The story of Britches, a baby monkey rescued from a life of abuse
First, the bad news: a day-old baby monkey named Britches was taken from his mother … only to have his eyes sewn shut by experimenters -- people who used huge stitches to blind him by stitching his eyelids together.
Experimenters then went further and used heavy tape to cover his entire forehead and half of the front of his face. The tape was used to attach a big, bulky electronic device to his head. The device then made almost constant high-pitched electronic noises -- alien-like noises that baby Britches could never escape.
Experimenters then locked him inside a tiny steel cage. They also put in the cage a Frankensteinish "mechanical mother." This mechanical mother was meant to serve as the only replacement for his real mother, and all that Britches could do was cry, while he clung to this mechanical monster as if it was his real mom.
This was the beginning of 3 years of suffering, in a 3-year “sensory deprivation” study.
After the 3 years of this suffering, Britches was going to be killed.
The good news: this month, we celebrate the 37-year anniversary of Britches being rescued!
In 1985, activists with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) broke into the California laboratory where Britches was being abused, and they rescued him along with hundreds of other suffering animals.
The ALF filmed a video of their rescue, and gave a copy to Alex Pacheco and PETA, so that the video could be publicly released to draw international attention to the terrible suffering.
Britches and the other rescued animals were taken to a sanctuary where, for the first time in their lives, they could live without cruelty, suffering and abuse.
More good news: at the sanctuary, Britches immediately met, fell in love with, and bonded with a female monkey, who took Britches under her wing. From that day forward, she cared for Britches as if he was her very own son.
For the first time in his life, he was able to play.
For the first time in his life, he saw the sunshine.
Britches' suffering is just one example of the inhumane treatment forced upon millions of animals in experimentation laboratories -- most of which are paid for with your tax dollars.
To celebrate the anniversary of Britches’ rescue, please continue to help animal with these simple steps!
How to stand up against animal testing:
The rescue of Britches and the other animals from the University of California, Riverside was a victory for animals and a reminder of the importance of speaking out against animal cruelty. We need to continue to raise awareness of the suffering that animals endure in the name of science and to push for more ethical and humane methods of research.
Educate yourself and others
The first step to standing up against animal testing is to educate yourself and others about the issue. Learn about the animals that are used for testing, the conditions in which they are kept, and the alternatives to animal testing that are available. Share this information with others and raise awareness about the issue.
2. Boycott companies that test on animals
One of the most effective ways to stand up against animal testing is to boycott companies that test cosmetics, personal care products, cleaning products, and other household items on animals. Look for products that are labeled as "cruelty-free" or "not tested on animals." (Note: these labels do not ensure that the product does not CONTAIN animal products. You need to check further for that info.) Support companies that use alternative methods of testing. You can also write to companies that do test on animals and let them know that you will not be purchasing their products.
3. Contact lawmakers
Contacting lawmakers is another way to stand up against animal testing. Write letters, send emails, or make phone calls to your representatives and let them know that you oppose animal testing. You can also support legislation that aims to limit or ban animal testing.
4. Participate in protests
Protests can be an effective way to raise awareness about animal testing and put pressure on companies, universities, and lawmakers to change their policies. Join protests or organize your own to raise awareness about the issue and demand change.
5. Use your voice on social media
Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about animal testing. Share information and articles about the issue on your social media accounts, use hashtags to connect with others who are passionate about animal rights, and encourage others to get involved.
Another way to celebrate the anniversary of Britches’ rescue: join me in helping Alex Pacheco in his work to prevent the suffering of millions of animals.
How? By supporting 600MillionDogs.org, a charity dedicated to developing a "super-birth-control-cookie" that, when completed, could bring a permanent end to the #1 cause of suffering and death for dogs and cats worldwide: pet overpopulation.
Thank you!
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