Quebec Animals Rights SLAPP Suit Update

Last week, I posted an article I wrote on the SLAPP lawsuits. In this article, I mentioned the particular case of Louise Auger, a Quebec animal-rights activist.

Louise has been fighting for animals locally for over 30 years. Despite having retired last year, she continues to fight for and rescue animals at every chance. This fight has resulted in her being dragged into an ongoing court case with the Quebec municipal pound Inspecteur Canin.

RPRN recently published an update on the Louise Auger case.

Inspecteur Canin is a cruel and inhumane company, posturing as a caring safehaven. Unfortunately, they also have deeper pockets that Louise Auger, and so can afford to keep this case drag on.

On July 21st, arguments will be heard on her permanent injunction. In the meantime, I encourage everyone, if you haven't already done so, to please sign the petition and pass the word around.

If you would like to donate to her defense fund, please send all donations to:

Louise Auger
C.P 184
Saint-Hippolyte, Qc
J8A 3P5

European Union Bans Canadian Seal Product Imports

Big news today, especially in Quebec. The European Parliament announced the passing of a bill banning the imports of all seal products. This includes skins used for fur coats, meat, oil blubber, organs, and omega-3 pills made from seal oil.

One more reason to read labels.

Notably, the bill declared the Canadian seal hunt as "inherently inhumane". Individual European Union member governments still need to approve the bill, however, according to most reports, this is expected to be nothing more than a formality.

The Canadian commercial seal hunt industry vowed to seek out and open new markets for their products.

To learn more about the violence of commercial seal hunting and what you can do to stop it, visit the HSUS' ProtectSeals team.

Earth Hour Reflections

Recently, a touching story landed in my inbox: the story of Jasmine, a neglected and abused Greyhound that was brought to the Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary in the UK, after she was discovered by local police. Jasmine was meant to be rehabilitated and put up for adoption. But it seems that Jasmine had plans of her own, soon welcoming all new inhabitants to the sanctuary—from fox pups, to badgers, to the bunnies, and even letting the birds to perch atop her. Soon, Jasmine became the resident mother, cuddling frightened and injured animals, comforting and welcoming them to their new surroundings.


The story of Jamine serves to show us, once again, that the true lessons of life are those taught by the great Mother—of love, selflessness, generosity, and harmony. And, in my post-Earth Hour reflection, I question how anyone could be so blind as to not see it and work to protect it in any way possible.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get out of the house and partake in my local Earth Hour festivities, but am curious how others filled their 60 minutes of darkness. Would love to hear your stories…please share!

PS--apologies for being radio-silent the last week. Call it Spring Break for the mind. But the good kind, without co-eds and hangovers. I'm back ever-refreshed and renewed.

Springtime Shopping with a Soul

Have you been a good little squirrel, stashing away your pennies these last few wintery months? With the sun shining and temperatures rising, are you itching to spend them away? If so, what better way than by supporting a good cause?

From now until the end of the month, visit charitybuzz to view the Farm Sanctuary's Spring Auction and bid on fantastic goodies. Need to update your shoe collection? Bid on an online shopping spree with UK vegan super-brand Beyond Skin or New York's Neuaura Shoes. Get private vegan or raw cooking lessons, yoga sessions, life coaching, celeb meet-and-greets, and so much more. Even local vegan brand, Matt & Nat, has put a stylish unisex carry-all up for auction. With almost 60 different lots to bid on, choosing should be the hardest part.

The Farm Sanctuary, located in Upstate New York and California, actively rescues and houses farm animals, where they live out their natural lives in peace and harmony. Animals freely roam, graze, and play. Visit their website to read their stories, donate, and even foster. The farms are also open to the public for visits. The Farm Sanctuary is an amazing organization, staffed by some of the warmest people I've had the pleasure of working with. With such important work being done, they need and deserve as much help as possible.