❀ The Good News ❀

. . . . . . . . . . 

Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 

. . . . . . . . . .

Wild Animals Saved From Entertainment Industry in West Hollywood

This week the West Hollywood City Council took another progressive stand for animals with a vote to ban the use of wild and exotic species in commercial displays and performances.

The goals of the ban, which was initiated by Councilmen Jeffrey Prang and John Duran, are to protect wild and exotic animals from cruel and inhumane treatment at the hands of caretakers, in addition to protecting the public from potential hazards that come with being in proximity to these animals.

The ban includes circus acts, rides, trade shows, carnivals, parades, races or similar events, where wild or exotic animals are “required to perform tricks, fight, or participate as accomplishments in performances for the entertainment, amusement or benefit of an audience.”

The list of animals includes more than a dozen species, including some obvious candidates like elephants, chimpanzees and bears, but it also extends to a number of others, including raccoons, sloths, armadillos and ostriches.

(Read more) 

Family Saves 7 Giant Puppies Marked to Die for Possible Ringworm

Please check out this completely inspiring and heart-warming story of a woman who saved these puppies! 

(Read the full story here) 

U.S. Blocks Import of Wild-Caught Belugas

The National Marine Fisheries Service has denied a permit -- opposed by NRDC -- that would have allowed the Georgia Aquarium to import 18 wild-caught belugas from Russia for public display purposes at aquaria around the country. We applaud the decision since Russia's wild beluga population is still recovering after being hunted nearly to extinction in the 1960s.

(Read More) 

Hong Kong Has Started to Ban Shark Fins

Hong Kong, the world’s biggest trade hub for shark fin, has announced that the traditional Chinese delicacy will no longer be served at official banquets. Given that about 80 percent of shark fin products pass through Hong Kong from 100 different countries, the government’s decision could have far-reaching ramifications.

(Read more) 

BREAKING NEWS for BC and Going GE Free!

In an unprecedented step, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), at their Annual General Meeting in Vancouver, passed a resolution “that UBCM ask the British Columbia government to legislate the prohibition of importing, exporting and growing plants and seeds containing genetically engineered DNA, and raising GE animals within BC, and to declare, through legislation, that BC is a GE Free area in respect to all plant and animal species." BC you rock!

Read: 

http://www.cban.ca/Resources/Topics/GE-Free-Zones

http://gefreebc.wordpress.com/

http://www.vicnews.com/community/224472171.html 

VICTORY! Anglo American Abandons the Catastrophic Pebble Mine

This week, British mining giant Anglo American, the lead company behind the potentially catastrophic Pebble Mine, announced that it was throwing in the towel on the project immediately.

This is spectacular, game-changing news for our long, hard-fought campaign against a mega-mine that threatens to destroy an American natural treasure: Alaska’s beautiful Bristol Bay.

A huge thank you to all the Care2 members who signed petitions urging Anglo American to abandon the project. It takes a lot for a hard-nosed company like Anglo American to change its mind so this is a huge step forwards for activism everywhere! 

(Read more)

Step Forward: EPA Announcement on 2013 Proposed Carbon Pollution Standard for New Power Plants

Today's announcement by EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is an important step forward for our nation and our planet. From now on, future coal- and gas-fired power plants must take responsibility for their global warming pollution by reducing or capturing their overall emissions.

This is a critical achievement for President Barack Obama and his administration. In the face of an intransigent and inactive Congress, the President has made halting the climate crisis a priority. The policies announced today, combined with the rest of the President's Climate Action Plan, will put us on the path toward solving the climate crisis.

(Read More) 

Whole Foods Tosses Out Mayo to Make Room for a Cruelty-Free Alternative

Starting this week, select Whole Foods stores in California will be phasing out mayo and introducing a vegan-friendly product in their prepared food sections from Hampton Creek Foods called Just Mayo.

The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that food production will need to increase by 70 percent by then to feed the world. At that level, cutting chickens out of the equation could streamline food production and help curb some of the problems caused by animal agriculture, which is one of the reasons the company has attracted the support of well-known funders including Bill Gates and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel.

Armed with a team of scientists, food industry experts and chefs, the company has developed plant-based, soy and gluten-free alternatives called Beyond Eggs and Just Mayo – products that are a win for both us and animals and can be sustainably produced at a lower cost. Made from about a dozen plants, including peas, sorghum and a type of bean, the results are just as versatile as the real thing. As for how they taste, reviewers seem thus far impressed.

(Read more) 

Finland’s People Make the Government Reconsider Same-Sex Marriage

Finland’s lawmakers will reconsider the issue of marriage equality after a public campaign garnered the highest number of petition signatures for a citizen’s initiative in the country’s history.

The petition needed only 50,000 signatures to prompt parliament to consider the initiative. It in fact secured more than 100,000 on its first day when it debuted in March, and as of writing has more than 164,000 signatures in favor of marriage equality.

