This evening I received an email forwarded by the animal behaviorist who helped us with Jack, our Alaskan Malamute, who had some initial behavioral issues.
She had received it apparently by mistake, but forwarded it on to her clients for dissemination and feedback.
I’m plopping it on DailyKos, ePluribus Media and Docudharma to open a discussion on other issues and where candidates stand on them.
I’d like folks who know of a candidate’s actions with regard to animals to put the candidate’s last name first in their subject, then ” — good” or ” — bad” next to the name, and have the content of the comment itself contain any good, bad, or additional information. I hope to tally this up later and present results. Please don’t get into candidate wars; just post what you can verify and include a link to support your statement. Please note that this also includes Republican candidates; please follow the same procedure, if you’ve information to add.
Thank you.
Disclaimer: I have no set horse in this race; that said, I’m less inclined toward Hillary Clinton than any of the other Democratic candidates for reasons I’ll go into — maybe — some other time. Folks should simply check and ensure that their own candidate, if listed, is represented accurately, then check to see if the information posted about others appears to be accurate. If not, then follow the process of
Subject: CandidateLastName — Good >enter<
or
Subject: CandidateLastName — Bad >enter<
Thank you.
NOTE: As I do not know if this is simply propaganda or not, please put “PROPAGANDA” in the Subject as the first item if you are relatively certain that’s the case, and in the comment explain why, preferably with links. It appears to be propaganda-like, of course — the data for Hillary and Barack is more detailed than for the others, and I suspect that Hillary is the originator’s top choice and that the email was crafted that way.
The intent of the diary is not to break it down, but instead to build on (or correct) any records for any candidates with regard to animal rights/ cruelty, so I can pull together a follow-up that accurately shows what we’re able to assemble as a group of lunatics with internet access, hot blood, passionate beliefs and an extreme lack of sleep.
Ready? …GO!
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The Email: Presidential Candidates and
their stance on animal protection / animal advocacy
_________________________________________________
This is a repost:
1. Hillary Rodham Clinton / Democrat
SOURCE / BACKGROUND:
The Presidential Files: Discussing the Donkeys
http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS:
READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
Current session of Congress:
Sen. Clinton co-sponsors horse slaughter and animal fighting legislation.
Previously: Co-sponsored legislation to end processing of downer livestock and crack down on puppy mills.
108th & 109th Congresses:
Led efforts to stop antibiotic overuse in farmed animals.
Humane Scorecard in 108th and 109th Congresses: Perfect 100% score.
HUMANE SCORECARD: http://www.fund.org/humanescor…
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
Hillary Clinton (D)
email: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/…
phone: 703-469-2008
website: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/
MORE / HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
Statement of Hillary Rodham Clinton
http://www.zimbio.com/Hillary+…
Hillary Rodham Clinton – Animal Rights and Wildlife Issues
http://votesmart.org/issue_rat…
Hillary and Big Meat
http://gristmill.grist.org/sto…
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2. Barack Obama / Democrat
SOURCE / BACKGROUND:
Obama Pledges Support for Animal Rights
http://ap.google.com/article/A…
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — “What about animal rights?” a woman shouted during the candidate’s town hall meeting outside Las Vegas after he discussed issues that relate more to humans, like war, health care and the economy.
Obama responded that he cares about animal rights very much, “not only because I have a 9-year-old and 6-year-old who want a dog.” He said he sponsored a bill to prevent horse slaughter in the Illinois state Senate and has been repeatedly endorsed by the Humane Society.
“I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other,” he said. “And it’s very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals.” Compiled by Nedra Pickler
SOURCE / BACKGROUND:
The Presidential Files: Barack Obama and the Dog-acity of Hope
http://hslf.typepad.com/politi… president-3.html
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS:
READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
In his [HSUS] questionnaire response, Obama pledges support for nearly every animal protection bill currently pending in Congress, and says he will work with executive agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make their policies more humane…Obama on links between animal cruelty and violence in society: “I’ve repeatedly voted to increase penalties for animal cruelty and violence and, importantly, to require psychological counseling for those who engage in this behavior… In addition to being unacceptable in its own stead, violence towards animals is linked with violent behavior in general, especially domestic violence… As president, I’d continue to make sure that we treat animal cruelty like the serious crime it is and address its connection to broader patterns of violence.”
