In 2017, following expensive animal abuse-focused court cases and amid falling attendance, the circus shut down its big top for good. But now it’s back. And it seems to have learned its lesson, because its new traveling show is totally animal-free.

According to Ringling Bros, the new show will launch next year in September, before embarking on a 50-city tour in North America.

The circus ran for nearly 150 years before it shut down in 2017. But, with a new and improved approach, the updated version hopes to match that legacy.

“We are innovating all aspects of the live show and modernizing the franchise,” said Kenneth Feld, the CEO of Feld Entertainment, the company that owns Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. “[We want] to create an engaging property that is built for today’s families and will last another 150 years.”

According to Feld Entertainment, the new circus will focus purely on human acts, and its entertainers will “push the limits of human potential and create jaw-dropping moments.” It is currently searching for new talent, with rehearsals beginning at the end of June 2022.

An animal-free circus industry

Feld Entertainment’s decision to focus on human acts over animals isn’t just an ethical one, it’s also a smart business move. Including wild animals in its acts again would limit the states it could visit with its new traveling show, as several (including California, Illinois, and New Jersey) have outright bans or restrictions on circus animal acts.

Entire countries have also banned the use of wild animals in the circus. Most recently, the French parliament voted in favor of legislation that would protect wild animals from becoming circus acts.

The French ecology minister said of the move: “To act in support of animal well-being is the mark of a conscious society and of its responsibility towards a fragile natural world. It is a sign of mature civilization.” 

The post The Infamous Ringling Bros. Circus Is Back Again – This Time, Without Animals appeared first on Plant Based News.

Ryder, who once owned a vegan juice bar in Coggeshall, has TikTok to thank for his rise to fame. Ryder began posting musical covers on the social media platform in March 2020, during the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown.

His covers won the approval of a string of high-profile names including Elton John and Alicia Keys. And by the end of 2020, he was the most-followed UK artist on TikTok. (At the time of writing, Ryder has near to 13 million followers.)

During the pandemic is also when he penned his hit song Space Man, which he performed at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 – the 66th edition of the competition, which took place on May 14.

There, Ryder topped the jury vote, reeling in 283 points, and secured another 183 points from the public.

‘Unity, peace, love’

The 32-year-old musician named the experience an “incredible, incredible, rewarding journey.”

Speaking to presenters Scott Mills and Rylan Clark after the scores were released, Ryder said: “We signed up to come and sing. We enjoy music, and I know that every single artist involved this year absolutely smashed it.

“Everyone was a credit to themselves and a credit to what Eurovision is all about: unity, peace, love, togetherness, inclusivity and expression. Thank you for having us.”

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A flexitarian approach to diet

“We would find isotopic evidence of excess protein and signs of diseases like gout from the bones. But we’re just not finding that,” Legget told the BBC. 

Gout is a form of arthritis. Symptoms occur when there is too much uric acid in the blood, causing a “gout attack” (the sudden, severe, and very painful swelling of joints). Organ meat and red meat often trigger symptoms for people with gout, because when digested, the purine content in these foods causes the body to make uric acid.

Anyone can get gout. But, in the past, it has been dubbed “the disease of kings” (likely due to the expensive food and drink that exacerbated the symptoms). But this wasn’t the case for the Anglo-Saxons.

“The isotopic evidence suggests that diets in this period were much more similar across social groups than we’ve been led to believe,” said Legget. “We should imagine a wide range of people livening up bread with small quantities of meat and cheese, or eating pottages of leeks and whole grains with a little meat thrown in.”

It’s not so dissimilar from how many people are living their lives now. Last year, one study found that more than half of young Americans describe themselves as flexitarian (meaning they are actively reducing their meat intake). And another 2020 study concluded that people in Europe are rapidly reducing their meat consumption too.

Now, research suggests that a reduced intake of animal products may ease the pain of arthritis and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease and certain types of cancer.

The post Medieval Kings Were Mostly Vegetarian, New Study Discovers appeared first on Plant Based News.

Mercy For Animals’ Transfarmation Project has already helped two poultry farmers start new journeys in hemp and mushroom farming. 

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Empowering farmers to grow plants

Ultimately, the Farmer Toolkit has been designed as an additional resource to support farmers who feel disempowered by animal agriculture.

