, Individually Quick Frozen'' that contain 12 quarter-pound patties. The code 156A7 is on the bottom of the package. All 3-pound packages of ``Hudson 100% Pure Beef Patties, Individually Quick Frozen'' that contain 12 quarter-pound patties. The code 156B7 is on the bottom. All 15-pound boxes of ``Hudson 60 _ -lb. Beef Patties, Uncooked Individually Quick Frozen'' containing 60 quarter-pounds patties. The code 155B7 appears on the bottom. All three contain the code ``Est. 13569'' in the USDA inspection seal on the label. AP-ES-08-15-97 1850EDT Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 23:34:12 -0400 (EDT) From: NOVENAANN@aol.com To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: department of defense online database Message-ID: <970815233404_822452491@emout08.mail.aol.com> Please check out this database. It lists some of the animal research projects that our tax dollars are going to. I typed in "animal" and it returned 831 items. Hmm, war- what is it good for? Department of Defense Research Database http://dticam.dtic.mil/dodbr/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Richmond Animal Rights Network http://members.aol.com/novenaann/organiz2.htm RARNKV@aol.com Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 23:37:15 -0400 From: allen schubert To: ar-news@envirolink.org Subject: (US) Soy, Fiber Diet Cuts Endometrial Cancer Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970815233713.00694b9c@clark.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" from Yahoo news page: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday August 15 2:02 PM EDT Soy, Fiber Diet Cuts Endometrial Cancer NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Consuming a plant-based diet low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruit and legumes -- especially soy beans -- could reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. The new findings, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, may partly explain the lower rates of uterine cancer in Asian countries compared with those in the United States and may point the way to more effective cancer prevention. As with breast and ovarian cancers, rates for endometrial cancer are lower in Japan, China, and other Asian countries than they are in the United States and Europe. In recent years, researchers have focused on possible dietary factors that might influence these differences -- chief among them the possibility that dietary fat increases the risk of endometrial cancer. "It has been proposed that the reduced risk of breast cancer among Asians in Japan and China may be attributable to their high intake of dietary fiber and soy products," say researchers at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. "A similar rationale may be applied to uterine cancer," they add, noting that a reduced consumption of dietary fiber and soy products and increased consumption of dietary fat may explain the increase in uterine cancer found among Asians who have migrated to the West. The researchers led by epidemiologist Dr. Marc T. Goodman studied 332 cases of endometrial cancer diagnosed in Hawaii between 1985 and 1993. Cases included the five main ethnic groups of the state: Japanese, Caucasian, Native Hawaiian, Filipino, and Chinese. For comparison, a group of women (average age 58) matched for age and ethnicity was also studied. All participants were interviewed using a diet history questionnaire that included over 250 food items. Non-dietary risk factors for endometrial cancer were also evaluated, including never having given birth, never having used oral contraceptives, or history of fertility drug use or estrogen use. Other risk factors include diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure or obesity. As expected, non-dietary risk factors were tied to an increased likelihood of endometrial cancer. For example, the cancer risk among estrogen users was 2.6 times that of estrogen "never-users" and the cancer odds increased sharply with continued estrogen use. In regards to diet, "Energy intake from fat but not from other sources was positively associated with endometrial cancer," the researchers write. Among women who consumed the most dietary fat, the risk was 1.6 times greater than those who consumed the least fat. However, women who consumed the most fiber from cereals, vegetables, and fruit had a 29% to 46% reduction in cancer risk compared to those who ate the least amount of fiber. In addition, several groups of phytoestrogen-rich foods -- including legumes, tofu and other soy products -- was linked to a lower risk of endometrial cancer. Phytoestrogens are compounds of plant origin that have effects similar to those of the hormone estrogen. Women who ate the highest amount of foods rich in these compounds had a 54% reduction in cancer risk, compared with those who consumed the least. Phytoestrogens compete with estrogen for cell receptor binding sites. In doing so, they help control the level of estrogen circulating in the blood. The researchers say an "anti-estrogenic effect" of phytoestrogens may block the development of endometrial cancer by reducing hormonal activities that cause endometrial cells to proliferate uncontrollably. According to Goodman and his colleagues, the link between soy product consumption and the risk of endometrial cancer was independent of other established risk factors with the exception of estrogen use and pregnancy. "Women who had never been pregnant and who consumed less than nine grams of soy products a day were at 4.52 times the estimated risk of endometrial cancer," write the researchers. Among women who had never used estrogen, risk was increased by 80% among those who consumed less than nine grams of soy products a day. Among estrogen users, however, the level of soy intake "had little influence" on the odds of developing endometrial cancer. The researchers conclude, "These findings and those of other investigators suggest a practical strategy for the prevention of endometrial cancer; namely, weight control through the reduction of energy intake, especially from fat and protein, and an increase in soy and fiber, mostly from vegetables and fruits." SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology (1997;146(4):294-306)