The Humane Society of the United States is announcing its 2008 "All Creatures Great and Small" campaign, which involves a pledge to either switch to cage-free eggs or egg substitutes for the month of October. Nearly 280 million laying hens in the United States are confined in barren, wire cages so small the birds can't even spread their wings, and consumers can reduce animal suffering by making a few simple changes in their purchasing.
The HSUS is joining with religious leaders to ask people of faith to pledge for one month to either switch to cage-free eggs or egg substitutes as a way to end the cruelest confinement systems employed by the egg industry.
In many faiths, there are notable dates in October. For example, Oct. 2 is the end of Ramadan, Oct. 4 is the feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, and Oct. 8-9 is Yom Kippur. Already, thousands have taken the online pledge at humanesociety.org/allcreatures.
Who:
- Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO, The Humane Society of the United States
- Rabbi Fred Scherlinder, Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, Bethesda MD
- Imam Mohamed Hagmagid Ali, Vice President, Islamic Society of North America, Imam and Executive Director, All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center, Sterling, VA
- Michael Hill, Executive Director for External Relations, Washington National Cathedral.
What: News teleconference to announce The HSUS' "All Creatures Great and Small" campaign.
When: 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Aug. 13 via phone
***Call in numbers and passcode will be given when you call below number to RSVP. ***
Media contact: Kristen Everett: 301-721-6440, keverett@humanesociety.org
-30-
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.Media contact: Kristen Everett: 301-721-6440, keverett@humanesociety.org



