ANIMAL DEFENDERS

KITTY BLOCK—The charges filed today are an important outcome and they set a precedent for future cases of wildlife abuse. Before Libre’s Law went into effect, animal cruelty was largely a summary offense in Pennsylvania, and offenders received penalties that were the legal equivalent of a traffic violation. Even egregious acts of cruelty were not given penalties that matched the severity of the crime. Now, under Libre’s Law, aggravated cruelty is a felony. And although the law was inspired by and named after a puppy mill dog, Libre, it covers not just companion animals but all animals, including wildlife.

The effect of the ban will be to close furriers, force major retailers to stop buying products with fur trim, force manufacturers to produce separate lines for California or abandon fur themselves in all their markets. It will put a substantial dent in imports from China, many of which are dog and cat fur.

JAMES COGAN—The indifference shown by the Morrison government towards the bushfire crisis and its victims is simply the sharpest expression of the attitude of the political establishment as a whole, including the Labor Party opposition. Governments at the state and federal level, Labor and Liberal, are responsible for the lack of funding for fire services, the lack of disaster planning and, along with governments around the world, for the climate change that is a major factor in creating the conditions for the widespread bushfires…

It always comes down to a personal choice, but these days, with all the insults we pile on the planet, making reasonable and compassionate choices in the food we eat is one of the best ways to push back against our species- induced ecological implosion. It’s not even about animal rights or the legendary “fanatics” and crazy rich ladies. (Which exist, of course along with everything else.) It’s about being consistent in our leftist beliefs and doing what our moral duty—and our elementary self-preservation instinct—dictate.

Solidarity among protesters and stray dogs has a long tradition in Chile. In 2011, Chile experienced a wave of student protests. One day, a stray dog joined the young protesters in a demonstration. He was friendly with the students and aggressive towards the Chilean police officers. He soon became known as “Negro Matapacos,” slang for black cop-killer.