This grassroots effort to have parliament reconsider marriage equality comes after the Finish Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee decided in February and by a narrow majority vote of 9-8 that it would not advance a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

This is the first time in marriage equality’s modern history that a country’s lawmakers have been petitioned by such a sizable proportion of the national electorate and urged through a public initiative to (again) consider making marriage equality law.

(Read more) 

Nobel Laureates Denounce Keystone XL

NRDC and our partners ran a full-page ad in The Washington Post that featured a letter from ten Nobel Peace Prize winners, calling on President Obama to reject the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline and lead the way beyond dirty oil.

Maine Activists Don’t Want Tar Sands Under Their Feet

It’s on in Portland, Maine, where activists have successfully organized to get an anti-tar sands ordinance on the November ballot. Members of Protect South Portland are rallying together in an attempt to keep tar sands out of their city by cutting it off at the head, making it impossible for major oil companies to transport and process this controversial oil product within their city. The results of their organizing could prove explosive not just for Maine, but for the Northeast and the rest of the country.

(Read more) 

Summing up Victories on Change.org:

From Change.org: "It's been an incredible summer on Change.org in Canada and around the world. As more and more people discover the simple power of online petitions, we've seen over 700 campaigns win on Change.org this summer alone. Even the staff at Change.org are overwhelmed!

This last week of summer we thought we'd catch you up on a few of the season's most popular victories…"

One-year-old Mackenzie receives sight-saving treatment

Whitby parents, Heather and Matt Graham, are relieved to receive coverage for surgery to save their son's sight! Mackenzie was diagnosed with Norrie's Disease, a rare disorder causing blindness. Worse, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) repeatedly refused to provide coverage for treatments that the family couldn't afford. But, after 1,484 people signed their petition and their story was featured in the Toronto Sun, the Ontario Ministry of Health called to say that Mackenzie's treatments would be covered!

Women will not be "erased" from British Banknotes

British women like Caroline Criado-Perez are proud to have successfully convinced the Bank of England to keep women on British banknotes! When Caroline learned that Sir Winston Churchill would replace Elizabeth Fry on the five-pound note, she was outraged. Other than the Queen, no British women would be left on the bills. After 35,000 people signed Caroline's petition, the Bank of England acquiesced and agreed to feature Jane Austen on the ten-pound note.

Afghan interpreter on Taliban "kill-list" is saved

Janis Shinwari and his family will no longer live in fear of taliban reprisal! Janis was an interpreter for US forces in Afghanistan, but like many interpreters working with the US army he became a target of Taliban violence. Two years after applying for a US visa Janis was still waiting. US army veteran, Matt Zeller, who had worked with Janis, started a petition asking the US State Department and the US Embassy in Kabul to save Janis's life by granting him a visa. 100,000 signatures later, Janis has now received his visa and will soon be safe with his family in Washington, DC.

Police officer James Forcillo is charged in Sammy Yatim's tragic death

Those who knew Sammy Yatim were comforted to learn that some justice had been won for the 17-year-old. Sammy's tragic death at the hands of police shocked Canadians. Fearing that the officer who shot Sammy nine times would not be held accountable, prominent political activist and commentator, Tarek Fatah started a petition asking the Special Investigations Unit to lay charges. In August, after 40,000 signed Tarek's petition and rallies were held across Toronto, the SIU charged Officer James Forcillo with second-degree murder.

Middle Earth is saved

This summer, New Zealanders celebrated the protection of Milford Sound, which played the part of Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings movies. Over 30,000 signed a petition against the construction of a massive, environmentally destructive tunnel through the area, and in July, New Zealand's Conservation Minister rejected the plan to build the tunnel!

Air Canada will be forced to better treat customers

Air Canada passengers everywhere are pleased to learn that they will be paid up to $800 if bumped from an oversold flight. Previously, bumped passengers were given $100. Passenger rights advocate Jeremy Cooperstock started a 34,000 signature petition asking Air Canada to provide greater compensation based on the amount of time until the next flight. In August, the Canadian Transportation Agency announced that yes, Air Canada would have to pay higher compensation to inconvenienced customers!

Over 700 victories big and small were won on Change.org this summer -- that's 700 people who made a real difference by empowering and inspiring millions of supporters. Why not join them? The first step toward winning the change you want to see is easy. Click here to start your petition. 

. . . . . . . . . .

Thanks for reading this week's "Good News!" Join us every week and feel inspired! 

Be sure to sign up for Care2's newsletter for some real news around the globe, to make a change, and to open up your mind to the Real World!

See that your actions count and get out there and do good! Be the Change!  



If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

❀ The Good News ❀

. . . . . . . . . . 

Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 

. . . . . . . . . .

U.S. Steps Up to Help White Rhinos Rebound From the Brink of Extinction

In response to the poaching crisis that continues to threaten rhinos, the U.S. has announced the southern white rhino will now be getting protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Four of the five rhino species still living in the wild–including the black, Sumatran, Indian and Javan rhinos–are already fully protected as endangered under the ESA.

