Help GMAD Rescue Baby Chicks

Are you aware of any Farm & Feed or other stores that are selling baby chicks, ducklings, or turkeys? If so, please let us know so we can approach them about relinquishing any babies who may have been injured during transport or have become ill.

In the effort to save the lives of sick or injured hatchlings that stores no longer have use for, we offer refuge and will quietly and discreetly rescue them. Agway in Middlebury, Tractor Supply in Shelburne, and Depot Home & Garden in Essex have agreed to participate in this life-saving GMAD program this year!

As deliveries of these hatchings become more frequent this time of year, these fuzzy friends need our help with transportation, medical care & permanent homes. If you can help in any way, please contact sharon@gmad.info

GMAD applauds UVM's decision to remove lethal traps at Centennial Woods!

Within 24 hours of our last alert asking you to contact the University of Vermont regarding the use of lethal traps, the University has formally agreed to remove the traps and to work with us to seek a humane alternative.

It is heartwarming to know that when animals are in peril, they can count on their advocates at Green Mountain Animal Defenders to speak up for them. Together, we can accomplish so much for the animals!

Please, once again, contact the decision makers at UVM and this time let them know how much this act of compassion and goodwill means to you.

Sal Chiarelli, Director of Physical Plant: Salvatore.Chiarelli@uvm.edu.
Thomas Sullivan, UVM President, Thomas.Sullivan@uvm.edu
Rose Leland, rosemarie.leland@uvm.edu
Jon Erickson (Interim Dean of School of Natural Resources) jon.erickson@uvm.edu

Happy Holidays & Peace on Earth--INCLUDING FOR BEAVERS!

Deadly Conibear Traps Set at University of Vermont!

University of Vermont has chosen to set barbaric, body crushing conibear traps to catch and kill resident beavers to address a potential flooding issue at Centennial Woods.

Victims of these traps suffer excruciating pain while they struggle for their lives before succumbing to their injuries. Non target animals, like dogs, cats & endangered wildlife may also fall victim.

GMAD has written to the University & asked them to pull these deadly, conibear traps immediately & to discuss readily available, humane & effective solutions with us. We will keep you posted. UVM can do better than this!

More Info: http://gmad.info/articles_detail.php?ID=25&Page=Living+Peacefully+with+Beavers

More Info: Click here for more information

Pet Food Drive Success!

GMAD's 2012 Pet Food Drive is a Huge Success

2012 was a record-breaking year for our pet food drive! We have already delivered 1,920 pounds of pet food to local area food shelves and feral cat colonies this year. It’s great to see Vermonters so generously helping pets! We send out a huge thank you to Pet Food Warehouse, Hannaford in Williston, and Play Dog Play in Burlington for already participating.

Our pet food bins are currently at Price Chopper in South Burlington, Natural Provisions Market in Williston and Agway on Route 2A in Williston. Please stop by and help us feed the hungry kitties and pups.

Mile of Money for Spay/Neuter!

Our Mile of Money fundraiser for our spay/neuter program starts on December 1st at Pet Food Warehouse (in Shelburne & S. Burlington) & runs through December 24!

Help decorate the stores with our certificates or you can take the certificate(s) home with you & include in holiday cards to friends & family. For a $1 donation, you can fill out a certificate in honor of a special furry (feathered or scaled) family member!

All funds go towards helping Vermonters spay or neuter their cats and dogs!

Bill & Lou

We have recently learned that Green Mountain College (GMC) euthanized Lou on Sunday. The school issued a statement explaining that its decision to euthanize Lou was due to concerns that the winter would exacerbate his leg injury. While it is unfortunate that Lou could not go to a sanctuary for his remaining days, we are comforted to know that he met a peaceful end. Lou’s partner, Bill, is still alive and he will remain with Green Mountain College on the school’s farm.

