In Defense of Animals

Stop Deer Mismanagement at
Tyler State Park in Pennsylvania 

In Defense of Animals
For nearly 30 years, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been mismanaging urban deer. Every year in December and January, they turn the tranquil and historic Tyler State Park into a bloody killing field when hunters line up to kill deer in this urban setting.
Not only is killing deer ineffective due to the "compensation factor," which happens when surviving deer have more offspring due to the increased abundance of nutritious food, but bow-hunting is extremely cruel and ethically indefensible.
Demand an immediate moratorium in order to study humane, nonlethal management for deer in Tyler State Park.
Click here to read more and take action.

Zimbabwe Abducts Baby Elephants
We Can Still Help Them 

In Defense of Animals
According to the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, Hwange National Park visitors witnessed the capture of baby elephants by government helicopters and ground teams. Baby elephants were roped together after being separated from their mothers by firing shots above the herd. Thirty-four terrified baby elephants, seven lion cubs, and 10 rare sable antelope were rounded-up by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority for possible sale to China.
Imagine the physical and emotional torment these babies will suffer confined, alone, and frightened on the long journey to China, likely by truck, sea freighter, and airplane via Mozambique and the United Arab Emirates. One baby elephant already died awaiting export, her limp carcass carved up to eat by her handlers. How many more deaths will follow? Baby elephants are fully dependent on their mother's milk until at least five years of age, often pining and dying if they are separated prematurely.
Click here to read more and take action.

Mexican Government Votes to Ban Circus Animals

In Defense of Animals
In a historic vote which marks a significant step toward preventing exploitation of animals, Mexico's congress passed legislation to ban the use of animals in circus performances across the country – joining a small, but growing list of nations which have already outlawed the controversial practice. It calls for fines for violations and requires circuses to submit lists of the wildlife they possess, which would then be made available to zoos interested in taking the animals.
The ban would impact 592 circuses operating around the country. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto hasn't said whether he’ll sign the bill into law, but it was introduced by an allied party. Meanwhile, across the border the United States lags behind in similar measures to protect animals from being exploited for entertainment.

Meet Dr. Kroplick

In Defense of Animals
IDA invites you to read this column on our Sustainable Activism Blog by guest blogger Denise Papas, a freelance television producer/writer who specializes in biographies. Papas is featuring members of our Council of Sustainable Activism to introduce them to our supporters.
Marilyn Kroplick MD, President of In Defense of Animals (IDA), is a lifelong activist who uses her experience and expertise in the fight to end the exploitation, cruelty, and abuse of animals. As president, she oversees the entire organization and helps expand its numerous campaigns. Dr. Kroplick is a trained child, adolescent, and board-certified adult psychiatrist known for her advocacy of sustainable activism.
Dr. Kroplick's previous work as a medical doctor and a professional photographer has taken her to exotic locations around the world, including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Cuba, and South America. She photographed some of the great American social movements of the 1960's– civil rights marches, anti-war campaigns, and women’s rights demonstrations.
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Meet Gracie!

In Defense of AnimalsEach day this month on Facebook, In Defense of Animals has brought our supporters one heartwarming story of success after another, and we are only half-way there! Each day we hope that these reports of past triumphs and progress have bolstered your conviction to stand up for animals and to fight those who would abuse, exploit, and enslave them.
As we move into the new year, In Defense of Animals remains committed more than ever to being a voice for the voiceless and to provide shelter and care for those animals who have been neglected and abused. We’ve been there for neglected and suffering animals like Gracie who survived tortuous days on end, enduring pain beyond imagining as a collar that was entirely too small imbedded deeply into her fragile neck leaving a gruesome reminder of her almost hopeless circumstance of cruel indifference. The collar was surgically removed and Gracie has recovered and found a loving forever home, but there are always more like her.
It may have been hopeless, had it not been for our generous supporters who provide the funds we so desperately need to keep doing the work we have promised to do, promises we have made to Gracie and every other distressed and suffering animal.

Please consider making a special year-end donation to In Defense of Animals so that animals such as Gracie will find some hope of rescue from lives that many would have thought to be hopeless.