Unfortunately for white rhinos, who live mainly in South Africa and have been left without protection and destructive genetic testing, it’s difficult or impossible to tell the difference between their horns and horn products with those that come from protected species. This loophole has allowed traffickers to get away with mislabeling products to avoid restrictions on sales and transport, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

Thanks to this move, white rhinos will be immediately protected under the “similarity of appearance” provision of the ESA, which is intended to “aid international law enforcement efforts to fight poaching and crack down on trafficking in rhino horn.” There will now be a total ban on importing products made from rhinos into the U.S., in addition to a ban on the sale or offer for sale in interstate commerce of white rhinos.

(Read more) 

A female elephant calf has been born to the elephant Flying Squad in Indonesia’s Tesso Nilo National Park.

The calf’s mother is part of an elite team of critically endangered Sumatran elephants that help protect communities from conflict with wild elephants. Four births have been recorded since the squad was established by WWF and the Indonesia Ministry of Forests in 2004. 

This Flying Squad consists of four trained adult elephants and eight elephant handlers called mahouts, which are deployed to drive wild elephants back into the forest when they stray into nearby villages or farms. As elephant habitat shrinks, the animals become more likely to raid crops for food. 

Read the full story to learn more about the Flying Squad as a highly successful model for reducing conflict between people and elephants in a way that is safe for everyone

Victory! CA Governor Signs Law To Protect Mountain Lions

As a result of the public outcry that ensued after the unjustified and tragic shootings by wardens of an adult mountain lion and then later of two four-months old, merely 13-pound bobcat kittens, this landmark legislation is now in place to protect mountain lions in California.

This much-needed law prevents California Department of Fish and Wildlife wardens from killing lions that venture into populated areas unless they pose an urgent public safety threat. It also authorizes the department to work with rescue and other nongovernmental groups in capturing, tranquilizing or relocating the animals. This teamwork between the agency and local experts is exactly what IDA advocated after the tragic shooting of a young male mountain lion in Santa Monica CA, in May of last year.

IDA sends a heartfelt thanks to their friends at the Mountain Lion Foundation, who guided these efforts, to Senator Jerry Hill, who introduced this important legislation, and equally importantly, to all the CA supporters, who signed IDA's alert and helped make this legislation to protect mountain lions a reality!

Good News: Help for the Greater sage-grouse is on the way‏

It took nearly two years of legal wrangling, but it looks like the federal government is finally prepared to introduce emergency protections for Canada’s endangered Greater sage-grouse.

The announcement is a welcome breath of fresh air to a case that’s been mired in secrecy, delays and procedural roadblocks. In fact, our efforts may well have helped set another important legal precedent. To our knowledge, this is the first time Ottawa has explicitly stated its intention to introduce emergency protections for an endangered species.

(Read more and how you can help) 

IDA's Hope Animal Sanctuary Rescues Baking Dogs

On Thursday, August 29th, IDA-HAS received an urgent plea from the Coffeeville, MS Police Department asking for assistance for dogs confined in metal sheds in 101 degree weather. IDA-HAS Director Doll Stanley responded to the call.

Earlier in the day, Coffeeville PD officers had responded to a "dogs at large" report. Two young adult dogs had escaped from the yard where the other dogs were imperiled. The officers made the discovery when they attempted to meet with the property residents, who had been in court earlier in the year for non-compliance with an animal ordinance.

When Stanley arrived, officers had obtained a seizure order and the dogs were freed from the deplorable conditions they'd been kept in. Stanley will file cruelty charges and the Mississippi Animal Rescue League is aiding with the care of the dogs, one of whom had to be sedated for transport. 

IDA India - Success With Dog and Cat Adoptions

The IDA India team has developed strategies for ensuring good adoptions of local stray dogs and cats, slowly learning over the years that foster care really works to keep small animals healthy and growing well under individual care. Most of the little ones thrive under foster care while receiving timely medical treatment and good nutrition, and they also adjust well to a home environment.

The team then goes all out for adoption. Charming pictures are posted, advertisements are published, helpful other non-governmental organizations and friends are contacted to try and get good homes for each dog or cat who is ready for his or her new guardian. Adoptions of our local dogs and cats show a definite upward trend, and this is what the IDA India team works for all the time.

Victory! New Rule Brings Internet Puppy Breeders under Federal Oversight

Every year, thousands of puppies are sold over the Internet and shipped to consumers like any other product. Websites advertising happy, healthy puppies commonly conceal a grim reality: They’re often fronts for puppy mills—large-scale, commercial breeding operations that rear dogs in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with complete disregard for the animals’ wellbeing.

All of this happens hidden from public view because outdated laws haven’t applied to Internet breeders. Until now.