The story of Bill and Lou has galvanized our community and highlighted the difficult issues associated with animals used in agriculture. GMAD is mindful that communicating respectfully with others fosters collaboration and may open many doors for more positive outcomes. GMAD’s role in Bill and Lou’s story was to facilitate a compassionate outcome for Bill & Lou, who had already been slated for slaughter. From the very beginning, we worked to inform, educate and offer alternatives. As a result, GMAD will be invited to participate in future discussions on GMC's campus regarding Animal Ethics and the use of farmed animals for meat.

Thank you all for your continued advocacy and support.

VT Wildlife Rehabilitator writes a book!

Helena Nicolay, who has helped rescue and rehabilitate countless animals, has written a book called, "The Squirrel Diaries, Tales From a Wildlife Rehabilitator". Check it out and support someone who has done so much for wildlife!

More Info: http://www.windridgepublishing.com/

GMAD's P.A.W.S. (Providing All Weather Shelter) Pet Project

Another dog house constructed under GMAD's P.A.W.S. (Providing All Weather Shelter)Pet Project was delivered on Sunday May 6th! This lucky dog recipient was eager to check out his new digs.

Thank you Burlington Technical College and Cathy Hartshorn from Friends of Vermont Dogs for your partnership in making great things happen for these pups.

More Info: info@gmad.info

Happy Mother's Day? Not for Dairy Cows.

Veal is a baby cow. They are slaughtered sometimes as young as a day old to produce "bob" veal.

Veal is a by-product of the dairy industry.

Shortly after birth, male calves born on dairy farms are often taken away from their mothers and loaded onto trucks. Many are sold through auction rings (like the one pictured here) where they are subjected to transportation and handling stresses.

Calves are often times confined in crates measuring just two feet wide. They are chained by the neck to restrict all movement, making it is impossible for them to turn around, stretch, or even lie down comfortably.

Stop by Church St this Sunday, May 6th, where GMAD will be hosting an educational table regarding the cruelties inherent in the industry. We'll be in front of Pompanoosuc Mills from 11-3pm.

Update on Baby Goat Rescue in VT!

First and foremost, GMAD wishes to thank all who have communicated their warm statements, generously offered financial/in-kind support and shared interest in fostering/adopting. We find ourselves humbled by the outpouring of empathy and thoughtful support for these previously unwanted, newborn goats who were destined for slaughter.

In response, we came up with this idea: For those who donate $100 or more for their rescue and care, we are honored to have the donor name one of the rescued goats.... So far we have Nando, Luna, Moon, Aurora, Oggie, Jack, and Patti. But, we are not done, at the writing of this update, it is apparent we'll need more names as twins recently arrived (photos to follow shortly.)

Now the challenge of this rescue must focus back on more fundraising, since the money already raised is all spoken for. Please understand that every donation, regardless of amount, goes directly to saving the goats, daily upkeep, and vet care.

$10 will save another baby goat
$25 will feed a baby for a week
$40 will provide the necessary vet care to ensure health before going to a new home
$100 or more will sponsor a baby from rescue to placement in a forever home, and to honor your generosity by asking you to provide the goat's name.

You can make a donation by clicking on the "donate/shop" link. Link is also provided below.

Be sure to indicate that the donation is for the Goat Rescue. The screen after you enter your payment info has a place for donation details, which would be "Goat Rescue". Donations can also be mailed to: GMAD, PO Box 4577, Burlington, VT 05406

This all began only 11 days ago... and wow, so much care to provide. One GMAD volunteer is managing the rescue and is jokingly referring to himself no longer by name, but by "Goat Farmer". However, after personally seeing him in action with the goats, I'd say "Goat Whisperer" is even more fitting as he is a master of bottle feeding, an expert at constructing enclosures, a researcher of goat knowledge and a survivor of little sleep.

Have you ever experienced being at the center of a herd of baby goats? Picture this.... baby goats and more baby goats, all begging for attention, running left, now right, now under legs, now lagging behind looking at a new and exciting thing. All with eyes wondering "Is it time to eat" and all simultaneously tying to jump in front of the line. And now imagine what it might be like to herd cats.... now you have a good idea.

