Join us in creating a world where brutality is replaced by compassion!

PO Box 418, 704 Spadina Ave.Toronto, ON M5S 2S9, Canada 416-591-5120 info@freeanimals.org

Old News and Announcements: 2004

For the latest, please see our home page. You can also see old articles from 2003.

Cats need homes

The Kensington Market Cat Rescue has a number of young, healthy and happy adult cats who need permanent adoptive homes. Please contact Suzanne at 416-591-5120 during business hours if you would like to apply, and leave a clear brief message. We would like to open up more space in our foster homes for kittens and cats who are struggling to survive this cold winter weather.

posted December 7, 2004

Sponsors needed for spay and neuter

Our cat rescue currently has 5 cats who need spaying or neutering. Donations are urgently needed. Please click the donation button at the top right of this page, or mail a Canadian cheque to PO Box 418, 704 Spadina Ave.Toronto, ON M5S 2S9.

posted November 23, 2004

Animal rights conference at Brock

Brock University in St. Catharine's will be hosting a conference called "Two Days of Thinking about Animals in Canada", Februrary 24 and 25, 2005. Professor John Sorenson writes:

In November 2003, Brock University hosted a very successful international conference on "Representing Animals", which provided opportunities for a mingling of academics and activists. We would like to invite you to attend an upcoming event that we hope will be equally successful. Please circulate widely and please join us in February!

CALL FOR PAPERS:
TWO DAYS OF THINKING ABOUT ANIMALS IN CANADA
FEBRUARY 24 & 25, 2005
BROCK UNIVERSITY
ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO

Animals play fundamental roles in human society and our relations to them are fraught with contradictions. Although many still believe that animals are our slaves, to use as we please, attitudes are changing. This two-day conference will explore this social transformation, surveying some of the current and historical attitudes and practices towards animals in Canada.

The conference is a joint effort of the Canadian Studies Association and the Brock University “Thinking About Animals” project. We welcome participation from activists and academics. The conference is free.

Submissions on any topic are welcome. Possible topics include:

Animal agriculture in Canada (including economic, environmental, ethical aspects)
BSE, Avian influenza, tainted “meat” and human health
Killing for fun and profit: Seal Hunts, Bear Hunts, Deer Culls, etc.
Changing legislation on animal protection and welfare
Animal rights activism in Canada
Animal rights and social justice
Organizing on Canadian university campuses
State and corporate responses to animal advocacy in the post 9/11 context
Historical and contemporary attitudes towards animals
Humane education in Canada
Environmentalists and animal advocates
Captivity: Animals in Canadian zoos and “marine parks”
Animals in scientific research
Biotechnology and animals
Canada and the Oncomouse
Pregnant Mare Urine Industry in Canada & Cruelty to Animals
Animal sanctuaries in Canada
Vegetarianism and Veganism
Wildlife Conservation and Animal Protection
Companion animals
Animal Therapy
Children and Animals

Please send a one page proposal to: twodayscanada @ hotmail.com

Deadline for submissions: November 30, 2004

posted September 27, 2004

Tell Christmas shoppers to say NO to fur

Our next anti-fur protest will take place

Thursday, December 16
5-6 pm (come at 4:30 if possible to help set up)
Yonge and Bloor, NE corner, near the Bay

This is a peaceful, legal protest. New activists are very much welcome, so come out and bring a friend.

If you bring a sign, please no sticks (they can be misconstrued as weapons), no advocating violence, and no obscenity. Try to use a Christmas theme (red, green). We will also have signs on hand for those who aren't able to bring their own.

If you can, wear Christmassy clothing as well.

There will be lots of people out doing their Christmas shopping (at the December 2 protest, there were 1200 passers-by in half an hour), so let's reach as many as possible with a message of compassion for animals.

One reporter has already told us he is very interested in covering the protest, and will even show up at 4:30 to watch us set up. Let's make the most of this opportunity!

posted December 2, 2004

Join Our Yahoo! Group

Freedom for Animals is starting a Yahoo! group to email out information about our events, actio alerts, etc. This Yahoo! group will replace our email list. (If you're on the mailing list, you should have received an invitation by email.)