As Illinois State Senator:
Voted for at least a dozen animal protection laws that came up during that time. Supported measures: To allow creation of pet trusts for long-term care of companion animals; to upgrade penalties for cruelty to animals; to require psychological counseling for people who abuse animals; to require veterinarians report suspected acts of cruelty and animal fighting; to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption…
As U.S. Senator:
Voted to end federal funding of horse slaughter in 2005.
Currently a co-sponsor of new legislation to stop horse slaughter and export of horses for human consumption. Co-sponsored legislation to upgrade federal penalties for dogfighting and cockfighting. Co-sponsor of new legislation to banpossession of fighting dogs and being a spectator at a dogfight. Signed letter requesting increased funds for enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, and federal animal fighing law. Sent letter to National Zoo expressing concern for the care of Toni the elephant. .But he has not yet co-sponsored major animal welfare bills such as the Pet Safety and Protection Act…
MORE / BARACK OBAMA
Animal Rights Advocates for Obama
http://my.barackobama.com/page…
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
Barack Obama (D)
email: http://my.barackobama.com/page…
phone: 1-866-675-2008
website: http://www.barackobama.com
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3. John Edwards / Democrat
SOURCE / BACKGROUND: The Presidential Files: John Edwards on Animals and Rural America http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS: READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi… president-1.html
Former Senator John Edwards runs on a platform of protecting small farmers and rural communities from the environmental pollution and economic devastation caused by agribusiness. Earlier this year, he called for a national moratorium on construction or expansion of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). [Still] Edwards became the latest presidential candidate to trot out his hunting bonafides. It’s a wonder candidates still feel obligated to pander to the gun lobby, especially as the number of hunters has been steadily declining… To Edwards’ credit, his “Hunting and Fishing Bill of Rights and Responsibilities” proposed…a commission to study the impacts of commercial game farms and captive hunting operations on native wildlife, and enforcing the Clean Water Act to protect lakes, streams, and oceans. Terrible ideas too: Edwards suggested opening national parks to sport hunters… On a more positive note, Edwards…was one of the first presidential candidates to release a policy statement on animal welfare. Edwards wrote about his three dogs and the joy animals bring to our lives. Bills supported and co-sponsored when in the Senate: Legislation to stop cockfighting, bear poaching, processing of downer livestock. Expressed support for restricting puppy mills, ensuring pet food safety, stopping trade in pet primates. Voted to protect dolphins from tuna nets and prevent drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Signed letters urging increased funding for enforcement of animal welfare laws. He wasn’t with animal advocates every time: Voted in favor of using steel-jawed leghold traps and neck snares for commercial and recreational trapping on national wildlife refuges…
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
John Edwards (D)
email: http://johnedwards.com/about/c…
phone: 919-636-3131
website: http://johnedwards.com/
MORE / JOHN EDWARDS
How pig farm politics are mucking up Iowa’s race for president http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22…
Edwards Campaign’s Statement On Animal Welfare download, under John Edwards: http://hslf.typepad.com/ political_animal/2008/01/donkeys.html
Candidates On Animal Issues http://216.110.171.197/07/11/c…
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4. Dennis Kucinich / Democrat
SOURCE / BACKGROUND: The Presidential Files: Discussing the Donkeys http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS: READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi… donkeys.html
An ethical vegetarian, Rep. Kucinich has been one of the true leaders on animal protection issues in the U.S. House of Representatives. Current, 110th Congress: Co-sponsor of 14 animal protection measures. When animal issues are considered on House floor, Rep. Kucinich speaks in favor of animal protection position. November, hosted online forum to discuss animal issues. 2001, 2002: Led effort to secure more funding for U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s enforcement of Animal Welfare Act at puppy mills, research laboratories, zoos, circuses…
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES: Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
Dennis Kucinich (D)
email: [email protected]
phone: 877-413-3664
website: http://www.dennis4president.com/
MORE / DENNIS KUCINICH
Dennis Kucinich Animal Rights Webcast http://connecticutforanimals.b… kucinich-animal-rights-webcast.html