But seriously, they are all off to an amazing start. They are strongly bonded with people and thanks to the neighborhood families and children, each gets one-on-one time throughout the day, they crave affection and scratches under the chin; and will certainly make the most amazing lifelong pets. They are the lucky ones; well actually we are the lucky ones also to have had the privilege of being front & center to rescue them at the very start of their lives.

We are happy to share that four babies have been cleared for adoption thus far and will soon go onto their new homes.

Who will win the race? Will it be the rabbit or the hare (the ones who arrived healthy or the ones slower to recover and grow)? In answering the question we will take time to ensure all the babies are healthy and happy and that all the goats are winners! How fortunate we all are to play a role in their rescue, their start in life and in their finding forever homes.

More Info: http://www.greenmountainanimaldefenders.org/donate.php

Reconsider Traditional Easter Meals.

Often times holidays, with their traditional meat centric meals, present a problem for vegetarians. If the thought of a glazed ham or lamb ruins the day for you, no fear!

We like to embrace Easter, and the arrival of Spring, with plant based foods...what better way to embrace those beautiful green shoots peeking through the ground than by offering up veggie inspired dishes coupled with herbs, fruits, grains, starches and nuts?

What are you cooking up this Sunday?

More Info: http://vegan.sheknows.com/2011/04/20/vegan-easter-menu/

Thee Perfect Easter Gift!

Enter to win this raffle and get this adorable Robin Kent bunny into a home by Easter!

We are thrilled to offer this basket valued at $233 just in time for Easter! Purchase your raffle tickets by clicking on our donate link below-be sure to include the following: your name, raffle contest, your phone number and email address.

We\\\'ll be announcing the lucky winner on Tuesday April 3rd!

Tickets are $3 each or four for $10. The prize can not be shipped. Home delivery will be made within a 30 mile radius of Williston (or prize may be picked up from our event planner in Williston)

Basket details!
-Original Robin Kent wooden wall art-ready to hang
-Vegan lollipops and jelly beans
-Adorable bird shaped soap
-Oval bunny bowl from Williams and Sonoma
-Italian alabaster eggs from Williams and Sonoma

Contact Brenna@gmad.info with questions.

Purchase raffle tickets at link below! Please note that you can only enter the transaction details at the END of the transaction in the special instructions area. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your transaction!

More Info: http://gmad.info/donate.php

Alleged Abuse at Cabot Supplier

I know many of you have communicated your concern over the investigation of dairy cows who were allegedly being abused at Adirondack Farms. Adirondack Farms supplies milk to Agri-mark, the corporation that makes Cabot and McCadam Cheese.


 GMAD is very troubled by this investigation as well.

We have submitted a formal request to Cabot asking them to stand by their stated policies and take immediate remedial steps to ensure that all farms strictly adhere to humane standards as well as implement a speedy phase-in of polled cattle (polled cattle do not have horns, thereby eliminating the need for cruel de-horning practices). In addition, we asked that both Cabot and Agri-Mark support criminal prosecution of any individuals charged with cruelty to animals after an investigation by law enforcement. We\'ve asked for a response by March 26th & we will be certain to keep you posted.

If you would like to voice your opinion to Agri-mark, you may do so by submitting comments to Agri-Mark's website

Watch video of the investigation. Warning: video is graphic and disturbing.

March Meatout!

Springtime is here and it’s a great time for a fresh start! Let Meatout kickstart your way to a healthier, more humane way of living.

Meatout is the world's largest grassroots dietary education campaign and is coordinated each year by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement) and GMAD is thrilled to participate. Thousands of caring people in all 50 U.S. states and a host of other countries embrace this observance as a great way to promote a vegan lifestyle. GMAD participates annually in this campaign and we’re excited to be incorporating a new twist to our 2012 event, a Pay Per View!

We’ll be hosting an educational outreach table at the University of Vermont in the Davis Center on March 20th from 11-2pm. We’ll be distributing scrumptious vegan food samples, coupons, and literature in an effort to showcase just how tasty vegan food is! With the Pay Per View, GMAD will offer passersby $1 to watch a 4 minute video that displays the horrible treatment of animals on farms. Vegfund has graciously offered to reimburse our Pay Per Views (up to 50 viewings)!