As explained on the Transfarmation website: “More and more farmers are seeking a way out of animal farming. Whether they’re fed up with Big Ag’s exploitative contracts or the poor working conditions, they’ve had enough. At the same time, demand for plant-based ingredients is booming.”

The toolkit allows farmers to select their state and see what specific resources are available to them in their area. It also lists funding sources. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, for example, pays farmers who actively manage and expand conservation activities.

Transfarmation’s director Tyler Whitley said in a statement: “Our goal is working with farmers to create those alternatives so they can build their own sustainable businesses. This is how we can create a more just and sustainable food system.”

Miyoko Schinner, the CEO of Miyoko’s Creamery, added: “By helping a forward-thinking dairy farmer transition to growing regenerative specialty crops, we can uplift farmer livelihoods in the emerging plant-based food economy.”

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The month-long campaign sees phone boxes around London plastered with messages that encourage vegan diets for dogs.

Eager to target all of its audience, THE PACK ensured its advertisements were dog-friendly. Specifically, the ads are split in half, with the bottom section addressing pets directly. “Hey doggies! You know you’re an omnivore right?!”, it reads, offering hounds walking by a “sample sniff.”

Meanwhile, the top section reminds owners that “a plant-based diet isn’t just for you.”

The ads are strategically placed. They can be found in dog-friendly neighborhoods and near to parks in Barnes, Chalk Farm, Chelsea, Hackney, Hampstead Heath, and Islington.

THE PACK joined forces with B-Corp-certified creative agency Library to bring the concept to life. Andrew Ward, Library’s founder and creative director, commented: “Taking a dog-first approach to the campaign, phone boxes were the ideal dog and human height advertising option to create a targeted campaign with street level impact. 

“The iconic PACK pup illustrations combined with bold colours and playful copy question both humans and dogs about their plant-based choices in a fun and engaging way.”

Can dogs be vegan?

Plant-based diets for dogs have long been a contentious topic, namely due to a widely accepted belief that all canines are carnivores (as THE PACK’s campaign highlights, domestic dogs are actually omnivores).

Additionally, a growing bank of research has found that dogs on a diet free from animal protein can experience a range of health benefits. This includes lower rates of cancer and infections, and fewer fleas, ticks, and allergy problems.

Further, dogs following a vegan diet have shown signs of arthritis and diabetes regression. 

Is dog food sustainable?

Environmental concerns are also motivating people to swap out their pets’ meals with vegan options. This is owing to the fact that animal agriculture is a key driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, pollution, and ocean dead zones. 

Co-founder of THE PACK, Damien Clarkson, commented: “We’re on a mission to encourage pet parents to start thinking of the climate crisis when making purchasing decisions for their dogs and it starts with what we plate up ourselves and our pups. We are all living through an ecological crisis and a seismic shift in the pet-food industry can make a positive contribution to tackling the climate crisis.”

Co-founder Judy Nadel shares this view. “We launched our vegan dog food range to help humans and dogs alike to leave smaller carbon pawprints on the planet. We know consumers are applying environmental and healthy diet principles to their pets, THE PACK is here to help them along the way,” Nadel said. 

“As thousands sign up to Veganuary this month, we want to turn heads and get tails wagging across London with our latest campaign and let people know that eating a plant-based diet isn’t just for them, it’s for dogs too.”

THE PACK’s advertising campaign began on January 20, and will run for one month.

The post New Ad Campaign Aimed At Pets Encourages Dogs To Go Vegan appeared first on Plant Based News.

“In March of last year, we launched our range of natural, vegan sexual wellness products online, and it’s proven really popular with our customers,” Sam Goodman of Holland & Barrett said in a statement. 

Vegan condom sales, for example, lifted by 248 percent in the first week of January, compared to the weekly average.

Meanwhile, sales of vegetable-themed sex toys (such as bananas and eggplants) spiked by 69 percent. One gadget – a corn on the cob bullet vibrator – was especially popular, with sales skyrocketing by 191 percent.

Are condoms vegan?

Plant-based food is circulating the mainstream market like never before. But the dinner table isn’t the only place animal products end up. 

