Billionaire Steve Wynn changes will to benefit animal rights Back in August, Steve Wynn turned heads with the announcement that all of the restaurants within his Las Vegas Wynn Resorts would be required to offer vegan options. Taking things a step further, the 68-year-old gave every one of his executives, chefs and employees a book and a DVD on the subject. “It's very simple,” Wynn told Robin Leach of Las Vegas Weekly. “I'm killing two birds at once, so to speak. Animal-based food kills people. This way by going vegan … we get healthy and save animals. I'm being selfish, too, because if I can get my employees healthier, we cut down on sick days and gain more productivity. Our plan to take care of ourselves this way has blended right in with our staff. California animal rights activist jailed for stalking A Southern California animal rights activist who admitted stalking a pair of university researchers and a juice company executive was sentenced on Tuesday to three years in prison. Kevin Richard Olliff, 23, pleaded no contest in March to stalking and conspiracy charges stemming from a campaign of threats and harassment against two UCLA scientists and an executive at POM Wonderful juice Co. Animal rights group applauds UK chemical industry initiative on non-animal testing Animal rights campaigners have welcomed an initiative by the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) to remind its members of the need to use alternatives to animal experiments wherever possible. The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection said the CIA's decision to write to its members to stress the obligation under REACH to avoid testing products on animals where an alternative is available “puts the obligation to try to avoid experiments on animals.” Experts seek substitutes for bear bile in pharmacy Chinese chemists have joined animal rights groups in search of substitutes for bear bile, which is believed to help cure ailments such as eye and liver problems. “Research and development of substitute ingredients are essential in protecting animal welfare and boosting technological advancements,” said Prof. Gao Yimin, an expert on traditional Chinese medicine at the Beijing-based Capital Medical University. West Baltimore man faces charges for shooting dog The owner says his white Siberian Husky had come under attack by his bull mastiff, and when he couldn't separate them with boiling water and by striking them with a two-by-four, he shot the larger dog. “He shot the one dog with a 12-gauge shotgun, which is just unbelievable that this would be what you resort to,” said Debbie Rahl, programs manager for the Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Center or BARCS, “Especially in a city environment, it's not just the endangerment of the animals, but the neighbors.” BM