After learning the shocking truth from the video, viewers are asked to share their thoughts with GMAD’s volunteers and let us know if they’d be interested in receiving a vegan starter kit. Sometimes all it takes is one image that leaves that permanent mark in one’s mind that makes it impossible to ever contribute to animal suffering again. That is our hope!

World Spay Day!

Stay tuned for our upcoming events in February in honor of World Spay Day!

Yes, GMAD knows how to have fun too!

Check out photos from our first ever Meow-lo-Ween party!

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Mountain-Animal-Defenders/120811201303868#!/pages/Green-Mountain-Animal-Defenders/120811201303868

Trapping/Fur Table on Church Street!

Despite the blustery weather on Church St on Saturday October 29th, we had a steady stream of people stopping by our table to learn more about what they can do to help animals who suffer on fur factory farms and traps in our state. So many people were surprised to learn that trapping is alive and well in Vermont. Check out our photos on Facebook--see link below.

Contact Brenna@gmad.info with questions on what you can do!

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Mountain-Animal-Defenders/120811201303868

GMAD's Walk for Farm Animals Huge Success!

A sincere THANK YOU to our walk participants today on Church St! It is always so great to meet compassionate, like minded, animal welfare advocates. I am truly moooo-ved by the passion and enthusiasm displayed for these animals. We raised both funds and awareness as to the mistreatment and neglect of farm animals who are often times the most overlooked.

We were their voice today and it felt good! Please join us at a future event...great people, great day! We can make a difference.

***See photos on Facebook

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Mountain-Animal-Defenders/120811201303868

GMAD Newsletter: Exciting Stories & Happy Endings for Animals!

Dear Green Mountain Animal Defenders Members & Supporters,

Presenting..........The latest GMAD newsletter, filled with compelling stories, touching photos, exciting campaigns, rescues & happy endings for the animals! You may see your name mentioned, or even find a story that you were involved in.

Of course, these accomplishments would not have been possible without you. Your generous support and amazing volunteerism is greatly appreciated!

Kudos to Julie, Erin & Jenn, who worked diligently to get all this information put together and looking so great.

Please be sure to scroll all the way to the end to find out how you can help us continue and expand our services, all while educating the public about animal protection issues. Just click on the website & e-mail links to be automatically directed to them.

For your convenience, even your membership dues and donations can be made electronically!

Please reply so I will know you have received your newsletter. Any suggestions/comments are always welcomed.

With immense gratitude for all you do for the animals,

Sharon MacNair, President
Green Mountain Animal Defenders

Injured Bird Making Fantastic Recovery!

GMAD is very pleased to report that the sparrow who flew into a window & was injured in St. Albans was transferred to Ellen Jareckie, the extraordinary wildlife rehabilitator, in Shelburne shortly after our alert went out. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Linda J. of St. Albans (who brought the bird to Colchester where he was picked up and transferred), to Harry B. (who then brought the bird to Shelburne for special care) and, of course, to Ellen who continues to provide medical care.

At first the bird’s prognosis seemed bleak as he seemed blind due to a probable head injury. After only a few days, his sight was already returning. He can be seen in the attached photo contentedly perched on a branch! His release, back in his familiar territory, is scheduled for this weekend.

Kudos to all involved, and to those of you who so kindly offered to help.

~ As I often say, GMADers are truly the BEST”

Cruelty Case UPDATE: South Ryegate Cats

Forty-two live and five dead cats were removed from the South Ryegate home of Cynthia Erlandsson in December. The judge took this case seriously and decided Ms. Erlandsson would not receive the cats back, awarding them to the Kingdom Animal Shelter.

If convicted in this case, Erlandsson will face one year in prison and a $1,000 fine for each count of animal cruelty.

A special thank you to all the GMADers who generously sent donations, which were matched by GMAD, allowing us to send $2,645 to defray the cost of the cats’ medical expenses.

