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Hi John,

This month, *legislators in Dane County, Wisconsin* *introduced a resolution* ( [link removed] ) *calling for the removal of thousands of beagles currently confined at Ridglan Farms* , one of the nation's last remaining major breeders of dogs for experimentation. The move comes *seven years after DxE investigators exposed appalling conditions at Ridglan Farms* : dogs warehoused in barren cages, exhibiting stereotypic behaviors like spinning endlessly in circles, and bred only to be sold into a life of painful experiments.

That investigation, published by The Intercept in 2018, lifted the curtain on this secretive industry ( [link removed] ). Now, thanks to continued pressure from local advocates, the successful appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate Ridglan, plus growing media coverage and the added support from county supervisors, the truth we've been shouting for years is finally being heard and agreed with! Supervisor David Boetcher compared the situation at Ridglan to a child welfare case where the urgent priority is removing children from an abusive situation. This is a powerful acknowledgment that animals deserve legal protection from abuse just like human children do.

*The momentum that's building is a reminder that real change takes time, persistence, and people willing to speak out.*

Fortunately, people everywhere are fighting for animal freedom. In Edmonton, Canada, *two DxE activists were recently arrested after locking down inside the Edmonton Valley Zoo* , demanding freedom for Lucy the elephant, who has been confined for over 40 years, much of that time completely alone. See the powerful footage here ( [link removed] ). DxE Victoria saw a victory in their campaign when the Fairmont hotel chain with 70+ properties worldwide recently announced it would stop selling animal fur, following regular protests.

DxE activists are also continuing our campaign against *Perdue’s Petaluma Poultry* , the factory farming villain at the heart of our Right to Rescue trial ( [link removed] ) starting September 15th ( [link removed] ). Petaluma Poultry supplies so-called “organic” and “free-range” chickens to stores including Trader Joe’s. Behind the humane-washing, DxE investigators have exposed filthy, overcrowded conditions, widespread infectious diseases, and sick, injured animals languishing and dying without care.

Last week, activists *disrupted a third grand opening of a new Trader Joe’s store* ( [link removed] ) , again demanding they cut ties with Petaluma Poultry. Protests also continued this month at Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. See a video compilation here ( [link removed] ) ! In Berkeley, local public radio station KPFA covered ( [link removed] ) a protest in advance with a very supportive, 9-minute segment, which led some residents to join the protest after they learned about the issue from the broadcast! DxE LA and San Diego got press coverage ( [link removed] ) of their actions, too. DxE LA also held a demonstration near the home of Trader Joe’s CEO Bryan Palbaum to make sure the person at the top hears these concerns loud and clear.

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We’ve also launched a petition demanding Trader Joe’s drop Petaluma Poultry, and we need your help to keep the pressure on. Sign the petition here ( [link removed] ). Then share it with your community—online or in person.

Thank you for staying in this fight with us. Whether it’s dogs trapped in labs, chickens suffering in factory farms, or elephants isolated in zoos, animals need people like you who refuse to stay silent.

In solidarity,
Cassie King

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Direct Action Everywhere
PO Box 4782, Berkeley, CA 94704

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