Subscribe to ffa-announce
Powered by groups.yahoo.com

posted November 6, 2004

Mourning Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves, whom we rescued a couple of years ago, died this week. She was found outside as a kitten on a cold rainy day, and has always had respiratory problems because of her difficult start in life. She will be sadly missed.

posted October 27, 2004

Ban hunting in Ontario's provincial parks

Incredibly, wild animals in Ontarios provincial parks have no protection from hunters. Please read this important message from Melissa Tkachyk of Earthroots to learn how you can change this.

posted October 27, 2004

We can't take in any more cats

Unfortunately, the Kensington Market Stray Cat Rescue is now full to capacity, and we simply cannot take in any more cats or kittens at this time.

If you can provide a foster home (or permanent home) for one of the rescued cats, please phone 416-591-5120. This will allow us to take in more rescues.

posted October 26, 2004

Letters in support of Suzanne Lahaie needed

Unfortunately, FFA co-founder Suzanne Lahaie has been experiencing harrassment for the past four years and is having difficulty getting some members of the Toronto Police Department to take it seriously. She is asking for letters of support.

If you know Suzanne Lahaie personally, she would appreciate it if you could write a character reference for her. If you don't know her but believe that the harrassment she has been experiencing for the past four years is connected to the Kensington cat torture video case and the documentary Casuistry: The Art of Killing a Cat, please write a letter explaining the connections you see. Please send the letters to our mailing address (above) or to info @ freeanimals .org.

A police officer has told Suzanne that she should expect this kind of harrassment (which has included vandalism of her apartment building and people following her and videotaping her, among many other incidents) because she is an animal rights activist. Every animal rights activist should be outraged that the police will not give us the same protection as other members of the public are entitled to.

posted October 26, 2004

PetsMart too busy to look after animals

Earlier, we reported the case of a badly injured bloodfin tetra, whose body was cut almost in half, left to suffer for 20 minutes or more in the East York PetsMart at Eglinton and Laird.

PetsMart looked into it, and was told by Andrew Leahy, the Pet Care Manager of that PetsMart location, that the fish was left to suffer because the store was too busy (see all correspondence between FFA and PetsMart here). Incredibly, PetsMart thinks this is acceptable!

We are continuing our efforts to urge PetsMart to implement a policy of immediately responding to veterinary emergencies, even if the store is busy. Meanwhile, maybe we can help make the store less busy by taking our business elsewhere.

posted September 30, 2004

Nauseating neglect at PetsMart

Today between 5:30 and 6 pm, a member of Freedom for Animals witnessed a horrible cruel case of neglect at PetsMart at Eglinton and Laird, in Toronto. A bloodfin tetra was found with its body severed almost completely in half. Horribly, the fish was still alive, attempting to swim, and suffering terribly. The PetsMart employees in the fish department were notified immediately, and said they already knew about the fish.

PetsMart was unwilling to respond to this emergency situation in a timely fashion. Who knows how long this poor fish was left to suffer.

A petstore with hundreds of fish should have an aquatic vet on call, and should also be equipped to euthanize fish who are badly injured, suffering, and unable to recover. Euthanasia of fish is a simple procedure of putting them in a tank with an overdose of a suitable anesthetic. There is no excuse for a pet store to allow a mangled fish to suffer.

Freedom for Animals will continue to monitor petstores throughout Toronto, and do everything in our power to ensure that every animal, no matter how small, is treated ethically.

posted September 19, 2004

Update: We sent them an email and phoned their head office in Phoenix, where we got an answering machine. PetsMart has not responded. Please politely urge them to take action and see that this kind of thing never happens again in their stores. Their emails are cs@petsmart.com and storehelp@petsmart.com, and their phone number is (800) 738-1385 ext. 2518.

posted September 21, 2004

Update 2: Today we received a response from PetsMart. Thanks to everyone who took the time to contact them about this situation.

posted September 23, 2004

Walk for Farm Animals!

Please join the annual Walk for Farm Animals to raise money for the Farm Sanctuary, a wonderful U.S. organization which cares for rescued farm animals and educates the public about the plight of farm animals and choosing a vegan diet. Toronto's walk is being organized by Juli Kaiss you can contact her at

posted September 19, 2004

Thanks for your participation

Freedom for Animals would like to thank everyone who came to our protests against Casuistry: The Art (sic) of Killing a Cat; those who sent donations; and everyone who contacted the Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF's sponsors, and the federal government about Kensington's case.