Speaking to Mind Body Green, integrative gynecologist Shawn Tassone confirmed that latex – which most condoms are made from – is a plant-based product. However, some latex condoms are made softer and smoother using casein, a byproduct of milk. 

“There are also condoms on the market that are lambskin, which obviously would not qualify as a vegan condom,” Tassone added.

Further, condoms can be tested on animals since they are considered a “medical device” in many countries, the UNFPA says. Companies trial the products on horses or rabbits, for instance, to meet testing requirements. 

“Condom fragments are inserted into rabbits for a vaginal irritation test. The rabbits are sacrificed, and their wombs are extracted to determine its suitability for people,” Gina Park, co-founder of Instinctus, told VICE. Instinctus sells sexual healthcare products including the first vegan condoms available in Korea. 

Are vegan condoms effective?

Gynecologist Tassone assured that plant-based, cruelty-free condoms are just as effective as non-vegan versions in terms of protecting against sexually transmitted infections and preventing unwanted pregnancy. 

However, a condom being vegan doesn’t necessarily mean it contains no harsh chemicals, such as talcum, benzocaine, or parabens. 

And because condom manufacturers are not required to place ingredients’ listings on their products, consumers looking to avoid such ingredients may have a difficult time. 

Glyde, Sustain Natural, Sir Richards, Skyn, LOLA, Lovability, maude, and LELO Hex are just some of the companies producing vegan-friendly condoms.

This article was originally published on January 21, 2022. It was updated on January 25, 2022 to include new information about the data referenced.

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The international charity looked at some of the US restaurant chains offering Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods’ products, such as Burger King and Panda Express.

WAP looked at each chain’s portion sizes, how many days a year they are typically open, and how much plant-based food they are likely selling. 

The animal protection charity predicts that in 2021, more than 211,000 pigs, 77,000 cows, and 350,000 chickens were spared by the US food system.

Given that the calculations only scratch the surface of the plant-based movement, WAP believes the figure is closer to one million animals in the US alone.

“Our assessment does not account for the full plant-based product market, such as those sold in grocery stores, menu items that feature other plant-based brands or those made in-house, or Beyond and Impossible products offered at other types of restaurants,” the charity clarifies. 

For instance, last year Impossible Foods rolled out its products to 20,000 grocery stores – up from just 150 locations.

Further, WAP’s analysis does not include egg or dairy products. But data provided by plant-based food brand Zero Egg indicates these figures are similarly impactful. 

Looking purely at its own restaurant sales, Zero Egg revealed that more than a million conventional eggs were left out of US diets in 2021. 

“We believe in making every bite count … Zero Egg’s vision is to empower the era of sustainable foods and we understand that we won’t be able to protect the planet and improve the lives of animals without replacing ordinary eggs with a plant-based option,” said Joe Loria, Zero Egg’s director of communications and marketing.

Loria added that the company’s vegan eggs require 93 percent less water and 92 percent less land to produce compared to conventional eggs. Further, they generate 59 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Shifting diets

WAP acknowledges that there is still progress to be made. Roughly 120 million pigs, nine billion chickens, 30 million cows, and 320 million laying hens are raised or killed for food every year in the US. 

But the tide appears to be turning, as more people (in the US and beyond) ditch animal-based foods. Research from late last year found that just under half (49 percent) of Americans are interested in swapping out meat and dairy in favor of plant-based alternatives. 

And in Veganuary 2021, it’s predicted that more than two million animals’ lives were spared in just a month thanks to those who took the 31-day vegan pledge. This year’s Veganuary campaign is expected to be its biggest yet.

To read more about how World Animal Protection calculated the above figures, see here. 

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Veganuary expects Bidewell is one of its youngest ever participants, the organization said in a press release. And now, the UK-based child has started his own non-profit.

Bidewell makes and sells fresh carrot juice as well as his own merchandise (under the label Vegan Squirrel). He donates all profits to various charities, such as The Retreat Animal Rescue, near Ashford.

“I want to get the money for the planet,” Bidewell commented. “To save the planet and animals.”

Inspiring change

For someone whose age can be counted on one hand, Bidewell has inspired a notable amount of change. 

For instance, the young entrepreneur managed to convince a 230-year-old footwear store to order in its first-ever vegan shoes. 

