Excellent AP article about monkeys dying in horrific ways due to worker incompetence at animal testing facilities. And yet the company responsible refuses to communicate with activists, because:

They just make false claims so we don’t engage in a ‘he said, she said’ back and forth.

Given the epic incompetence on display, a little less arrogance might be in order. Plus—who knows—an ongoing dialogue with animal advocates might even lead to changes that could keep another monkey from being scalded to death. (Thanks, Steve.) Link.

A vegan dessert you’d swear was nothing but egg and milk. From Australia’s Shakahari restaurant.

Uploaded by: moirabot

Newsweek’s got an interesting but thoroughly unpersuasive analysis of Jamie Oliver and Michelle Obama’s efforts to improve Americans’ food choices. The article argues that people will tune out Oliver because:

He’s not only a rich guy, he’s a rich British guy, thumbing his nose at our good, old-fashioned American preservatives.

Likewise, the article claims:

Michelle Obama’s mission to fight childhood obesity is a noble one, but our first lady may be too well -off and sophisticated to carry the healthful eating message to people who don’t feel like she understands their lives.

And, finally:

In order to make real inroads with obesity, we have to first consider that perhaps it’s one of the few social causes that doesn’t benefit from a celebrity endorsement.

Unfortunately, the article doesn’t offer any evidence to back up its assertions. Is it really reasonable to argue that people of Oliver and Obama’s stature won’t be able to budge the eating habits of millions of Americans? That’s an extraordinarily claim—for which Newsweek offers not a whiff of proof. (Via Starkman.) Link.

A couple weeks ago, I blogged about that Southern California restaurant that was busted for serving whale meat.

CNN has just posted a follow-up article that covers the story in depth, with lots of juicy details about how those scum bags were busted. By the way, they’re now saying how sorry they are, and are vowing to be sensitive to environmental concerns in the future—as if they have a shred of credibility remaining after repeatedly serving endangered whale. Link.

Grant Butler, the Oregonian reporter who in February blogged daily about his first month as a vegan, just did a longish interview with Moby. The interview covers Moby and Miyun Park’s new book Gristle, which is a collection of essays about veganism and the meat industry. I expect this to be a thoughtful and influential book, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

The book’s up on Amazon now for a measly $10 with free shipping available; I expect it’ll start shipping any day now. Link.

All items purchased through Amazon, after visiting the site through any of our links, support Vegan.com and enable me to keep this daily blog going.

This Saturday’s the Great American Meatout, and Michigan’s governor signed a proclamation declaring the day, “Michigan Meatout Day.”

The state’s hunters and meat interests responded furiously. The Michigan Farm Bureau called the proclamation: “Unconscionable and insensitive to livestock and dairy farmers.”

Unconscionable and insensitive? Considering what meat and dairy producers do to their animals, they ought to think twice before breaking out those words. (Thanks, Bea.) Link.

Newsweek just published an article from First Lady Michelle Obama in which she recounts what her campaign to end childhood obesity has accomplished so far:

…[S]ince this campaign began, several major school suppliers have already agreed to improve the quality of their food, doubling the amount of fresh produce they serve to our children. The nation’s largest beverage companies have agreed to provide clearly visible information about calories on the front of their products, as well as on vending machines and soda fountains. The American Academy of Pediatrics has begun urging its members to screen children for obesity and to actually write out prescriptions for parents detailing how to address it. And we’ve started a Web site—LetsMove.gov—with tips on eating well and staying fit.

Very impressive. I can’t imagine more progress being made in such a short time. Link.

A couple weeks ago, I recorded a podcast featuring Paul Shapiro, in which we discussed the upcoming ballot initiative in Ohio—which would ban battery cages along with veal and gestation crates, plus outlaw inhumane euthanasia of sick animals. Since our podcast, Paul traveled to four Ohio cities to do signature gathering kickoffs. Mercy For Animals, who is joining HSUS in this campaign, just blogged these events.

The Ohio effort is arguably an even more important and higher stakes initiative than the 2008 California Prop 2 campaign. I hope you’ll consider donating to the campaign, and, if you’re from Ohio, taking part in signature gathering. OhioHumane.com has the details.

At today’s exchange rates, this vegan dosa meal served in India cost $1.10.

Uploaded by: KarolGajda

Early this month, I blogged about a USDA veterinarian who blew the whistle on the agency for covering up his reports of slaughterhouse cruelty. Now TheLedger.com has a good summary of Dean Wyatt’s testimony, including the punishments he received for reporting to his superiors about some horrific cruelties.

It’s obvious that the USDA is in dire need of a shakeup in terms of how it handles animal cruelty. If the people who suppressed Wyatt’s reports are allowed to keep their jobs, it would be a clear sign that the USDA still doesn’t take animal cruelty seriously. (Via Shapiro.) Link.