Thanks to everyone's efforts, Kensington's story has travelled around the world. Let's all keep working together to ensure that no more animals will suffer the way he did.

posted September 18, 2004

Cat killer Jesse Power arrested at protest!

Jesse Power, former art student who was convicted of cruelty to animals for his 2001 video showing himself and two friends torturing a cat, was arrested at tonight's Freedom for  Animals protest against Casuistry: The Art [sic] of Killing a Cat. Read about it at the City TV website.

posted September 14, 2004

Donations urgently needed for spaying and neutering

Our Kensington Market Stray Cat Rescue urgently needs donations to spay and neuter 4 cats. We also need donations to help feed a number of kittens we have found. Help us get these kittens inside, healthy and happy, and spayed or neutered. You can use the donation button at the top right of this page, or send a Canadian cheque payble to Freedom for Animals to our address above. Thank you!

posted August 23, 2004

Update: We would like to thank Action Volunteers for Animals for taking a number of kittens (including the one shown) from the KMSCR into their care during the hectic time of our protests against Casuistry. Shea is still with the KMSCR and needs to be spayed (once she gains more weight), and we recently took in two new kittens, Buddha and Tribe of Heart (named after the wonderful people behind Peaceable Kingdom and The Witness), who will be spayed when they're old enough.

posted September 18, 2004

Protest final screening of Casuistry on Friday!

Let's keep Kensington's memory alive and raise awareness about Canada's pathetic laws against cruelty to animals.

Please join us at our last protest, Friday, September 17, 1:30-3:15 pm, outside the Cumberland cinema (Cumberland and Avenue). We would like to see even more people on Friday than were at the big protest on Tuesday.

Remember, if you can, bring artificial flowers (white roses, blue forget-me-nots) for Kensington's memorial.

If Jesse Power or any of the other cat killers show up again, please keep calm, say nothing, and let the police take care of him.

Click here for full details about the protest.

posted September 16, 2004

Don't miss Peaceable Kingdom tonight!

The Canadian premiere of Peaceable Kingdom, an amazing documentary about the Farm Sanctuary in New York state, is tonight!

Please join Freedom for Animals and 11 other animal rights and environmental groups tonight at 7pm at the Church of the Redeemer, at Bloor and Avenue Road.

There is a suggested donation of $10 (FREE for TIFF pass holders), but no one will be turned away if s/he can't pay. Afterwards, there will be a reception with filmmakers Jenny Stein and James LaVeck, Gene Bauston (co-founder of Farm Sanctuary) and Harold Brown (former farmer).

See you there!

posted September 13, 2004

First protest a success!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the first Casuistry protest last night. We reached a lot of people, and the response from the public is overwhelmingly positive.

Casuistry producer Linda Feesey showed up, and laughed in Suzanne's face when confronted about her use of unauthorized footage of Suzanne. We'll be seeing her in court.

The protests will keep getting bigger and better. Click here for the schedule, and come join us! (Please note we've added two more protests, for September 15 and 16.)

posted September 10, 2004

Call TIFF's sponsors

and let them know that you will not be buying their products unless they withdraw their support from TIFF for showing Casuistry: The Art of Killing a Cat. The numbers and contacts are here.

posted September 9, 2004

New open letter to TIFF

Freedom for Animals has sent a second, more detailed letter to the Toronto International Film Festival explaining our concerns, responding to some arguments people have raised in defence of Casuistry, and once more asking that Casuistry be withdrawn from the Festival.

posted September 8, 2004

We will protest at the Film Festival

FFA would like to make it clear that Freedom for Animals will be continuing with our protest plans. (A recent email has caused some confusion, but that email is from In Defense of Animals, not us.)

We would like to thank the many many people who have emailed or phoned to express their support. We're sorry that we don't have time to respond individually to everyone, but we ARE reading every email and listening to every message we receive.

Those of you who emailed will be getting an email from us with the protest plans once the details are finalized. There will be multiple protests, not just at the showing of Casuistry but throughout the festival. We will be distributing information about our Kensington's Law campaign for tougher anti-cruelty legislation.