Bidewell was trying on school shoes at the store when he questioned whether they contained animal products. After learning that they did, he asked the sales team if a vegan alternative could be ordered in.

According to the press release, the independent shoe shop is the oldest in the UK, and the move marked the first time it had sold a vegan pair of shoes.

‘Veganism is for everyone’ 

Bidewell has also taken his message to his school and previously, nursery, encouraging classmates to try Veganuary.

Toni Vernelli, international head of communications at Veganuary, said in a statement: “We are delighted that Harry had such a great time during Veganuary, and I am so proud that he has not only stayed vegan but become a vegan campaigner, too – perhaps one of the youngest in the country!” 

“It just shows that veganism is for everyone, and it can change lives for the better whether that person is four or 94. Well done Harry, and huge congratulations on your first anniversary as a vegan!” Vernelli added.

Bidewell’s advice? “Have fun and be kind.” 

It’s not too late to sign up for Veganuary. See here for more information.

The post 5-Year-Old Vegan Campaigner Inspires 230-Year-Old Footwear Shop To Sell Its First Vegan Shoes appeared first on Plant Based News.

Non-profit organization No Dogs Left Behind saved Ichabod in Yulin, China, in 2019. Activists reportedly rescued the dog right from a truck on its way to a slaughterhouse. 

Ichabod was flown to the US, where he was taken in by Gayle Ellias after she spotted him on No Dogs Left Behind’s adoption page, PEOPLE reports.

Recognizing his calm, non-reactive temperament, Ellias signed herself and Ichabod up to be certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD).

The duo completed the tests on their first attempt, and Ichabod received his certification in November.

Since then, the Malamute has provided comfort to students affected by the school shooting that took place in Detroit, Michigan, on November 30. 

He also visits children at The Friendship Circle of Michigan, a non-profit offering support to individuals with special needs and their families.

“Kids move quickly, they may jump up and down or make noises, and he doesn’t react to any of that. And I think that feels safe for kids,” Ellias told PEOPLE. “And they will then acclimate to petting him and getting close. For some kids, it’s a win if they just get closer to him.”

Ichabod does not have full use of his back legs due to patella luxation, whereby the kneecap dislocates and moves from its typical position. Ellias maintains that his condition inspires the children he meets.

“They’ll learn a little bit about his story, and then he’ll get up and move, and they see that he’s disabled. And it’s really powerful,” she explained. “And I think it’s so encouraging.”

‘Paying it forward’

ATD named Ichabod’s rescue a “miracle,” and praised his new family for using his story to help others.

“Certainly, the miracle of Ichabod being saved and being brought into a loving family was a great story in itself, but what really stood out is how Ichabod and his new family are paying it forward and helping others,” the organization said.

“It’s awesome he is such a loving soul after all he’s been through. Ichabod being a special needs dog himself, allows him to connect on a deeper level with those who are a part of The Friendship Circle.”

The “forgiving” nature of animals also helps people connect with him, Ellias says.

She explained, “Dogs can witness and experience the unimaginable and still give back to the human race. Dogs have unconditional love, and they’re survivors, and they share.”

The post Disabled Malamute Rescued From Dog Meat Trade Is Now A Therapy Animal For Children appeared first on Plant Based News.

Believed to be just nine months old, the Hereford cow escaped death when she ran away from slaughter.

Now, she resides at Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue alongside more than 450 other residents including 93 cows.

Escaped calf

The “beautiful” calf has since been named Stacy and the sanctuary says she is now “forever safe.”

On December 18, Stacy made a break from the undisclosed business and ended up in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is a public park in northern Queens.

Here, rangers and officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) joined forces to corral the animal.

Upon her arrival, she faced a quarantine period, before being able to meet some of the other “kids” at the center.

Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue

Staff at the sanctuary have been posting regular updates on how Stacy is doing. This comes after police and rangers’ posts of the escape having gathered social media attention.

Upon sharing photos of her on Instagram, the center noted: “We are looking forward to getting to know this sweet little girl.”

With her quarantine now over, Stacy got to play with some of the other young calves this week.

According to the sanctuary, all animals get “exactly what they need” with the space to run and live “unencumbered by the threat of harm.”

You can find out more about Skylands here

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