E. Coli Outbreak Could Lead to Petting Zoo Ban
An outbreak of disease in North Carolina is leading to reconsideration of the safety of petting zoos.
After 38 people were sickened—including eight hospitalizations and one death—due to interacting with animal attractions at the Cleveland County Fair, officials are questioning the dangers of petting zoos. Cleveland County Health Director Dorothea Wyant believes that the E. coli bacteria was transmitted by animal feces, which then could have spread through one of the fair’s many animal-centered activities. “We just can’t pinpoint which animal,” she tells The Los Angeles Times, “We had camel rides, pony rides, exotic animal exhibits, cow-milking, kangaroos, a six-legged goat—all kinds of stuff.” Many animal-welfare groups, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and The Humane Society of the United States, argue that animal attractions such as petting zoos should be outlawed not only due to ongoing sanitation concerns, but also because of the inhumane treatment and conditions many of the animals are subjected to at zoos, fairs, carnivals, and livestock shows.
Colombia Prohibits Use of Animals in Circuses
After undercover investigations by Animal Defenders International expose animal abuse, the Colombian government bans wild animals in circuses.
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St. Louis Welcomes A New Vegetarian Restaurant
Tree House is the latest meat-free eatery to open in Mound City, serving up an eclectic mix of veg cuisine.
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Jill Milan Sells New Line of Vegan Handbags in SF
Cruelty-free fashionistas can get a preview of Jill Milan’s new collection of Italian, handcrafted products at San Francisco’s Westfield Mall.
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James Cameron Promotes Veganism at Awards Gala
The director who brought Titanic and The Terminator to the silver screen, lauds the benefits of plant-based eating during his acceptance speech.
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Federal Gov. Says Neigh to Horse Slaughter Funding
If a recent vote by US House Appropriations Committee survives the legislative process, killing horses for human consumption will be prohibited in the US.
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More Flashbacks
- US’ First Veg School Will Visit Animal Sanctuary
- NPR Program Features Hampton Creek’s Beyond Eggs
- Washington Post’s Advice for Parents with Veg Kids
- Gluten-Free, Vegan Brewery to Open in Portland
- Health Guru to Do Veg Cleanse With Wedding Guests
- Third Annual VegFest Houston Taking Place Today
- New York Magazine Marks 2013 the Year of Pleather
- Mercy For Animals Launches Anti-Foie Gras Campaign
- Researchers Propose Solution to Disappearing Bees
- Comedy Central’s Daily Show Addresses Ag-Gag Bills
- Proposed Rule Grants Protection to Captive Chimps
- Tia Mowry Joins PETA in Sharing Vegan Message
- Law May Bar Citizens from Voting on Hunting Issues
- Violet Sweet Shoppe Sells Cruelty-Free Confections
- Lush Cosmetics Employees Go Vegan for Five Days
- Plant-Strong High-Performance Athletes On the Rise
- Research Reveals Possibility of Meat Allergies
- Vegan Line Vaute Couture Offers Summer Sample Sale
- The Guardian Reports Brits Should Eat Less Meat
- Forbes Recognizes Veggie Grill’s Budding Success