Jesse Power, Anthony Wennekers, and Matt Kaczorowski committed the worst acts of cruelty to an animal in Canadian history, yet got only a slap on the wrist because of Canada's inadequate anti-cruelty legislation--and now they're starring in a movie at the Film Festival! Where is the justice?

We urge everyone to contact Prime Minister Paul Martin, Minister of Justice Irwin Cotler, and your Member of Parliament and remind them that Canada needs better laws to deter future Jesse Powers.

posted September 2, 2004

FFA condemns death threats

Today Freedom for Animals learned from a reporter that the producer and director of Casuistry: The Art of Killing a Cat, say that they have received death threats.

Fabricating claims of death threats is a common tactict to discredit the animal rights movement.

However, we would like to say that if death threats did occur, we condemn the use of violence and threats of violence. Freedom for Animals, in common with 99.9% of animal rights activists, is firmly committed to nonviolence and always will be.

Violence has no place in the animal rights movement.

posted August 31, 2004

FFA urges Film Festival: Don't show cat torture film

Today Freedom for Animals emailed the Toronto Film Festival asking them not to show the film Casuistry: The Art of Killing a Cat. Click here to read the full email.

If they continue with their plans to show the film, we will be organizing a boycott of the Festival.

posted August 29, 2004

Cat torturers featured at Toronto Film Festival

Casuistry: The Art of Killing a Cat, will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 14. The film features the three cat torturers, Jesse Power, Anthony Wennekers, and Matt Kaczorowski, who brutally tortured and killed a cat on video in 2001. According to a review in the Toronto Sun, the film features the killers' "excuses" for what they did (they were disorganized, the razor was dull, they were on drugs) and apologists defending what they did (as well as a few critics). The director, Zev Asher, said, "I cannot condone or condemn what they did."

Freedom for Animals will be organizing a demonstration at the Festival to raise awareness of what happened and to counteract the pathetic excuses of the killers. There is no excuse for what happened to Kensington.

posted August 28, 2004

Jesse Power's case moves out of town

The College Park courts told a Freedom for Animals member that Jesse Power's next court appearance will be August 20, 9:30 am, room 6, in Oshawa or London. It appears that they are trying to avoid the scrutiny of the many concerned Torontonians.

If we can get more exact details, we will pass them on through our site and on our email list (email webstuff @ freeanimals.org to sign up).

posted August 17, 2004

Want to stop cruelty to animals?

We are looking for people to work on animal cruelty cases, including attending and monitoring trials, as part of our Kensington's Law campaign. If you're interested, please phone Suzanne at 416-591-5120.

posted August 17, 2004

Jesse Power goes to court

Jesse Power will be in court Tuesday, August 16, College Park (College and Yonge), room 503. To get to the courtroom, enter on Yonge Street and take the elevators to the second floor. We encourage members of the public to attend, and wear a Kensington T-shirt or button if you have one. Power's crimes against Kensington will never be forgotten.

posted August 10, 2004

Confirmed: Cat torturer arrested for theft

Freedom for Animals has confirmed rumours that Jesse Power, the former art student found guilty of mutilating and killing a cat, "Kensington", for a so-called art video, has been arrested again. This time he is charged with theft and resisting arrest. The arrest took place June 9, 2004.

posted August 4, 2004

Volunteers Needed for TVA Food Fair

Once again, Freedom for Animals will be tabling at the Toronto Vegetarian Association's Food Fair, and we urgently need your help in staffing our table. The Fair takes place September 10-12 at Harbourfront. If you can volunteer, please phone Suzanne at 416-591-5120.

posted July 23, 2004

Fish have feelings

Recently, one of us received a betta fish who had lived in a Grade 5 classroom, presumably for educational reasons, and was no longer wanted at the end of the school year.

People often feel comfortable entrusting the care of small animals, like fish, to children. But looking after a helpless living being is a huge responsibility--while it's nice if children can be involved in an animal's care, ultimately it is the adult's responsibility to make sure that the animal's needs are met.

In the case of this fish, the water in his tank was filthy and had evaporated to only 1/3 of its original depth. The poor fish didn't even have room to stretch his fins!

