September 11, 2000

Missouri Federation of Animal Owners
Karen Strange, President
Anne Edwards, Vice-President
P.O. Box 554 Eldon, MO. 65026

Win Hamilton Executive Administrator
Lions Club International
300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL. 60523-8842

Dear Mr. Hamilton,

Please be advised of our grave concerns with your recent statements in your September 2000 online newsletter advising your clubs to beware of using "circuses and other events that may abuse animals used as part of the entertainment."

As a statewide organization working to protect our more than 5000 members against the devastating effects of the animal rights movement, we must inform you that we will advise our entire membership to no longer support their local Lion's Club in any manner. We cannot and will not support any organization that, as its policy, advises its members to in essence, support the animal rights movement and their hidden agenda. These same groups who profess to "love" animals are the same groups who support acts of terrorism, theft, bombing of facilities, harassment and many other acts of extremism to further their cause. Please read carefully the TWELVE STEPS OF THE ANIMAL RIGHTS AGENDA listed below:

1.Abolish by law animal research.
2.Outlaw the use of animals for cosmetic and product testing, classroom demonstrations and in weapons development.
3. Vegetarian meals should be made available at all public institutions, including schools.
4.Eliminate all animal agriculture.
5. No herbicides, pesticides or other agricultural chemicals should be used.
6.Transfer enforcement of animal welfare legislation away from the Department of Agriculture.
7.Eliminate fur ranching and end the use of furs.
8.Prohibit hunting, trapping and fishing.
9. End the international trade in wildlife goods.
10. Stop any further breeding of companion animals, including purebred dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering should be funded by state and municipal governments. Abolish commerce in animals for the pet trade.
11. END THE USE OF ANIMALS IN ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS.
12. Prohibit the genetic manipulation of the species. From: POLITICS OF ANIMAL LIBERATION" by Kim Bartlett, ANIMAL AGENDA, Nov. 1987

When Ms. Bartlett made those statements in 1987, no one took her seriously. Now, many of those ideas are happening with the aid of ill-informed groups and individuals who do not understand the full agenda of the animal rights movement. By making the policy statement you presented to your member clubs, you, Mr. Hamilton, have fallen into the very arms of those who are taking away our right as animal owners and enthusiasts.

How will you explain to a child who wishes to see a circus with all the animals and fanfare associated with it that you and your organization have fallen prey to one of the most sickening and disgusting movements of our time?

There is one more aspect of the animal rights movement that you may not have considered. The groups who have convinced you that "circuses…may abuse animals used as part of the entertainment" are the same groups who oppose any AND ALL medical research that involves the use of animals. Historically the Lions clubs have worked for the betterment of handicapped adults and all children. The stand that you are taking on circuses will connect your clubs with the agenda that we have included for you on the previous page. The name of your organization will be linked with all aspects of this movement. It is not a multiple choice situation; once you support one of their ridiculous goals these people will use your good name to promote ALL of their aspirations.

The MISSOURI FEDERATION OF ANIMAL OWNERS is a statewide lobbying organization that has been formed for more than eight years. Six of our Board of Directors are registered lobbyists with the Missouri State Ethics Commission. We testify at House and Senate Hearings to protect the rights of animal owners and work to educate legislators as to the importance of responsible animal ownership along with our Constitutional right to own and enjoy animals. With the countless hours and money spent on our efforts, it is very disappointing to read of a policy such as the one you recently proposed that will make our educational efforts that much more time consuming and difficult.

Enclosed with this letter is the response of Mr. Jeff Hagen, Director, Consumer Services, General Mills to an animal rights group. Please read what Mr. Hagen had to say about the importance of the circus experience to children and families. It is refreshing to know that one of the major companies of our time has the courage to stand up to these people and not fall for their misguided claims.

Should your policies remain intact concerning animals, we shall continue to encourage our members as well as members of sister organizations to discontinue any further support of Lion's Clubs.

Thank-you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Karen Strange, President
Anne Edwards, Vice-President
MISSOURI FEDERATION OF ANIMAL OWNERS

This is the response received from a note of protest about General Mills' sponsorship of 2 local circuses!

In a message dated 08/29/2000 11:38:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time, jeff.hagen@genmills.com writes:

I am responding on behalf of General Mills to your recent correspondence requesting that the company discontinue its sponsorship of the UniverSoul and Circo Mundial Circuses. We have and continue to support them because of the positive impact they have had on the youth in the communities wherever they have performed. We also embrace their missions to provide a unique cultural and entertaining experience for families.

We know that the operators of these circuses understand and support all efforts to monitor and regulate the proper treatment of animals. Local, state and federal agencies regularly monitor them and both have passed all inspections and guidelines set by these governing bodies.

They are both strongly opposed to any form of cruelty or mistreatment of animals, wild or domestic, and take great pride in their sensitivity to the needs and proper treatment of animals. To gain even better perspective, we asked a qualified independent veterinarian to visit Circo Mundial and to provide an assessment of how the animals are being treated. The results of this visit were quite favorable, as well.

I appreciate your taking the time to make us aware of your thoughts on this matter. Your comments will be shared with all of the appropriate individuals at General Mills.

Best Regards,

Jeff Hagen
Director, Consumer Services
General Mills

FIDYL
S. Fla.
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