Here are the links to the WCAX story:

WCAX Coverage - Caledonia County Woman in Court for Animal Cruelty


WCAX Coverage - Everything Animals - Animal Hoarding

Low Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics in Vermont

See the link below for low cost rabies vaccination clinics being conducted all over Vermont. Vaccinations run from $10-$15.

More Info: http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/rabies/Rabies.aspx#clinic

Vermont 2011 Animal Related Legislation

We've just reviewed all animal legislation introduced in January in the Vermont legislature. Check it out on our legislation page.

2010 End of Year Letter to Members

More Info: http://www.gmad.info/docs/YearEnd2010.pdf

GMAD on Positively Vermont

Check out the segment we did for Positively Vermont with Dennis McMahon for Channel 17. The entire program can be viewed from the link below.

More Info: http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/green-mountain-animal-defenders

Statement on Outcome of Bushway Slaughterhouse Felony Trial

Green Mountain Animal Defenders is pleased with the outcome of today's proceedings which was made possible by the efforts of many humane-minded people. We would especially like to thank the AG's office for their diligent work on this case.

There were two key important components of today's sentence that showed that this egregious type of animal cruelty will not be tolerated. These are the fact that it was a felony conviction of aggravated animal abuse, and that the defendant will be prohibited from working in animal husbandry or a slaughterhouse in the future.

Vermont animals, whether companion animals, farmed animals, or wildlife deserve appropriate treatment and we are satisfied that by humane advocates speaking up for those victims who had no voice, that justice was served.

Wildlife Solutions

As much as we enjoy wildlife, sometime humans have conflicts with them (example: a wild animal finds his/her way into your home, or is causing damage to your property). Humane solutions are effective and readily available. If you do not find a solution to your particular situation in the links below, please contact us at wildlife@gmad.info for suggestions.

For more information:

www.wildlifehotline.org
www.humanesociety.org/animals/
For solving beaver problems: www.martinezbeavers.org

Free Food for Pets with just One Click!

This is pretty simple... Please ask ten friends to each ask another ten today!

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned and neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! Please pass it along to everyone you know.

More Info: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Goodsearch.com: Help GMAD Every Time You Search the Internet

Please support GMAD by using Goodsearch.com every day. This is a free search engine (similar to Google) and each time you search, a penny will be donated to the charity of your choice (hopefully Green Mountain Animal Defenders). It?s simple to choose your charity to support & then click verify so the animals will benefit each time you do a search! Of course, please encourage your friends, neighbors, relatives & even complete strangers to do so as well.

More Info: http://www.goodsearch.com

Cruelty Free Cosmetics and The Leaping Bunny

Have you ever wondered about the "Leaping Bunny" logo? It is awarded to companies that have met the cruelty free standards that were developed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). By promoting a single, comprehensive standard, the CCIC allows consumers to know that claims of "cruelty-free" or "animal friendly" mean that the company has met a minimum set of guidelines that ensure that their products and policies are truly animal friendly and cruelty free.

For a complete list of companies that have earned this distinction, please see the Complete List of Cruelty-free Companies

More Info: http://www.leapingbunny.org/indexcus.php

Vermont Animal Cruelty Response System: Phone Number & Contest Winner Announced!

The Vermont Humane Federation (VHF), in partnership with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), has launched the Cruelty Response System (CRS), a new statewide initiative to help animals throughout the state. The CRS is a network and tracking system to help identify, address and alleviate animal cruelty and other forms of abuse & neglect in Vermont. The Cruelty Response System's phone number is being sponsored by Green Mountain Animal Defenders. The CRS phone number is a resource that provides information on how to report animal cruelty in each county, as well as information on spay/neuter resources and how to help injured and abandoned wildlife.

The winning entry of our contest for an available, easy-to-remember toll free number is: 1-877-9 HUMANE, submitted by GMADer Deb Loring. Congratulations Deb!

Please memorize this number, or keep it with you. Thank you to all who submitted your great ideas for the CRS phone number