To: President Donald Trump
President Obama, Please issue a full emergency pre-Thanksgiving pardon for Bill, the remaining ox...
President Obama, we are pleading with you to show compassion and issue a full emergency pre-Thanksgiving pardon for Bill and Lou, the oxen pair who have become beloved by the world, but are nevertheless scheduled for slaughter by their owners, Green Mountain College in Vermont. These animals have devoted many years of service to the college and deserve the dignity of retirement at one of the animal sanctuaries that has offered to provide for them for the remainder of their lives, without cost to the college.
Why is this important?
UPDATE:
We are heartbroken to inform suporters of Bill and Lou that Green Mountain College has issued a letter stating that they have "euthanized" Lou, who, as many of you are aware, had sustained an injury to his leg. Please know that this petition will continue in support of Bill, the remaining ox who is still at Green Mountain College (GMC).
GMC President Fonteyn's letter included the following:
"Bill will not be sent to a sanctuary but will stay on Cerridwen Farm and will be cared for in a manner that follows sustainable, humane livestock practices, as is the case with all of our animals."
Given all that has taken place up to now, we find this position neither encouraging nor acceptable.
We believe that the most compassionate and appropriate outcome for Bill will be retirement to one of the sanctuaries that is eager to accept and care for him. We have genuine concerns about having him remain at GMC with those who have clearly indicated that providing for his ongoing care on a longterm basis is inconsistent with their ideology and "philosophy."
Supporters of Bill and Lou are planning a demonstration for November 18. Please visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/410758268995319/
Thank you for your continuing activism and advocacy for Bill. He needs your help.
(Following is the text of the original "Background" information for this petition)
Despite the global outpouring of support for two oxen who have devoted their lives to the service of Green Mountain College in Vermont, the college has persisted in its decision to slaughter the animals rather than permit them the dignity of retirement. The school, a sustainable agriculture college, has tried to justify its decision with references to 'sustainability' and participation in the 'local food community.' But people around the world, as evidenced by thousands of petition signatures in protest, have perceived this decision as inappropriate and unjustifiable utilitarian disregard for the dignity of sentient animals.
Traditional farming practices have permitted the dignity of retirement to working farm animals who have provided a lifetime of service, and this should be the outcome for Bill and Lou. They should be permitted to retire at one of the animal sanctuaries that have offered to take them and provide for their lifetime care, at no cost to the college.
Urge President Obama to issue an emergency pre-Thanksgiving pardon to spare the lives of these wonderful animals.
We are heartbroken to inform suporters of Bill and Lou that Green Mountain College has issued a letter stating that they have "euthanized" Lou, who, as many of you are aware, had sustained an injury to his leg. Please know that this petition will continue in support of Bill, the remaining ox who is still at Green Mountain College (GMC).
GMC President Fonteyn's letter included the following:
"Bill will not be sent to a sanctuary but will stay on Cerridwen Farm and will be cared for in a manner that follows sustainable, humane livestock practices, as is the case with all of our animals."
Given all that has taken place up to now, we find this position neither encouraging nor acceptable.
We believe that the most compassionate and appropriate outcome for Bill will be retirement to one of the sanctuaries that is eager to accept and care for him. We have genuine concerns about having him remain at GMC with those who have clearly indicated that providing for his ongoing care on a longterm basis is inconsistent with their ideology and "philosophy."
Supporters of Bill and Lou are planning a demonstration for November 18. Please visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/410758268995319/
Thank you for your continuing activism and advocacy for Bill. He needs your help.
(Following is the text of the original "Background" information for this petition)
Despite the global outpouring of support for two oxen who have devoted their lives to the service of Green Mountain College in Vermont, the college has persisted in its decision to slaughter the animals rather than permit them the dignity of retirement. The school, a sustainable agriculture college, has tried to justify its decision with references to 'sustainability' and participation in the 'local food community.' But people around the world, as evidenced by thousands of petition signatures in protest, have perceived this decision as inappropriate and unjustifiable utilitarian disregard for the dignity of sentient animals.
Traditional farming practices have permitted the dignity of retirement to working farm animals who have provided a lifetime of service, and this should be the outcome for Bill and Lou. They should be permitted to retire at one of the animal sanctuaries that have offered to take them and provide for their lifetime care, at no cost to the college.
Urge President Obama to issue an emergency pre-Thanksgiving pardon to spare the lives of these wonderful animals.