What did the children in that classroom learn about fish--that's it's okay to neglect them and leave them to live in their own filth, then discard them?

posted June 26, 2004

Taste of the Danforth

A message from our friend Laura at the Organic Buddha (a wonderful vegan organic restaurant which is very supportive of animal rights and Freedom for Animals):

Hi Everyone,

Taste of the Danforth is right around the corner and we are looking for volunteers to help us make this years Taste of the Danforth the most veggie friendly yet! Over 1.2 million people will be passing through, looking for delectable samples of cuisine. ARK II will be joining us to promote Vegetarians, Health and Animals Rights and we welcome other groups to use this platform as a way to reach out to as many people as possible!

To volunteer please email us at theorganicbuddha@hotmail.com or call 416 406 3338 and leave a message.

Otherwise I hope you will come down and support us by sampling some of our goods.

Taste of the Danforth takes place August 6-8, 2004.

Hope to see you all out!

Thanks again for another wonderful year of support!

Laura L. Armstrong

posted August 1, 2004

Former Green Leader Condemns Current Green Party of Canada

Joan Russow, former leader of the Green Party of Canada, has written a stinging criticism of the Greens and is supporting the NDP instead. Click here for her full article.

posted June 26, 2004

Don't Vote Green

It's one week until election day, and Freedom for Animals would like to remind everyone that the Green Party of Canada supports "a moderate commercial seal fishery" (sic).

Green Party leader Jim Harris will be at an all-candidates meeting for the Toronto-Danforth riding tonight, June 21, 7-9 pm (doors open at 6:30), at the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E. (between Logan and Broadview). Please come out to ask him some tough questions about his party's support of the seal hunt, or, if you're feeling shy, to cheer on other people asking those tough questions.

posted June 21, 2004

Shea's News

Shea, the pregnant malnourished kitten rescued by the Kensington Market Stray Cat Rescue (KMSCR), a project of Freedom for Animals, had a miscarriage last week. She is recovering, and has also adopted one of the other rescued kittens, Rosebud.

KMSCR urgently needs donations for veterinary care and food for Shea, Rosebud, and the other rescued cats and kittens. As well as cash donations, we can use donations of kitten food, kitten milk, baby blankets, and waterproof crib pads. Thank you!

posted June 10, 2004

Businesses: Open a PayPal Account and Help Freedom for Animals

Freedom for Animals will receive up to $150 (for each new Business or PayPal account created through this link:

(The amount of money PayPal gives us will depend on your sales.) If you have an online business and have been thinking about using PayPal to accept payments, here is a great way to help Freedom for Animals raise money at no cost to you! Thank you!

posted June 3, 2004

Kittens need your help

Freedom for Animals' Kensington Market Stray Cat Rescue has rescued a litter of 5 kittens, about 3 weeks old. They are not ready for adoption yet. We urgently need donations of kitten milk, kitten food (both moist and dry), and kitten bottles. Please contact Suzanne at 416-591-5120 if you can donate any of these, or you can mail a Canadian cheque to our address above, or donate using your credit card by clicking the donation button at the top right corner of this page. Thank you!

posted June 1, 2004

Cancer charities which don't hurt animals

The Canadian Cancer Society is having a fundraiser, and some people have expressed concern about whether the CCS funds vivisection.

The answer, unfortunately, is YES. Typical experiments involve causing an animal to develop cancer (by genetic engineering, implanting tumours, exposure to carcinogens, etc.) and then either observing the course of the illness or attempting to treat it. (Even if the experimental treatment does work, the animals will be killed in the end to examine their bodies).

Freedom for Animals encourages people to support cancer charities which do NOT fund vivisection, such as the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine's Cancer Project. (If you have information about other cruelty-free cancer charities, please email info@freeanimals.org.)

posted May 26, 2004

National Aboriginal World Peace Day

June 21 is National Aboriginal World Peace Day. Freedom for Animals has active members who are aboriginal and Métis, and has enjoyed the support of Toronto's aboriginal and Métis community. We will be tabling on National Aboriginal World Peace Day at Fort York at 1pm. If you can help out, please phone Suzanne at 416-591-5120.

posted June 11, 2004

Urgent: Cat on death row

An "extremely untamed" feral cat is currently at the CNE shelter, and is slated for "euthanasia" on June 12. If you can adopt him, please contact Adam Wilson of the Toronto Animal Rights Society (adam.wilson@animal-rights.ca) as soon as possible.

posted June 10, 2004

More cats need help in Kensington Market

Recently a resident of the Kensington Market brought our attention to another group of about 20 homeless cats in the Market, who are living on garbage. To help these cats, we will need more foster and permanent homes. If you can provide either, please contact us at 416-591-5120.

posted May 24, 2004

Update on Shea

Those of you who are on our mailing list will recall our plea for Shea, a cat recently rescued by the Kensington Market Stray Cat Rescue (a project of Freedom for Animals).

