With 2007 coming to a close, some significant strides were made on behalf of animals – but other very important issues continue to languish due to individuals and organizations profiting from the suffering of animals. As AWI enters its 57th year of fighting for animals, we are determined to protect animals, but we need help from you and everyone else who cares about all beings. FULL RELEASE>>

*****************************************************************

AWI Press Release: AWI Condemns Illegal Whale Hunt By Makah Tribal Members Calls on State, Tribal and Federal Authorities to Fully Prosecute Culprits and Federal Government to Terminate Efforts to Facilitate Future Whaling by Makah

*****************************************************************

AWI Press Release:  Michael Vick, NFL and Atlanta Falcons Must Do the Right Thing: National Animal Protection Group Calls for Establishment of Humane Education Fund

*****************************************************************

AWI Statement: "Barbaric, Barbaric, Barbaric!" Vick Dog Fighting Charges Symptomatic of a Larger Problem

*****************************************************************

AWI Press Release:  Elephants Beaten with Bullhooks in the Name of Entertainment: Former Ringling Brothers Employees Bolster Federal Lawsuit Against Circus

*****************************************************************

AWI Press Release:  Consumers Can Help Stop Shark Finning – The Animal Welfare Institute has sent letters of warning to restaurants in major cities that offer shark fin soup on their menus.  In addition, the organization is working to expand its campaign from Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago, Boston and San Francisco to the entire nation.

*****************************************************************

AWI Press Release:  Ringling Brothers Will Stand Trial for Elephant Abuse

*****************************************************************

AWI in the NEWS:  Contact 13 Investigation: Animals Mistreated By Circus? ktnv.com, Las Vegas

*****************************************************************

Man Who Throws Puppy on Grill Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Columbia, S.C. (June 8, 2007) —The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) commends the Honorable Thomas Cooper of the Richland County Fifth Judicial Circuit for sentencing 28-year old Adan Gonzalez to three years in prison for throwing Lady, a 12-week-old boxer puppy, on the burning hot coals of a grill last October.  Lady was treated for severe burns on over sixty percent of her body but died a few days later. FULL RELEASE>>

*****************************************************************

The Boy Who Loved All Living Things: The Imaginary Childhood Journal of Albert Schweitzer, written and illustrated by Sheila Hamanaka, is now available. Inspired by Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s youth, the book teaches young children that animals are friends who should be treated with utmost compassion. Active AWI members are eligible for a free copy of the book, and additional copies are available for $4.00 each. Please click here if you are interested.

*****************************************************************

Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare

Help us achieve global recognition that animals matter, that they can feel pain and can suffer and that we have a responsibility to put an end to cruelty around the world. We seek 10 million signatures to let the governments of the world know we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations. Improving animal welfare can also improve the welfare of people relying on these animals. People rely on animals' companionship as well, and in many cases animals are considered part of the family. For a global problem you need a global solution. Agreement on the importance of an issue affects people's attitudes, and people's attitudes affect their actions. A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would have a real, long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals worldwide. To sign, click here.

*****************************************************************

The Christine Stevens Wildlife Award

AWI's new Christine Stevens Wildlife Award provides $10,000 grants to defray the cost of studies to test tools and techniques that provide non-lethal alternatives for the humane resolution of all types of wildlife conflicts. Click here to view the full brochure.

*****************************************************************