I am very pleased to report that AWT distributed a total of $215,150 in grants in 2008 which was accounted for as follows:
- $150,150 in grants from our general grant program to 17 organizations.
- $15,000 in grants to 3 student internship projects which are discussed in the student internship section of the web site.
- $50,000 to HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers) which is our humane education direct project initiative that was first launched in 2005.
2008 was a year of positive developments in many aspects of the animal protection arena. Perhaps the most notable achievement, given AWT’s commitment to farm animal welfare, was the passage of Proposition 2 in California. Known as the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, Prop 2 requires that calves raised for veal, egg laying hens, and pregnant pigs be kept in confinement only in ways that would still allow those animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and freely turn around. It is a sad statement on the lack of regard for the welfare of farm animals that such minimal and basic conditions would need to be secured by a ballot initiative. Yet, the lack of those “rights” still characterize how the vast majority of farm animals are raised in the United States and in many areas of the world.
On November 5th, 2002 Florida voters passed Amendment 10 banning the confinement of pregnant pigs in gestation crates. On November 7th, 2006 Arizona voter passed Proposition 204 that prohibits confinement of calves in veal crates in addition to breeding sows in gestation crates. And with Prop 2 in California, battery cages for egg laying hens were added and the proposition passed by an impressive a 63% margin. The evidence is now overwhelming: once the public hears the facts, the factory farming model which treats farm animals as units of production rather than sentient beings is soundly rejected.
Of course, Proposition 2 reforms only provide an incremental advance in reducing the suffering of farm animals. The raising of animals for food is inherently a violent and cruel activity. AWT will continue to advocate for more humane farming practices as well promote a plant based diet void of animal products. There is no contradiction in supporting both causes. As long as animals are raised for food it is incumbent on a humane society to do so in a way that minimizes pain and suffering. But in the ideal world, a truly humane society will be one that rejects animal products as a source of protein and as enjoyment for the palate.
We end 2008 cognizant of the very tough period that lies ahead for philanthropy both in the animal welfare arena and in general. We have a heavy heart for all of the hard working and dedicated people serving important causes who will be negatively impacted by an environment beyond their control.
As always, I want to thank the board and staff for their dedication to our work.
Sincerely,
Brad Goldberg,
President
