Very little of the great cruelty shown by men can really be attributed to cruel instinct. Most of it comes from thoughtlessness or inherited habit. The roots of cruelty, therefore, are not so much strong as widespread. But the time must come when inhumanity protected by custom and thoughtlessness will succumb before humanity championed by thought.
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
1. Announcements and upcoming events: the following events were discussed
October 8: Mystics, Mutts and Moonpies (1:00-5:30 PM); Vegetarian Dallas Potluck Supper
October 16: LSVN Chili Cookoff at the Austin Zoo (12N-4:00 PM); information at www.lsvn.org
October 20: FW Vegetarian Society Meeting (6:30 PM at 4-Star Coffee Bar 3324 W 7th St.)
October 22: Walk for Farm Animals at Dallas West End (12N); information at 469-261-7215
October 29: ACT-AGA-SMU Autumn Extravaganza (time?): literature and a sign-up list were circulated. Members were encouraged to volunteer to provide materials. There are enough volunteers to staff the event, which will be at Petsmart (12100 Inwood Road). Information at 972-578-0370.
Barktoberfest at Ft. Woof Dog Park (Gateway Park); 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Information at www.fortworthdogpark.org/barktoberfest.htm
Sierra Club “True Cost of Food” Halloween Party at 6:00 PM (Spiral Diner; 1314 W. Magnolia Ave., FW)
Information at metro 972-251-1532
October 31: ACT Ft. Worth general meeting at 7:00 PM (4237 Lafayette Ave., FW)
November 5: KFC demonstration at 12N-1:00 PM (4303 Lemmon Ave., Dallas)
November 5-6: PETA Helping Animals 101 in Houston; there is still time to register2. Recaps of recent events:
September 18: Freedom Pride Parade
September 24: AHA Heart Walk was cancelled
September 24: Our Connected Planet conference was successful, with several speakers and good vegan food
November 1: KFC demonstration in Ft. Worth had about 15 people; the location was good for auto traffic, and we were able to hand out many leaflets and speak with several people about KFC3. Campaign updates:
KFC campaign: This is going well, with alternating Dallas/Ft. Worth demonstrations first Saturday of each month.
Iams campaign: PETA and Iams have provided conflicting information about the issues. Iams’ response to PETA’s charges was circulated. Campaign coordinator is attempting to resolve the claims and counter claims.
Fur Free Friday (and Saturday): Coordinator not present, but plans are progressing for demonstrations in Dallas and Ft. Worth on consecutive days. Details to follow on ACT message board.
Outreach campaign (tabling): We have a new coordinator for Ft. Worth, who will team with the Dallas coordinator. Upcoming events include The ACT-AGA-SMU event (Dallas) and Barktoberfest (Ft. Worth) on October 29.
Update on coordinator list: The list was discussed and circulated. Margaret Morin is the new campus campaign coordinator. The Newsletter coordinator position is vacant.
Letter writing campaign: This is going very well, and everyone is urged to keep up the great work. We have gotten several letters published recently, and even those not published help promote our causes and make the news media aware of us. Members were reminded that the campaign materials are posted in the Files section of the ACT group site, and ACT board and the member who created the campaign are available for questions.4. New business: five items were discussed
PETA received a call from a local member to see if any group was planning to demonstrate at the State Fair. We are not doing that this year, but this is a topic to discuss for next year. PETA has said it will help us to the extent we wish.
Feral Friends sent a notice to local charitable groups regarding fundraising opportunities through Ebby Halliday Realtors. The notice was circulated, and interested persons can attend an informational session at 6:30 PM Thursday October 13, at the Ebby Halliday Corporate Office (4455 Sigma Rd., Dallas). Contact number is 214-478-9737.
The horse slaughter amendment was discussed, and our guest Skip Trimble explained the status and prospects for passage of the current bill (with the amendment) and the subsequent permanent bill to close the three U.S. horse slaughter facilities.
Some ACT members helped with animal rescue in Louisiana and it was suggested that ACT consider a joint press release on this topic with Metroplex Animal Coalition.
There are Rain Forest and Circus coloring books available for Halloween handout or other uses.
5. Main focus of meeting: presentation by Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN)
Skip Trimble made an informative presentation about the Texas legislative process, and how THLN works to identify and promote animal-friendly legislation, while working equally hard to defeat bills unfriendly or abusive to animals. He explained what we can do as a group and as individuals to contribute to these efforts, including meeting or contacting our state representatives to discuss issues (the current off year is a good time), and letting them know there are voters who want animal-friendly legislation introduced and passed.
Skip answered several questions, and handed out three documents: a THLN newsletter, a THLN informational brochure, and a diagram of basic steps in the legislative process. Thanks for a great presentation, Skip!