Now, the USDA has stepped into the Internet age by issuing a rule that brings breeders selling animals to consumers sight-unseen under the regulatory umbrella of the Animal Welfare Act. That means for the first time, USDA inspectors will be laying eyes on animals who have been ignored for too long.

For more information about puppy mills and to see the conditions captured by USDA inspectors, please visit NoPetStorePuppies.com.   

Goods News about Toxic Chemicals!

Earlier this month, industry giant Procter & Gamble promised to phase out triclosan and DEP (a phthalate) from products worldwide. Following that announcement, just last week Walmart U.S., the largest retailer in the United States, launched a “Policy on Sustainable Chemistry in Consumables” , laying out their plans to phase out key toxics and to improve ingredient disclosure. 

In its announcement, Walmart U.S. committed to reducing or eliminating 10 chemicals in the products it sells and also for its suppliers to disclose the ingredients in their products. Suppliers will be required to provide online public ingredient disclosure by January 2015. 

Both of these announcements happened because of the efforts of people like you. This is a sign that companies are listening.

(Read more and check out how You can get involved!) 

Free the CBC Ad Campaign making waves!

The FRIENDS' Free the CBC campaign to deter Stephen Harper from abusing his new power in Bill C-60 (to take control of CBC journalists' working conditions) is working! 

Paul Allen Research has demonstrated that the first volley of TV ads aired in August have been highly effective. One-in-five Canadian adults have already seen The Man Behind the Desk ad – and they get the message.

And Nanos Research has found that 81% of Canadians want CBC to remain free from political interference vs. only 12% who approve of what Harper was trying to sneak through in Bill C-60.

(Read More and watch the Ad) 

Israel Provides Incentives to Hire and Promote Women

Even though the amount of Israeli women in the workplace has been rising, women are still paid less than men, given mostly part time jobs, and are not given senior positions at the same rate as men. Economy Minister Naftali Bennett has now made it his goal to strengthen the involvement of women in the Israeli workplace. He solidified this goal by passing a new law that will give incentives to employers who employ and promote women and will help parents better balance their work lives and home lives. The Committee for the Advancement of the Women in the Workplace approved these new regulations on Monday, taking a huge step in the country toward equalizing women’s rights in the workplace.

(Read more) 

Yes on 522 Ad Airs on TV -- for the labelling of Genetically Engineered Foods

Goods new on the GMO Labelling food front! Check out the new ad and make sure everyone you know watches it by forwarding the link below to your friends in Washington..

(Check out the Video) 

. . . . . . . . . .

Thanks for reading this week's "Good News!" Join us every week and feel inspired! 

Be sure to sign up for Care2's newsletter for some real news around the globe, to make a change, and to open up your mind to the Real World!

See that your actions count and get out there and do good! Be the Change!  

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

❀ The Good News ❀

. . . . . . . . . . 

Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 

. . . . . . . . . .

Victory! Military Medical School Ends the Use of Live Animals

For decades, animal advocates have been campaigning to end the use of live animals to teach students medical procedures at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Md., and their work has finally paid off.

USUHS, the only military medical school in the U.S., has announced it will stop using live animals in its training programs and will now be using simulators to teach surgical skills and physiology, reports the AP. The school said it began phasing out the use of live animals in 2000 with the opening of the National Capital Area Medical Simulation Center.

(Read more) 

New Remote Cameras Could Help Fight Poaching in Kenya

Remote cameras have been used for a while to help give us a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitat that we may not otherwise ever be able to see, but now they’re going to be used to help protect some of the world’s most endangered species.

Real-time images of rare and endangered species are now being sent out as part of the Instant Wild project, which is the result of a collaboration between the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Cambridge Consultants and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).

Thanks in part to a generous grant from Google’s Global Impact Awards, the three organizations collaborated to come up with a new system to help keep track of endangered species in remote parts of the world and protect them from poachers. Together they came up with a system of cameras that are motion triggered and connected by the Iridium satellite network –  the only commercial satellite system with full coverage of the earth – along with an iOS app.

(Read more and check out how You can get involved!) 

New U.S. elephant announcement brings good news

Here's to another step forward for elephants! Back in July, President Obama signed an Executive Order outlining how our government would fight illegal wildlife trafficking and save elephants, rhinos, and other vulnerable animals from poaching.

Now, his administration is quickly making good on that promise. In a big announcement yesterday at the White House, Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, flanked by former Secretary Hillary Clinton and Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton, announced the next steps in this plan and it couldn't be more exciting.

Here's the rundown:

• She named eight members to the Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking, including WCS President and CEO, Cristián Samper. This group will develop a national strategy to work with international groups and governments to crackdown on trafficking. 
• Secretary Jewell announced a plan to crush six tons of ivory seized over the years by the federal government. When countries destroy their ivory stockpiles, it eliminates opportunities for corruption and guarantees the ivory doesn't land back on the black market. They're leading the world by example and encouraging African and Asian nations to do the same.
• She announced that wildlife trade is becoming part of our government's official Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime. Adding wildlife trafficking under this umbrella means more resources to help dismantle the criminal organizations that drive poaching across Africa. African countries have everything to lose from the instability and economic disruption created by poaching. 

