Josh Harper is an animal activist from the Northwest that has been sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for "free speech." Josh spoke out for the animals by talking about a tactic known as "black faxing." Black faxing essentially drains its victim of all the toner in their fax machine. Josh was convicted under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act which can put animal activists away for speaking out against the animal industry.

Josh was never convicted of an illegal act. Josh was convicted for talking about an illegal act. Black faxing used to be thought of as a prank but if your an animal activist, black faxing can be considered terrorism. Animal/environmental activists have been moved to the #1 spot on the domestic terrorist watch list, and are more prominent on the FBI's website than Osama bin Laden.

Josh spoke for those who had no voice and he paid the price. The US has not stifled the problem of vocal animal activists they have only created heroes and martyrs. From what i can tell, Josh used to be the average Joe; now he's a symbol. Josh stood by his belief in what was right and it will serve as inspiration for the movement forever.

I wish I could say this case is unique, but it's not. There are dozens of other activists that have been locked away. Caged like the animals they seek to protect. We understand what you've given for the cause and we will never back down, we will never compromise.

Please take the time to write Josh and the other prisoners and let the know you care.

Hayden Panettiere, the star of the show Heroes, is an outspoken advocate for the dolphins but when it comes to baby cows she would rather make them into a cute handbag. It was just released that Panettiere will sell an Italian calfskin clutch as part of her Spring 2009 line. This is very shocking considering Panettiere is an animal activist and "hardcore" vegetarian. The issue has many former veggie fans up in arms (link). This will no doubt hurt her career.

Hayden was awarded the "Compassion in Action Award" by PETA in 2007. The group released a confused statement saying that they were displeased with her decision to use leather but is "sure that she'll extend her concern for abused animals to those less popular, like cows who are skinned for bags and shoes, once she sees our undercover footage, which we'll be sending to her (link)."

Hayden may not know the truth behind the leather industry so it's up to us fellow animal activists to show her the light. Let's try and get her to take this out of her line.