PETA‘s D.C. office in Dupont Circle today announced it will serve as host to a new support group aimed at turning — and keeping — people vegan.
The group, an independent entity calling itself Meat and Dairy Eaters Anonymous, will host its first meeting tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in the lower level of PETA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters at 1536 16th Street NW.
The group’s goal, says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt, is to offer support for those who want to go vegan, but struggle with cravings for meat, cheese, and milk.
Though Rajt wasn’t sure what would go on during the first meeting, she said its format would follow that of Alcoholics Anonymous.
“What people share in the meeting stays in the meeting,” Rajt says. “We think a support group for people trying to go vegan is a great idea.”
“We’re very supportive of a safe place where people can get over their bumps in the road,” she adds.
Not much is known about the individuals who organized Meat and Dairy Eaters Anonymous, and Rajt said they preferred to stay unnamed. But she assures doubters that this isn’t just another PETA publicity stunt.
“We did have some individuals who were interested in getting this group going, folks who were veterans of other similar programs that were very helpful,” she says, adding that the group was independent, and not officially affiliated with PETA.
“We looked at this and thought, wow, this group could really help these people get and stay healthy,” says Rajt. “It could truly be a life saving program, and not just for animals.”
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Avoid leaving dogs tied up outside businesses and in parked cars. (Luis Gomez Photos)
During these dog days of summer, we all must remember to keep our four-legged family members safe. This past week, a 17 year-old dog, Snoopy, went missing while tied up outside of the Whole Foods on P Street.
Unfortunately, this week’s case is not the first in the neighborhood, and the recent incidents have even prompted PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to intervene and urge residents to never leave animals outside shops and restaurants.
“Dog theft and other dangers should be taken very seriously,” says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “It only takes a second for a dog tied up outside a store — out of your sight–to be abducted. Please never leave your animal companions alone outside stores, restaurants or anywhere else.”
Tied up dogs are subject to theft and random acts of cruelty from passing people and animals. Additionally, a bound animal can panic and slip out of its leash and run away or get hit by a car.
If you are out running errands with your pooch and need to stop somewhere, take your dog home first, to avoid leaving your dog outside. Also, make sure to never leave your dog in a parked car during the warm summer months – Even with the windows open, parked cars can reach deadly temperatures quickly.
If you have seen Snoopy, please respond to the lost ad.