Nature Makes a Come Back in New England

Nature is making a comeback in New England. According to researchers from Harvard University, the region can now boast that it is the most heavily forested in the United States.

80 percent of New England is now covered by woodlands, Colin Nickerson writes in the Boston Globe. Back in the mid-1800s, only 30 to 40 percent of most parts of the region was still forested, the result of logging, farming and leveling by generations of settlers since the time of the Pilgrims.

Native species including beavers, moose, bears, gray seals, pileated woodpeckers, hawks and white-tailed deer that had been all but wiped out have reestablished themselves. There are now some 85,000 white-tailed deer in Massachusetts; only a few hundred were alive in the state at the start of the 20th century. And, while there were no bald eagles in Vermont ten years ago, 14 nesting pairs are now rearing 24 chicks!

(Read more and find out the 5 reasons nature is making this comeback!) 

Animals Win (sort of) vs Big Ag

Good news for animals from California courts: two important animal welfare laws intended to mandate humane conditions for food animals will remain in place, despite the best attempts of the industry. In two different cases, big agriculture attempted to strike down ballot measures giving more rights to animals raised for food products, and in both, the court shot them down.

While I stand firmly on the side of the debate that animals shouldn't be raised for food at all, this is at least good news while they still are. We can agree that if people are going to be eating animals, they should at least be raised in more humane conditions where they have access to the best possible treatment. Because all animals deserve respect, and fighting for better conditions for food animals is an important step in improving conditions in the agriculture industry.

(Read more) 

First Success in Preventing an Attack in Syria

Last night President Obama conceded that his proposal to bomb Syria is unpopular and can’t get through Congress. This was thanks to public outrage, emails, petitions, and so forth--thank to You! Members of the House and Senate heard the message loud and clear.

While this is good news, it's not over yet. Yet again, Obama argued for attacking Syria. The threat is still very real -- which is why it’s so important that we tell Congress and the President not to attack Syria.

Sign the petition and spread the word! 

A Bunch Of Young Geniuses Just Made A Corrupt Corporation Freak Out Big Time. Time For Round Two.

Still feeling like you can't do anything to change the world? Well, just take a look at this Colorado nonprofit's video that has gone viral and feel that apathy just wash right out of your mind.

In 2011, Boulder voters approved a charter amendment that authorized the city council to form a municipal electric utility based on renewable, affordable energy, rather than coal. It was a big victory for the little guys -- while supporters of the local energy utility spent $106,760 on their campaign, Xcel Energy spent a whopping $960,689 on theirs. Despite being outspent nearly 10-1, the local effort won and the amendment passed.

Now New Era Colorado, a small Boulder, Colo.-based nonprofit, is faced with another fight against energy giant Xcel. If a new Boulder ballot initiative supported by the company passes, it could stop the local electric utility movement in its tracks. New Era is hoping to spread the word and gain support for the grassroots effort to preserve the progress toward renewable, independent energy. 

Please check out the video in the link to see how they did it, what you can do, and the challenges they still face with the greedy corporate greed of excel trying to step back in. 

http://www.upworthy.com/a-bunch-of-young-geniuses-just-made-a-corrupt-corporation-freak-out-big-time-time-for-round

A Pastor Asks A Politician Why He Supports Gay Marriage. It Seems He Wasn't Prepared For His Reply.

This video is just too priceless not to share. Change is happening, people are waking up and marriage equality takes steps closer every day! 

http://www.upworthy.com/a-pastor-asks-a-politician-why-he-supports-gay-marriage-it-seems-he-wasnt-prepared-for-his-reply

. . . . . . . . . .

Thanks for reading this week's "Good News!" Join us every week and feel inspired! 

Be sure to sign up for Care2's newsletter for some real news around the globe, to make a change, and to open up your mind to the Real World!

See that your actions count and get out there and do good! Be the Change!  

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

❀ The Good News ❀

. . . . . . . . . . 

Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 

. . . . . . . . . .

367 Starved and Shackled Pit Bulls Rescued in Massive Dogfighting Bust

367 dogs were saved from a life of abuse and brutality when a multi-state dogfighting ring was busted in what is now believed to be the second largest bust in U.S. history.

On Friday, 13 search warrants were executed in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Texas following a three-year investigation that was initiated by the the Auburn Police Department in Alabama. The raid resulted in the arrests of ten suspects who were indicted on felony dogfighting charges, in addition to the seizure of $500,000 in cash, drugs, firearms and dogfighting paraphernalia.

