A Landmark Day for Animals From Coast to Coast!

PETA took these pig displays to grocery stores around California to get the word out about Prop 2

We are pleased as punch to report that—thanks to the hard work of many of you—two important ballot initiatives passed yesterday, making history for animals. California voters approved Proposition 2, which will ban some of the worst cruelty to animals raised for food in that state: keeping egg-laying chickens in battery cages so small that they can't spread their wings, keeping veal calves in crates for their entire miserable short lives, and keeping pregnant pigs in crates so small that they can't take a step forward or backward or turn around. Farmed animals in California will be given these basic necessities by 2015, but we will continue to spread the message that the best thing that people can do to help animals is to stop eating them altogether. Thank you to all the Californians who responded to our phone calls or who got involved after seeing PETA's remarkably lifelike pigs-in-stalls displays outside grocery stores. Millions of chickens, pigs, and cows will be spared horrific suffering, thanks to you.

On the other side of the country, Question 3 passed, which will ban greyhound racing in the state of Massachusetts by 2010. We have long supported the fabulous team of activists there and thank all of you who have worked so tirelessly to see this victory become a reality. Dogs who are used for racing typically spend 20 hours per day confined to cages measuring only 32 in. by 42 in. by 34 in. Many of the dogs can't even stand completely upright. The animals are also highly susceptible to injuries, including fractures, dislocations, lacerations, and amputations. And because injured dogs are no longer of use to the industry, they are often simply killed.

The impact of both these important initiatives is tremendous for the millions of animals whose lives will be affected by them. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you who worked toward their passage. While you celebrate these hard-earned victories, please do something extremely important: Remember the words "One can make a difference" and commit to keeping the momentum on the animals' side by redoubling your efforts. Leaflet this weekend at KFC. Talk with more friends about buying cruelty-free products and clothing. Visit our Action Center for dozens of great ideas on how you can take action, and choose some that appeal to you.

Together, we can keep the momentum going!

Sincerely,

Ingrid E. Newkirk