Kucinich Watch: Why He’s the Best Political Animal for President http://www.associatedcontent.c…
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5. Mike Huckabee / Republican
SOURCE / BACKGROUND: The Presidential Files: Mike Huckabee’s Do-Nothing Approach to Protecting Animals
http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS: READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi… presidentia.html
1998/Huckabee’s son David, 17, kills stray dog: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported former Governor Mike Huckabee’s son, David, fired from job as a Boy Scout camp counselor because he and another teen allegedly killed a stray dog… The boys hanged the dog, slit his throat, and stoned him to death — but were never charged with any crime. …At the time of the camp incident, a local prosecutor asked the Arkansas State Police to investigate whether David Huckabee violated state anti-cruelty laws. Newsweek broke the story that the former director of the state police, John Bailey, says Huckabee’s chief of staff and personal attorney leaned on him to drop the investigation… Bailey refused to play ball and was fired seven months later. It seems Huckabee tried to stop the state police from investigating the cruelty charges against his son, and Bailey’s story is corroborated by the former FBI chief in Little Rock. During Huckabee’s administration: Arkansas lawmakers tried to pass legislation upgrading the state’s anti-cruelty law from misdemeanor to felony… They received no help from the governor, and were unsuccessful every time. Stymied by the legislative process, animal advocates collected signatures to place an anti- cruelty and anti-cockfighting measure on the statewide ballot in 2002… All that came from Huckabee during the ballot campaign was a deafening silence. The measure went down in flames, largely because of a campaign run by the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Ducks Unlimited — groups with which Huckabee associates himself — falsely claiming this modest proposal to upgrade penalties for animal cruelty would have adversely impacted hunting, fishing, farming, and other Arkansas traditions… Huckabee’s pandering to the sport hunting lobby: November television ad in Iowa featured action star Chuck Norris, who stated, “Mike Huckabee is a lifelong hunter…” During a speech to the NRA in September, Huckabee…talked about shooting a bullet that was guided by angels to pierce an antelope, and exclaimed, “I’m pretty sure there will be duck hunting in heaven, and I can’t wait.”
[Huckabee spent Christmas Day killing tame pheasants].
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
Mike Huckabee (R)
email: [email protected]
phone: 501-324-2008
website: http://www.mikehuckabee.com
** An alleged family history of cruelty to animals and the suggestion the governor obstructed justice… Huckabee should apologize or explain the specifics regarding the camp cruelty allegations. Call/email his campaign office and tell him animal abuse is a serious crime.
MORE / MIKE HUCKABEE
Quit Picking on Huckabee’s Son Says Michael Vick
http://www.opednews.com/articl…
A Son’s Past Deeds Come Back To Bite Huckabee
http://www.newsweek.com/id/78241
National Animal Protection Organization Asks Presidential Candidate and Iowa Caucus…
http://www.reuters.com/article…
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 4 — United Animal Nations (UAN) today asked presidential candidate Mike Huckabee to educate himself about horse slaughter and reconsider consuming a Dutch horsemeat dish, which he recently described as tasting “like chicken…”
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE REAL MIKE HUCKABEE http://www.congress.org/congre…
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6. Rudy Giuliani / Republican
SOURCE / BACKGROUND: The Presidential Files: Evaluating the Elephants http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS: READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
Rudy Giuliani as NYC mayor: Not as many opportunities to take a position on animal issues as those who serve as governor or a Congress member, but he did take some proactive measures in America’s largest city. In 2000: Proposed and signed bill to promote spay/neuter of dogs and cats and open an animal shelter in each borough to help curb New York’s pet overpopulation. First Republican candidate to release a public statement on animal issues: “Animals play an important part in the lives of many Americans. We should all work to reduce animal suffering by advocating for sensible public policies, investigating animal cruelty and strongly enforcing the laws that are already on the books. I will continue to support efforts to educate the public about animal issues, and work with corporations to develop animal-friendly policies.”
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
Rudy Giuliani (R)
email: [email protected]
phone: 212-835-9449
website: http://www.joinrudy2008.com
MORE / RUDY GIULIANI
Curbing Pet Overpopulation, By Mayor Rudy Giuliani http://www.nyc.gov/html/rwg/ht…
Attack me, not my wife:
Giuliani http://www.theaustralian.news….