In all, the rescue operation involved responders from 16 animal welfare groups — including the ASPCA and HSUS, who were both on the ground at the request of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The dogs who survived and were saved from this horror will now get to see the other side of life. According to the ASPCA, they’ve been moved to emergency shelters at undisclosed locations where they are getting the long overdue love and veterinary care they deserve.

(Read the full story) 

Montreal SPCA seizes 90 dogs from South Shore puppy mill 

Ninety dogs were seized from a large-scale commercial breeding operation on Montreal's South Shore and are now in the care of Montreal's SPCA, where they will receive medical attention. The agency's director of animal advocacy, Alanna Devine, says the animals were being kept in unacceptable conditions, and many have health problems. 

The SPCA said the commercial breeder, working out of an undisclosed location in the Monterégie, already faced fines under Bill 51 — the Quebec law adopted in June 2012 which beefed up the province's animal health protection act.

The agency is now gathering evidence in the hope of preparing a strong enough case to bring charges under the new law against the alleged puppy mill's operator.

SPCA officials say they will seek legal custody of the dogs, which would allow them to put the animals up for adoption once they are deemed fit.

(Read the full story) 

Success! Dutch the Service Dog Saved From Euthanasia

Dutch the service dog is alive thanks to the petition created on Care2! That means thanks to thousands of amazing wonderful people who do their part and sign sign sign, like you! 

In case you missed the story; Dutch, the family pet service dog, was facing execution on the grounds that he had bit and attacked a woman after she beat him with her hands and a metal pole. And now he has been saved from euthanasia. Again, a huge thank you to Care2 members who signed the petition to save Dutch!

(Read more) 

Mexican Gray Wolves Now Have a Fighting Chance at Survival

In a victory for Mexican gray wolves, two agreements were reached between the Center for Biological Diversity and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that could help wolves in New Mexico and Arizona get a stronger foothold.

The first agreement will withdraw the FWS’ self-granted permit to capture and hold any Mexican gray wolves who come in from Mexico, at which point they would have been relocated to the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area, sent back to Mexico or placed in a captive breeding facility.

The second agreement will change an FWS rule that only allows releases in Arizona, which will now allow for direct releases into the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, where conservationists believe there is prime habitat for them. According to the Center, wolves will now be allowed to establish territories in all of Arizona and New Mexico between Interstate 10 and Interstate 40.

(Read more) 

Norwegian Woman Released From Being Sent to Jail for Being Raped

Marte Dalelv was sexually assaulted while visiting Dubai, but when she reported it to the police, she was sentenced to 16 months in prison for "extra-marital sex". Ingrid, an Avaaz member, started a petition after hearing of the woman's case and helped save her from being jailed. The petition on Avaaz and the social media storm it created kept pressure up on governments to act. Now the woman is free! And it all started with one simple step to start a petition! Change comes from individuals, so keep up the good work! 

DrinkSavvy to Help Prevent Date Rape with Cups and Straws 

The company DrinkSavvy is trying to change these statistics. By developing cups, glasses and straws that change color at the detection of invisible drugs, it hopes to make bars and clubs safe spaces for all.

Garnering support and funding from grants and a public fundraising platform, company founder Mike Abramson from Boston worked with Worcester Polytechnic Institute chemistry professor John MacDonald. Together they created a practical test for GHB, ketamine and rohypnol—the most common drugs used in drink spiking.

One can already check for drugs with litmus tests, but those are cumbersome and beverages must be repeatedly tested. Abramson’s products aim to make testing for drugs easy and effective.

(Read more) 

Rural Residents Take on Gas Companies Over Fracking-Linked Earthquakes

Time has taught us that appealing to the fossil fuel industry’s sense of morality is pointless. Apparently, they have no morals. Instead we come at them with science-backed lawsuits.

Following a recent study that linked over 100 anomalous earthquakes in Ohio to hydraulic fracturing, residents of small communities across the United States are taking Big Gas to court.

The suits mark the first time citizens have gone after gas companies for causing natural disasters. Most previous suits have focused on health and environmental consequences of fracking, which gas companies have become deft at wiggling out of. Because the Arkansas litigation does not target fracking itself, but rather the disposal of the leftover toxic, briny water, it’s hoped that the Greenbrier case will blaze a new trail that other fracking opponents can follow.

(Read more) 

IRS Now Recognizes Gay Marriages Regardless of State Law

The IRS has announced that it will recognize same-sex marriages for the purpose of joint tax filings regardless of whether the state a couple lives in recognizes that marriage or not.

On the same day this announcement was made, another important but seperate notice was issued by the U.S. Department of  Health and Human Services clarifying that beneficiaries in private Medicare plans have access to equal coverage when it comes to care in a nursing home where their spouse lives regardless of the gender of that spouse — again, this is after careful review following the Supreme Court’s decision finding Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.

