Regular readers of this newsletter know that, last August, Animal Outlook filed a formal petition for rulemaking–signed by over 150 Maine registered voters–that requires the state agency that houses Maine’s Animal Welfare Program (AWP) to begin the process of applying Maine anti-cruelty laws to the state’s growing aquaculture industry. Maine law requires AWP to ensure the humane treatment of “every living sentient creature” in the state. The petition stems from Animal Outlook’s 2019 investigation into a Maine salmon hatchery, which documented horrific violence against fish and brought to light that the welfare of aquatic animals in aquaculture facilities is not being addressed by any agency in the state of Maine.
Simply put, millions of fish and other aquatic animals have no protection, though Maine law requires it. The AWP responded to the petition, indicating it had no intention of complying with the law. Now, Animal Outlook, along with Maine voters, has sued the agency, arguing that it has not only abdicated its legal obligation to protect animals, but it has also directly and unlawfully refused the demands of Maine voters. We filed the case last month, and it was covered in the Mount Desert Islander and Spectrum News, and Animal Outlook's Legal Counsel Jareb Gleckel was interviewed on the Ric Tyler Show on WVOM in Maine. The science is clear: fish feel pain, yet they are routinely left out of conversations about animal protection. Our lawsuit is a step towards ensuring fish are not forgotten and, ultimately, are protected. Read more about the lawsuit here.
This year’s Veg Week is fast approaching, so save the date. From April 16-22, Animal Outlook will host our annual week of vegan pledging, vegan eating, and vegan prizes. Curious about eating vegan? Have friends and family who are? Give it a try this April. Here’s how it works: pledge to eat vegan for the week, receive helpful tips and delicious recipes. Then, get your friends, family, and colleagues to also pledge to try vegan eating for a week–rally the top number of pledges and win great prizes! There’s more info to come about this year’s Veg Week, so be sure to check out future emails as well as the Veg Week website for the latest updates.
Sanctuary visit
Last month, Animal Outlook team members had the pleasure of visiting Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary, where we were honored to meet Frank and Beans, the tortoise and pig bonded pair, and April, a horse who had been hit over the head leading to blindness. We also got to spend time with rescued pigs, cows, goats, sheep, alpaca, geese, ducks, chickens, rabbits, donkeys, and ponies. The work we do at Animal Outlook is hard, and very emotionally taxing, so the opportunity to spend time together with rescued animals was refreshing, relaxing, and so special. Thank you to Erich and Kathy from Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary for taking the time to introduce us to the amazing sanctuary residents and for all the work you do to help animals in need.
Deputy Director of Investigations and former undercover investigator, Erin, meets Bernadette, who was rescued from neglect.
As a non-profit organization, Animal Outlook relies on donations from caring, generous people like you. Every dollar matters. Your support makes a world of difference to farmed animals.