When we found her, the vet said that she seemed to be about a year old, but weighed only as much as a 3 or 4 month old kitten. She was suffering from jaundice as a result of her malnutrition, and may develop liver problems.

Shea has gained some weight, but a lot of it is going to her kittens (yes, to add to her troubles, Shea is pregnant) and you can still feel every bone in her spine and hips when you pet her. Despite her difficulties, she is showing some improvement, is affectionate towards humans and the other cats in her foster home, and is showing healthy feline curiosity about new visitors.

We urgently need donations to cover Shea's veterinary costs (including spaying if she survives the pregnancy and birth), and special high-nutrient food. We really would like to thank those of you who have donated already, but if you haven't yet, please consider it. Even a loonie or two helps. You can use our donation button at the top right of this page to donate using PayPal and your credit card, or if you prefer you can mail Canadian cheques to our address above. Thank you so much for your help!

PS: If you'd like to be on our email list, please contact webstuff@freeanimals.org. This is a low traffic list, and we will not give your address to anyone else.

posted May 23, 2004

Kensington's Law Campaign

Freedom for Animals is pleased to announce that we have added a page devoted to our Kensington's Law Campaign to the site. We are asking people to wear our handcrafted Kensington's Law buttons with the pawprint ribbon to raise awareness about cruelty to animals nationally and internationally. The buttons will be available at all Freedom for Animals events.

posted May 16, 2004

Kensington's Annual Memorial

Since the 2001 discovery of a gruesome video depicting three men torturing this cat, nicknamed "Kensington", to death, Freedom for Animals has worked to raise awareness about Kensington's case. This appalling crime of cruelty, and the lenient sentences served by the perpetrators, exemplify what is wrong with Canada's ridiculously inadequate cruelty to animals laws.

Every year, Freedom for Animals will be holding a memorial to honour Kensington's memory. We vow that this case will never be forgotten.

Please join us Sunday, May 2, 7pm, at Bellevue Park (on Augusta, north of Dundas). You may bring a vegan candle or flowers if you like.

posted April 25, 2004

Green Party Protest Gets National Coverage

Yesterday's Freedom for Animals protest outside the Green Party's Toronto office was a great success. Thank you to all the activists who came out. The story was picked up by Canadian Press and appeared in newspapers and on TV across Canada. Green Party official Peter Elgie pledged his support for a resolution which will rescind the Green Party's support of the seal hunt--though it remains to be seen whether the policy will actually be rescinded.

posted April 17, 2004

Protest Green Party's Support of the Seal Hunt

Many animal advocates have supported the Green Party as the one animal-friendly political party in Canada. Unbelievably, the Green Party of Canada has passed a resolution supporting the development of "moderate" seal "fisheries" (since when are seals fish?!)

Join Freedom for Animals on Friday, April 16, 1-2pm outside the Toronto Green Party office at 244 Gerrard St. East. We'll be urging the Green Party to live up to their Green values by seeking a ban on the seal hunt.

posted April 3, 2004/photo credit: The Animals' Voice Magazine

Update: The Green Party of Canada has emailed some people claiming that they do not support the seal hunt. Take a look at their Resolution G02-p4 - Concerning the Atlantic Seal Harvest, and decide for yourself.

posted April 8, 2004

Marineland is Suing Niagara Action for Animals

Niagara Action for Animals (NAfA) is being sued by Marineland for publicizing the deaths of 10 killer whales and 23 dolphins in captivity. Marineland is asking for $250,000 in damages--obviously more money that NAfA or any other local animal rights group. It would appear that Marineland is trying to silence opposition to their practices. If their lawsuit succeeds, it will have dire complications not only for NAfA, but for animal rights activists everywhere.

NAfA needs our support. Please send cheques made out to Niagara Action for Animals, to help with legal costs, to P.O. Box 29002, 125 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7P9. Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $10.

posted March 28, 2004

New! Circus leaflets online!