(Read more) 

The Future of Clean Energy is Bright

After several decades in laboratories and niche applications, clean energy technologies are primed for accelerated and widespread expansion in the global power sector. In the United States and around the world, solar, wind and other renewable energy sources will represent a significant share of the new generating capacity deployed in the coming years and decades. These technologies will also be in demand as the world addresses persistent and emerging local and global environmental challenges and because clean energy will be sought after in the push to achieve greater energy security.

For all these reasons, the future of clean energy is bright.

(Read more) 

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❀ The Good News ❀

. . . . . . . . . . 

Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 

. . . . . . . . . .

India Proposed to End Tests on Animals for Household Products and Their Ingredients! 

After an extensive campaign by PETA India—which included appeals from high-profile politicians as well as lengthy discussions with a PETA India scientist—the Bureau of Indian Standards' Soaps and Other Surface Active Agents Sectional Committee proposed to end the use of animals in tests required for household products and their ingredients. The proposal was made during a recent meeting of the committee, on which PETA India Science Policy Adviser Dr. Chaitanya Koduri has a seat, and the final decision on a ban will be made by Dr. G.N. Singh, the Drugs Controller General of India, soon.

Victory! India Bans Shark Finning

In a move to protect the ocean’s apex predators, India has announced a ban on the practice of shark finning that is being applauded around the world.

According to a report by the wildlife monitoring agency TRAFFIC, India is the world’s second largest shark-catching nation behind Indonesia.

Now, fishermen who are found with detached fins could face up to seven years in prison under the assumption that any fins brought in alone are from a species who is protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, even if they aren’t.

The move was called for by the Humane Society International/India, in collaboration with one of India’s biggest fishing communities, the Deep Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen, and was supported by the Animal Welfare Board of India and other conservation groups over concerns about the brutality of this trade and need to conserve shark species and protect them from unsustainable fishing practices.

(Read more) 

McDonald’s Unwraps New Meat-Free Menu – in Canada

This week, according to Canada’s National Post, McDonald’s is rolling out two new meatless options at participating locations nationwide: a Mediterranean McWrap and a Sante Fe McWrap. (Note: As listed on McDonald’s website both wraps include cheese so request yours to be made dairy-free).

Why is McDonald’s going meatless and touting this “delicious new way to get your veggies”? Simply put: consumer demand.

(full story) 

Police Officer Saves 100 Baby Sea Turtles From Certain Death

Florida police officer Derek Conley, from Sarasota, saved nearly 100 baby sea turtles when he gathered the newly hatched creatures from a hotel parking lot and street, put them in a cardboard box, and released them into the Gulf of Mexico.

Conley was on patrol at 1 a.m. on August 3, when he noticed a baby sea turtle crawling toward the front door of Sarasota’s Lido Beach Resort. A passerby told him that he’d seen more hatchlings in the parking lot.

When he checked up, he saw that there were dozens more turtles swarming toward the hotel. He grabbed a cardboard box, and with the help of some of the hotel’s guests, he gathered up the slow-moving creatures from the parking lot and surrounding streets, stopping the traffic a few times in the process.

Conley delivered the turtles back to the beach and across the water line, effectively saving their little lives.

(Read the full story)

New Mexico on the Verge of Marriage Equality

Now that one county clerk is issuing same-sex marriage licenses, is New Mexico state on the verge of legalizing marriage equality?

Doña Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins began issuing same-sex marriage licenses last week based on the fact that New Mexico’s marriage laws are gender neutral and therefore, even without explicit recognition of same-sex couples, would appear to allow for equal marriage rights.

Reports ABC: 

Ellins said he had carefully read state laws and concluded the “state’s marriage statutes are gender neutral and do not expressly prohibit Doña Ana County from issuing marriage licenses to same-gender couples.”

Ellins, however, said “any further denial of marriage licenses to these couples violates the United States and New Mexico Constitution and the New Mexico Human Rights Act.”

(Read more) 

Pastor Who Helped Create “Kill the Gays” Bill Charged with Crimes Against Humanity

Scott Lively, pastor and head of Abiding Truth Ministries, has made warning of the dangers of homosexuality a primary focus of his ministry. He has done so much damage to the LGBT community, with talks and actions in Uganda which led to the Kill the Gays Bill. The Kill the Gays bill has been circulated multiple times, most recently in February of 2013. It’s still awaiting passage in parliament.

In March of 2012, the Center for Constitution Rights filed a federal lawsuit against Scott Lively and his current organization, Abiding Truth Ministries. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), a non-profit umbrella organization for LGBT advocacy groups in Uganda. In their complaint, Sexual Minorities Uganda seek a judgment declaring Lively’s actions illegal, in violation of international law, and in violation of their fundamental human rights.

While this is just the beginning, they are one step closer to the justice they desire and at least Lively will become accountable for his crimes. 

(Read the full story)

. . . . . . . . . .

Thanks for reading this week's "Good News!" Join us every week and feel inspired! 

Be sure to sign up for Care2's newsletter for some real news around the globe, to make a change, and to open up your mind to the Real World!