Who’s winning the Republican dog abuse primary? http://www.dailykos.com/story/…
__________________________________
7. John McCain / Republican
SOURCE / BACKGROUND: The Presidential Files: Evaluating the Elephants
http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS: READ MORE:
http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
In the U.S. Senate: Senator McCain has been a strong supporter of numerous animal welfare issues, earning scores of up to 75 percent on the Humane Scorecard. Voted for and co-sponsored legislation to stop horse slaughter. Voted to eliminate a $2 million subsidy for the mink industry. Co-sponsored bills to stop interstate shipment of birds for cockfighting and to stop poaching of bears by ending trade in their gall bladders and other viscera. He took an anti-animal position by supporting an amendment to the California Desert Protection Act which would have allowed sport hunting in the Mojave National Park. A leader in effort to stop global warming. Opposes drilling for oil in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge…
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
John McCain (R)
email: http://www.johnmccain.com/Cont…
phone: 703-418-2008
website: http://www.johnmccain.com
MORE / JOHN MCCAIN
McCain would do more about global warming http://www.desmoinesregister.c…
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8. Mitt Romney / Republican
SOURCE / BACKGROUND: The Presidential Files: Evaluating the Elephants
http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS: READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
Romney’s infamous 1983 vacation: Romney attracted the ire of animal advocates when they learned that during a 1983 vacation, he put the family’s Irish setter, Seamus, in a carrier and strapped him to the roof rack of the station wagon. When the terrified dog urinated and defecated during the 12-hour drive, Romney pulled over, hosed down the dog, and continued the voyage from Boston to Ontario. As chief executive of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City: Romney also came under fire from animal protection groups for allowing a rodeo exhibition that included calf roping. His term as governor: Appointed a raft of animal-unfriendly people to the state Fisheries and Wildlife Board. He did, however, sign a bill passed in 2006 to strengthen the Massachusetts animal fighting law and prevent a convicted animal abuser from getting the animal back.
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
Mitt Romney (R)
email: http://www.mittromney.com/Comm…
phone: 857-288-6400
website: http://www.mittromney.com
MORE / MITT ROMNEY
Romney’s Cruel Canine Vacation http://www.time.com/time/natio…
2002 Rodeo Will Keep Its Calf Roping http://www.deseretnews.com/oly…
A Pet Project for Romney?
http://blog.washingtonpost.com… a_pet_project_for_romney.html
NASHUA, N.H.– At a Nashua Rotary Club event, an audience member posed a question to former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney: As president, what would he do to combat the nation’s burgeoning pet population? For a moment, the well-versed candidate seemed stumped…
___________________________
9. Fred Thompson / Republican
SOURCE / BACKGROUND: The Presidential Files: Evaluating the Elephants http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS: READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
In the U.S. Senate: Rarely supported animal protection issues… On positive side, he voted to eliminate a $2 million subsidy for the mink industry. On negative side, he voted to continue spending tax dollars to allow use of steel- jawed leghold traps and wire neck snares for commercial and recreational trapping on National Wildlife Refuges. Opposed an amendment to protect dolphins from drowning in tuna fishing nets.
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
Fred Thompson (R)
email: http://www.fred08.com/Contact/…
phone: 571-730-1001
website: http://www.fred08.com
_____________________________
10. Ron Paul / Republican
SOURCE / BACKGROUND: The Presidential Files: Ron Paul and Michael Vick http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS: READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/politi…
His terrible record in Congress: Driven by attitude that the federal government should not play a role in protecting animals from cruelty. Rep. Paul one of only 31 members of U.S. House of Representatives who voted against every single animal protection measure that came up for a vote in 2007. Voted in March to keep federal penalties weak for dogfighting and cockfighting… Voted in April against restoring decades-old protections for wild horses and burros, instead opting to let them be sold for commercial slaughter. Voted in June to allow wealthy American trophy hunters to shoot polar bears in the Arctic and bring their heads and hides back home… It hasn’t always been this way for Ron Paul: Voted, several years ago, to cut funding for lethal predator control, trapping on national wildlife refuges, and trophy hunting programs in foreign countries. But…libertarians like Paul don’t want to see laws enacted that restrict personal behavior, even if that behavior may involve dogfighting or eating mustangs.
CONTACT INFO / ASK FOR THIS CANDIDATE’S STAND ON ANIMAL ISSUES:
Let this candidate know his/her position on humane issues will affect your vote.
Ron Paul (R)
email: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/con…
phone: 703-248-9115
website: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/
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Yeah, I know.
I spent some time in cleanup, but it’s as close to the original as I’d received and could still stand to post.
Sorry.
“Share the pain” and all that…
Can’t post it on dKos yet. Here’s ePluribus Media and Docudharma.
Author
Here.
Thanks for reading…hopefully, the feedback will be useful — tho I’m not certain whether the avid candidate fans will take kindly to the content or potential implications.
:/
are close and dear to my heart, happy horses I have recently discovered the wonderful world of brasschecktv.
It is a great endeavor to rate the candidates in their animal friendly standings. But, my personal cynical nature has removed the notion that ANY of the candidates stand for anything when money is involved.
Edwards.