Visit our new circus page to get free leaflets to download and print out!

posted March 23, 2004

FFA Mourns Tooker Gomberg

Environmental activist Tooker Gomberg is missing and presumed dead after a suicide note written by him was found.

Freedom for Animals co-founder Suzanne Lahaie, who worked with Tooker during his mayoralty campaign, said, "Canada has lost one of its greatest activists. Tooker was powerful and sincere for all life: animal, human, and earth. Our world will be missing a sacred soul."

Tooker was supportive of animal rights and took a personal interest in Kensington's case. He will be sadly missed.

Visit the Tooker Gomberg Memorial Forum at People- and Planet-Friendly.

posted March 8, 2004

Thanks for Coming to the  Circus Protest

Freedom for Animals would like to thank the 15-20 dedicated activists who came to our protest against the Garden Bros Circus on March 6, despite the cold and windy weather.

posted March 8, 2004

10% Discount at Organic Buddha Cafe

The Organic Buddha Cafe, at 443 Danforth (near Chester subway), is offering a 10% discount to customers who mention Freedom for Animals in February and March.

The Organic Buddha is very supportive of animal rights, and recently hosted a fundraiser for us. The menu is 99% vegan and organic, and they pay close attention to details such as using only cruelty-free cleaning products, and serving only fair trade, bird-friendly, organic coffee.

Also, the food is delicious! We are lucky to have a restaurant like this in Toronto, so let's show our support.

Discuss the Organic Buddha...

posted February 16, 2004

eye Weekly: animals are "a moral nullity"

This week's eye op-ed is a horrendous article saying that cruelty to animals is not a problem. Read the whole terrible article, then contact eye and let them know what you think.

Discuss eye's horrible article...

posted February 13, 2004

Debeaking in Ad "Too Graphic"

The Television Bureau of Canada has decided that an anti-meat commerical by PETA that shows a chick being debeaked is "too graphic". (The commercial is being aired on some US stations.) Please contact the Television Bureau of Canada and let them know that it is vital for the brutal truth about debeaking to get out, even if it might be upsetting to some people.

Television Bureau of Canada
160 Bloor Street East,
Suite 1005
Toronto, ON M4W 1B9
Phone: 416-923-8813
Fax: 416-413-3879
Email: tvb@tvb.ca

Discuss TVB's rejection of PETA's ad...

posted February 11, 2004

Dogs Poisoned in Withrow Park

Someone has been leaving food laced with blue pesticide crystals in Withrow Park (near Broadview and the Danforth). The poisoned food has killed one dog and made 15 other dogs violently ill. Two children who played at the park also became ill, though it is unclear if this is related to the poisoned food.

The police are investigating. Crime Stoppers and the International Fund for Animal Welfare are both offering a $1000 reward for information leading to an arrest. If you have information, please contact the police at 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.

Discuss the dog poisoning incident...

posted February 6, 2004

Urgent! Act now to support Anti-Cruelty Bill

(From CFHS)

WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW TO MAKE SURE BILL C-10B RETURNS ON THE GOVERNMENT AGENDA THIS SPRING.

When Parliament prorogued last November, a number of Bills died on the order paper -- including the amendments to Canada's animal cruelty laws.

THIS WEEK, the government will decide which of those Bills will be brought back on the agenda for the next few months.

We need your help to tell the government that Bill C-10B must be one of those Bills brought back immediately!

Please contact the Hon. Jacques Saada, the new Government Leader in the House of Commons and your Member of Parliament to tell him:

• Canada's animal cruelty laws are more than 110 years old -- they are outdated and no longer reflect the realities and beliefs of this country;
• The amendments to the animal cruelty laws have been before Parliament for nearly five years now;
• A majority of Canadians support this legislation, which last June also garnered the support of all five parties in the House of Commons;
• The Bill to amend the animal cruelty provisions of the Criminal Code (last known as Bill C-10B), must be brought back before Parliament immediately.

You can contact Mr. Saada by e-mail at: Saada.J@parl.gc.ca; by phone at (613) 995-9287; or by fax at (613) 992-7273.

Please follow this link to the Parliamentary website to find your MPs name and contact information.

Please act quickly!

