Episode 99: “Violence can only be concealed by a lie, and the lie can only be maintained by violence.”

Welcome to the 99^th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Miriam Jones of VINE Sanctuary and Debra Kowalski of For the Animals Sanctuary. 

In today’s episode, we will discuss the label “activist.” We’ll talk about a couple of Montana residents who have two very different takes on the word. We’ll also tell you about our recent trip to New Jersey. And we’ll discuss people’s unfortunate unfamiliarity with their constitutional rights vis a vis leafleting and protesting. We’ll also give you the skinny on our upcoming 100^th episode, and we’ll tell you how you can win a $100 gift certificate to MooShoes!

Today’s episode is Part 2 (of 2) of our sanctuary spotlight. Last week, we highlighted two smaller farmed animal sanctuaries, and this week we are doing that one more time, focusing on two more sanctuaries.

Joining us today are Miriam Jones from VINE Sanctuary in Vermont, who will give us an update on some of their new residents, and Debra Kowalski from For the Animals Sanctuary in New Jersey, who will tell us about how her work as a nurse intersects with her work rescuing and rehabilitating farmed animals.

For our review, we’ll give you our take on the very best vegan nogs and other non-dairy holiday drinks!

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

• “Ringling circus agrees to $270K USDA fine involving alleged violations of animal welfare rules” from The Washington Post
• “Animal Rights Group Accuses Sparboe Farms of False Advertising” from ABC News
• “Horse Slaughterhouses May Reopen After Five Year Ban” from ABC News 
• “A Vegan Tour of Toronto” from VegNews TV

“Violence can only be concealed by a lie, and the lie can only be maintained by violence.” -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it’s tax-deductible! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog, and photo of duck in blog, both courtesy of VINE Sanctuary.