10:30am | The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, more widely known as PETA, has received considerable press for extreme and generally harmless shenanigans. Strollers in the Shore were witness to one such event at high noon on March 23: a public shower taken by two allegedly nude bathing beauties.

PETA is a nonprofit animal-rights organization that regularly grabs headlines that draw attention to its causes in ways that simple advertising cannot do (click here for a full explanation and then hit the “Home” button to read about the good things they do for animals). The March lathering was presented in several cities, Long Beach among them, in observation of World Water Day. 

At first thought, this doesn’t specifically address animals (except perhaps bares), but PETA representative Virginia Fort said that over 2,400 gallons of water (2,463, according to the signs) — the equivalent of six months of showers — are used to process one pound of meat. If two gorgeous PETA girls soaping each other up grab attention — and they do — PETA channels it toward the reason for the exhibition: averting a crisis through water conservation and saving plenty more water by going vegan. Veganism, a dietary discipline that involves strict vegetarianism, involves consuming no animal products, including milk and eggs.

“We choose to change people’s minds and make them question what’s been familiar to so many for years,” Fort said. “Today, we’re holding a peaceful demonstration in a fun, lighthearted way to make people aware.”

The event was indeed peaceful and by all means lighthearted. Animal and vegan advocates (including Judy’s husband, Dan, whom she once again convinced to stand up for the cause) were holding up signs that read “Meat’s Not Green” (except in certain C-rated eateries) and passing out literature promoting veganism and the reasons to go vegan. PETA beauties Hayden Hamilton and Meggan Anderson soaped each other up and good-naturedly put up with the mostly male ogling, the unspringlike chill and calls of “Only in Belmont Shore!”, “This is one good way of getting attention!” and “Would you like my coat?”

“I just came to see the girls, but it’ll inspire me not to shower alone,” said passerby Bob Crowder, who immediately ceased passing and stood by for quite a while.

At right, Dan Crumpton and unidentified vegetarian discuss the vegan spectrum.

All PETA-sponsored demonstrations, Fort said, are peaceful and adhere to legal codes. According to the Long Beach City Attorney’s Office, municipal code section 9.20.050 declares it “a misdemeanor to appear nude in a public place without opaque covering.” The four-sided slogan-scored “shower stall” wasn’t totally opaque, but a peek over the top (and there were would-be peepers aplenty) would have shown the ladies to be pretty much dressed for the beach. Furthermore, our city’s finest were there to keep a close eye on things, and they certainly did.

Some attendees questioned using water in this way in order to inspire conserving it, but Fort said that only four gallons of reused bottles of it were poured on the bathers, which isn’t a terrible lot of collateral damage.

“I’m completely vegan anyway, so I’ve reversed my carbon footprint,” Fort said.

We’re not sure whether the event’s message got through to whatever was doing the thinking that day, but we sincerely hope that everyone will be reminded to at least conserve water when they remember the PETA shower. As for going vegan, Kate hasn’t, and Judy has been for years, but she doesn’t proselytize. However, we do encourage you to hit PETA’s website to read about their far-reaching and tireless work for animal advocacy, and if you are curious about veganism, to have a meal at Zephyr on Fourth and Elm streets or pick up a package of barbecue tempeh at Whole Foods. If that proves as arousing as a springtime shower, click here for more information.

At right, save even more water — shower with the dog. Meggan Anderson and Hayden Hamilton share wet pooch smooches with Buddy and Misty, held by human companion Bob.

Virtual pets 

April showers will bring more flowers, lots of allergies, and baskets and baskets of cute little baby bunnies who will be scooped up for Easter gifts and then dumped in the parks or at LBCC when they aren’t little and picture-book adorable anymore. The rabbits below are two of about six such rabbits who wound up at Animal Care Services and may not make it to this Easter. ACS animal caregivers and our Rabbit Whisperer, Judy Griffith, are working together to try to get these long-eared, real-life rabbits to good homes. Please bring home an adult rabbit to stay.

 

Bunny (yes, that’s her name). Female, about 4 months old. Ask for ID#A428229.

Velveteen. Female, about 4 years old. Ask for ID#A428525.

The saying goes that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. The idea of anyone considering this adorable creature below garbage is disgusting enough, but that’s where she was found — next to a trash can in a shoebox with a tiny bit of kibble to nibble on. She’s only about 6 weeks old and needs someone to treasure her. Contact [email protected] if you can foster or would like to adopt.

Kela was found in a parking lot on Halloween and is being fostered by one of our animal advocate friends. Kela, as you can see below, is good with children and gets along with the other cats in the house. She’s been spayed and is active and agile and has a healthy appetite. If you’d like to take her home, contact [email protected]. (Kela means “Sara” in Hawaiian.)

Kela (at left)
 
Samson is a 13-year-old indoor cat whose owner has to give him up. He’s sweet, very healthy, playful and great with dogs and people. If you are willing to give him the good home he deserves, contact [email protected].

Samson
 

Pet Projects

ACS Urges Public to Pull in the Welcome Mat for Wildlife

Wildlife season has begun, and Animal Care Services is urging residents to take preventative measures to protect themselves and their pets. So far in 2011, there have been 36 reported coyote sightings in Long Beach, a 20-percent increase over the first three months of 2010. Thankfully, residents seem to be applying what they’ve learned from past wildlife awareness projects — there have been no reported wildlife attacks on pets in the city, as compared with three pets reportedly killed by wildlife in Long Beach alone by this time last year.

“Recent rains have made food, water and shelter more available, which can result in larger litters of wild animals,” said John Keisler, manager of ACS. “This is the season — beginning April each year — for residents to take preventative measures to reduce attractants and seal properties as wild animals emerge to find food.”

In Long Beach and surrounding areas, common wildlife includes coyotes, raccoons, opossums and skunks. Spring is birthing season for all animals, and those living in the wild go out in search of food for their young. Because their habitats are being continuously eroded by building, wild animals have become sufficiently emboldened to look for nourishment in residential areas. Pets left outside, particularly small dogs and cats, are often victims of their hunger.

Preventative measures have proven to be effective in reducing the presence of urban wildlife. Be sure to continue to do the following to keep the area inhospitable to wildlife:

  • Remove attractants (e.g. food, shelter and water). Do not leave pet food outside.
  • Never allow pets to roam or leave small children unattended.
  • Keep trash cans covered and secured at all times.
  • Clear brush, repair screens, cover holes, and pick up fallen fruit from around the house.

Any incidents involving aggressive, sick or injured wildlife should be reported immediately to ACS at 562-570-7387. For all other wildlife-related inquiries or strategies for protecting your property and pets, contact ACS at [email protected] or by clicking here.