For more information, please contact:

Tanya O'Callaghan, Communications Coordinator
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
Suite 102, 30 Concourse Gate
Nepean, Ontario K2E 7V7
(613) 224-8072
Toll free in Canada: 1-888-678-CFHS
Fax: 613-723-0252
www.cfhs.ca

posted February 3, 2004

New Boycott the Bay Stickers!

Looking for an easy and fun way to spread the message about boycotting the Bay until they stop selling fur?

You can now download our black and white stickers! (MS Word file, 345.5 kB). Just print them out, photocopy onto sticker paper, and stick them where lots of people will see them!

posted January 27, 2004

Activism Works!

Wonderful news from the UK--a proposed facility for doing horrible neurological experiments on non-human primates has been scrapped thanks to anti-vivisectionist protests!

Freedom for Animals would like to congratulate all the activists who worked together to stop the primate research lab at Cambridge University.

posted January 27, 2004 / photo credit Animal Aid

Protecting Animals from the Cold

Recently Freedom for Animals members have found animals, especially pigeons, who seem to have frozen to death.

We'd like to remind everyone to keep their companion animals indoors. When you take your dog out for a walk, keep the walk brief and, especially for short-haired dogs, consider a sweater and booties.

If you find a wild animal in need of assistance, call the Toronto Wildlife Centre 416-631-0662 for advice and help.

posted January 20, 2004. Photo by Suzanne Lahaie.

Can you adopt an animal?

Our new page lists animals in Toronto looking for homes.

posted January 18, 2004

Boycott the Bay

Freedom for Animals' new, redesigned Boycott the Bay site is now online at www.boycottthebay.org!

After being fur-free from 1991-1997, the Bay decided they could make more money by selling cruelly-produced killed-animal furs. Let them know they won't be getting any of your money until they show some compassion!

If the majority of Canadians, who condemn the cruelty of the fur industry, boycott the Bay, the Bay will stop selling fur. So spread the word!

posted January 16, 2004

Boycott the Bay Hits the Airwaves!

Freedom for Animals co-founder Suzanne Lahaie will be interviewed live on York University's CHRY 105.5 FM, Wednesday, January 28, noon to 1pm. Suzanne will be talking about the cruelty of the fur industry and the campaign to Boycott the Bay.

posted January 25, 2004

Design Against Fur

Montreal's Global Action Network and the Fur Free Alliance announce their second annual Design Against Fur competition.

The competition is open to all students in Canada enrolled in a recognized design, fashion, art, marketing or advertising course during the winter of 2003 and the spring of 2004.

This year the Design Against Fur! Poster Contest is focusing on the problem of fur trim.

Prizes for the winning entries include $1000 for the Canadian winner, $500 for the runner up and $250 for third place. In addition, Fur Free Alliance will use the winning entry in an advertising campaign.

For more information or to enter, visit GAN's Design Against Fur website.

posted January 20, 2004. Photo source: The Animals' Voice Magazine

Happy New Year!

Let's make 2004 a better year for the animals! Here are some resolutions to consider:

1. Become vegan. A non-vegan diet is the biggest cause of animal suffering in Canada.
2. Volunteer for an animal rights group (like us! Phone Suzanne at 416-591-5120 or just come to one of our events. We love new members!)
3. Buy only cruelty-free cosmetics, household cleaners, and toiletries. (And remember, if it's not vegan, it's not cruelty-free.)
4. Get people thinking about animal issues. Talk to your family and friends; write to your MPP, MP, and local newspaper; phone in to talk radio stations; wear animal rights T-shirts and buttons.
5. Before you donate to charity, make sure that they don't support cruelty to animals (in particular, don't donate to the World Wildlife Fund).
6. Donate to animal friendly charities (we have a donation button at the top left of this page, hint hint!)

posted January 2, 2004

The amazing 9 hour protest!

A dedicated band of Freedom for Animals activists were telling the public to Boycott the Bay until they stop selling fur--from 2 pm until after 11 pm on December 28!

We reached many concerned members of the public, who signed our petitions and spent their money elsewhere. We also paid a visit to CityTV's Speaker's Corner!

Email webstuff @ freeanimals.org if you'd like to be added to our email list and join in on future Boycott the Bay protests.

posted January 2, 2004