GoatsBringing Moos and Oinks Into the Food Debate [NY Times]
As Farm Sanctuary has grown, so too has its influence. Soon, due in part to the organization’s work, veal calves and pregnant pigs in Arizona won’t be kept in cages so tight they can’t turn around. Eggs from cage-free hens have become so popular that there is a national shortage. A law in Chicago bans the sale of foie gras. (video)

The Feds’ War on the Animal Rights Movement [counterpunch]
The imprisonment of the group, known as SHAC 7, is nothing more than history repeating itself. Those who first called for an end to slavery were imprisoned. Those who believed women should vote went to jail. Civil rights activists, supporters of gay and lesbian rights, and now animal rights activists have all been jailed. The only thing sadder than the imprisonment of animal rights activists is that they are fighting for a losing cause; for we now live in a society that slaps the wrist of a person who harms the neighbor’s dog yet subsidizes the systematic annual killing of billions of other animals for food, clothing, research and sport.

Urgent Action Needed for Kangaroos in California [Animal Protection Institute]
SB 880, a bill that would allow the sale of kangaroo skins and body parts in the state of California, is sailing through the legislative process. Sadly, it has now passed the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and moves to the Assembly for a floor vote.

Beyond Vick: Animal Cruelty for Sport [NPR]
And Vick’s infamy has at least put the spotlight on the loathsome business of dog-fighting. Who knew that the Humane Society estimates that there are as many as 40,000 Americans who fight dogs? And there are, too, other animal torture amusements in this country that, lacking a celebrity to spotlight them, actually remain legal in many states.(audio)

Cities Across North America Walk to Save Farm Animals [PR Newswire]
Throughout September and October, compassionate citizens join Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, in the annual Walk for Farm Animals.

Tiger, Tiger: Why it’s time to reconsider the whole notion of putting wild animals in zoos [Newsweek]
The tigers I saw spent all day pacing in their cages, and it was clear that they were not happy cats. The attack on Jeff Tierney ought to remind us that these are wild animals that we foolishly expect to behave like house pets so that we can ogle them.

Lawmaker-Veterinarian Wants Pets Protected [WLWT-NBC]
A veterinarian who also serves as a legislator is pushing for changes in the state’s animal protection laws to keep pets out of the hands of neglectful owners.

Decision on managing the bear population due[NorthJersey.com]
After Wednesday’s deadline for comment, state Environmental Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson will then have to a render a decision on the best way deal with the state’s estimated 3,000 bears.