See that your actions count and get out there and do good! Be the Change!  

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

❀ The Good News ❀

. . . . . . . . . . 

Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 

. . . . . . . . . .

Pup Struggling to Stay Afloat Saved by Commuter on Boat

Thanks to some five windsurfers and a man who makes his daily commute to work in a motorized rubber boat, a waterlogged dog was rescued from the waters of the San Francisco Bay.

(Read the full story)  

Woman Trucks in Food to Save African Herds from Starvation

Very low rainfall has created a localized drought along this section of the river and essential grasses are nearly gone now. The vegetation isn’t expected to return until December, so conservationist Karen Paolillo, who lives at Turgwe River at the Save Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe, is trying to make a difference. Karen has already done so much for animals with the Turgwe Hippo Trust she formed nearly 20 years ago; the land is also home to thousands of lions, wildebeest, buffalo, elephants and more in the 3,000 square kilometer refuge. Now she is trying to do more but needs help:

The Harmony Fund, a small charity devoted to helping ‘underdog’ animal rescue teams across the planet, has set up a platform for people to help keep the animals alive during this drought. To learn more or to get involved, click here. 

(Read more)

Victory! Puget Sound’s Orcas Will Stay Protected

Following a legal battle about whether or not to remove a group of orca whales from the endangered species list, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced they will be keeping their protection.

This good news could also play a role that will impact Lolita, the lone orca who is currently at the Miami Seaquarium. She is a member of the L pod who was taken from the wild decades ago and currently has advocates fighting to have endangered species protection as a southern resident extended to her.

(Read more) 

Victory! 18 Belugas Escape Aquarium Life

Anti-captivity activists got some good news this month when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that it would be denying the Georgia Aquarium’s application for a permit to import 18 beluga whales from Russia for public display.

The application to import these whales marked the first request in 20 years from a facility in the U.S. to import wild caught marine mammals for public display. The belugas in question were captured in 2006 and 2011 and are currently being held at the Utrish Marine Mammal Research Station on Russia’s Black Sea Coast. Their advocates are now calling for Russia to allow a team of scientists to evaluate their health and rehabilitate them for release into the wild.

(Read more) 

More than 1,100 Elephant Tusks Uncovered in Major Wildlife Crime Bust

Two tons of endangered species body parts—including 1,120 ivory tusks, 13 rhino horns and five leopard skins—were uncovered by Hong Kong customs on August 6. The contraband was found in 21 crates hidden inside shipping containers arriving from Nigeria.

Under new operational procedures agreed at CITES last March, any ivory seizure over 1,100 pounds must undergo a forensic examination to provide insights into its geographic origin and help shed light on who is orchestrating these large-scale ivory shipments.

Although no arrests have been made, Hong Kong’s Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance legislates a maximum fine of more than $600,000 and two years in jail.

While this is good that the bust was made, there is still a long fight ahead to stop trafficking. WWF and TRAFFIC continue to fight the illegal trade of endangered species even as demand sky rockets in Asian countries like China and Vietnam, so please show some support and spread the word, and, of course, don't buy products with ivory or animal parts.

(Full Story) 

Success! California Transgender Students Gain Groundbreaking Rights

Excellent news for Care2 activists! On August 12, California became the first state in the nation to enact a law protecting transgender students, when Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1266 into law.

This is a huge thanks to the almost 6,000 Care2 members who signed their petition urging Governor Brown to end discrimination against transgender students in California schools.

This legislation also happens after 16-year-old Ashton Lee, from Manteca, California, brought his own petition with 6,000 signatures to Governor Brown’s desk.

(Read more)

White House Announces the Return of Solar Panels

In 2010, the Obama administration pledged that it would show the president’s commitment to renewable energy by putting solar panels on the White House. This week, Obama made good on the promise, as construction workers began putting the panels in place. 

The installation will show the value of retrofitting older buildings — even historic ones — and creating more energy-efficient buildings. Go green energy! 

(Full story) 

Bystanders Rush to Help Dog Running Down the Freeway

On July 3rd, after becoming frightened by early fireworks, a terrified little dog ran through rush hour traffic, down busy streets, evading State Police and the Department of Transportation crews that have been attempting to corral him. Helicopters were following the story of this dog from above, broadcasting on the news. As the dog continued its desperate terrified dash, a group of Good Samaritans came to the rescue when they realized the dog was nearby. Thanks to that group of wonderful people who wanted to help, the dog was finally circled and grab the now terrified, injured and extremely dehydrated little dog. 

The dog was brought to the animal hospital and taken care of and the veterinary and his wife decided to adopt him and give him a good home. 

(Read the full, touching story) 

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Thanks for reading this week's "Good News!" Join us every week and feel inspired! 

Be sure to sign up for Care2's newsletter for some real news around the globe, to make a change, and to open up your mind to the Real World!

See that your actions count and get out there and do good! Be the Change!  

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.