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Justice for The Calves Coalition - Updates and What You Can Do
June 2010 Update
The Vermont Attorney General has filed criminal charges in this case. Thank you for all of your work - every letter, phone call, and petition signature really made a difference!
Background
The Justice of the Calves Coalition was formed in November 2009 after many people contacted us about the horrific abuses of days-old calves at the Bushway slaughterhouse in Grand Isle, VT, uncovered by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). After receiving three citations for inhumane treatment of the calves in May, June and July of 2009, an HSUS undercover investigator was employed at the Bushway slaughterhouse during September and October of 2009 and filmed very serious continuing abuse. Documentation of the abuse has been released on the HSUS website, and they have put out a call to action. Warning: the HSUS video is extremely graphic.
After the USDA and Vermont Agency of Agriculture reviewed the tapes supplied by the HSUS, operations at the plant were suspended. However, we have no indication at this time whether this is a permanent plant shutdown.
The coalition was formed by Vermont citizens and animal protection groups who are appalled at this abuse. To date, no criminal charges have been filed in this case.
Our coalition is asking the Vermont Attorney General and the County State’s Attorney to file aggravated animal cruelty charges against all of the individuals who participated in this abuse, including the owners, managers, and the USDA inspector who stood by and witnessed this abuse without acting. And we ask that the state seek the maximum sentence of 3 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
What you Can Do
Write a letter to The Vermont Attorney General's Office
We'd really appreciate it if you'd take the time to send a respectful letter or postcard to the Chief of the Criminal Division of the Vermont Attorney General's office, asking that they file criminal charges in this case. The address, and some letter writing tips, are below:
WHO WE ARE WRITING TO
Asst. Attorney General Bob Menzel
Vermont Attorney General's Office
109 State Street
Montpelier VT 05609-1001
TIPS
- Be polite and respectful.
- Short and concise is fine!
- Use your own words and ideas.
WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR
That the state file charges of aggravated animal cruelty against all of the individuals involved in the abuse of calves that occurred at the Bushway Slaughterhouse plant in Grand Isle, VT.
FACTS YOU CAN INCLUDE
- The Bushway plant was shut down three previous times by the USDA for inhumane treatment of the calves (in May, June and July 2009), and again in October 2009 after the HSUS investigation.
- They KNEW they were operating outside of the federal and state laws, yet the abuse continued.
- The abuse included kicking, beating, and repeatedly shocking the downed calves, and skinning the calves while still alive.
- The maximum sentence of 3 years and a $5,000 fine should be sought.
Vermont Residents - Help us Gather Signatures
We are asking people to download our petition and gather signatures of Vermont residents. Even if you’ve signed the online petition, we are asking that Vermont residents sign and return the paper petition. This is the official petition of Vermont residents that will be presented the Vermont Attorney General and the Grand Isle State’s Attorney. You do not have to be a registered voter to sign the petition, just a Vermont resident.
If you do gather signatures, please be respectful of all those you ask, and remember, our only goals in this coalition are exactly stated on the petition: criminal charges and the maximum penalty in this case.
We ask that you return the petitions to us at: GMAD, PO Box 4577, Burlington, VT 05406. We don’t mind if you are the only signature on the page, or if you collect pages of signatures. We will be running this petition drive through mid-January 2010.
Non-Residents
You can still make your voice heard! Sign our Online Petition and leave us a comment. We will make sure that your signature and comments are also delivered to our state officials.
Be Part of our Coalition
If your organization (business, or non-profit group) would like to listed as part of our coalition, email Sharon.
Being part of our coaltition is about one thing, and one thing only:
To ask that the Attorney General and the County State’s Attorney file criminal charges in this case, and seek the maximum penalty.
Our Coalition Members
The Animal Media Foundation
Green Mountain Animal Defenders
Students for True Animal Rights - UVM
Vermont Volunteers for Animals Humane Society
Our coalition held a rally in Montpelier, VT on November 14, 2009 in front of the state’s capital to kick off our campaign. Thank you to all who attended, spoke, organized, and spread the word about this rally.
Despite the rain, the turnout was great and the attendees were motivated. Press coverage can be seen at:
WCAX
FOX-44
Associated Press
Cable TV - For the Animals
"For the Animals"
This great new Cable TV program, brought to you by Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society, focuses its attention on animal issues around Vermont. This program was entirely devoted to the Bushway Slaughterhouse issue. The program features Dr. Peggy Larsen, JD, DVM, and Joanne Borbeau, Senior State Director - VT/NH - Field Services. Warning: the first three minutes of the program contains the HSUS video, which is extremely graphic. You can forward this program ahead if you wish to avoid this.
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