Worldwide vegan news.

A small victory? Not really…

This is so strange.  I received this press release today from Ben Carlson via email: BioArts International Ends Cloning Service; Blasts Black-Market Cloners BioArts International, the Northern California biotech company that offered the world's first commercial dog cloning service, announced today that it had completed delivery of healthy cloned dogs to all five clients from its "Best Friends Again" program, but would discontinue cloning dogs commercially as a result of several problems. In a statement posted on the company's web site at www.bioarts.com, CEO Lou Hawthorne gave six reasons for his decision, including the failure of legal efforts to prevent Seoul-based RNL Bio from offering cloning services in violation of international patents. BioArts holds the sole, worldwide rights to clone dogs, cats and endangered species, which it licenses from Start Licensing of Austin, Texas. Hawthorne characterized Start Licensing's legal response to RNL's infringing activities as, "too little, too late" and [...]

Vegans in Jail get "emergency hotline"

The China Daily is reporting that vegan prisoners are being "encouraged to phone an emergency hotline if their gaol (jail) jobs threaten their beliefs."  Apparently the inmates can consult "an ethical expert" who advises them about their legal rights. According to the article, vegan convicts can often be excused from cleaning, farm labor, and kitchen duties because many of the products used are tested on animals.  In addition, convicts also have the right to ethically-sourced food, toiletries and even cosmetics. Wow. via chinadaily.com