PETA AU Global 2021 Issue 2

Harry Bliss: © Harry Bliss • Pencil: © iStock.com/Ivantsov • Torn paper: © iStock.com/yasinguneysu • “Never Give Up on Your Dreams” cartoon: From A Wealth of Pigeons by Steve Martin and Harry Bliss, © 2020 by the authors and reprinted by permission of Celadon Books, a division of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC • All other cartoons: © Harry Bliss/www.HarryBliss.com

Let Them Sniff, Dig, and Bark By Ingrid Newkirk

DRAWN TO ANIMAL RIGHTS A Conversation With the Cartoonist

Dogs’ wild relatives lead full lives: They solve problems, find their own food, play, and raise families they love. By contrast, humans control every aspect of domesticated dogs’ existence – from what and how often they eat to when they can relieve themselves. Even in many well-intentioned homes, dogs’ needs and preferences aren’t respected. Guardians often treat their dogs – even dearly loved ones – as accessories to their lives. Many people briskly drag their dogs around the block – impatiently pulling them away when they try to sniff or socialize with other dogs. Dogs’ noses are so sensitive that one whiff can tell them who has passed by and what kind of health they were in. Stopping to sniff is as important to them as checking our e-mail is to us. Some people lock dogs in crates like prisoners inside their own homes. Their minds and muscles atrophy, and they must either endure the discomfort of “holding it” (seriously, try that for nine hours!) or lie in their own waste. Crated dogs and cats are also unable to escape, which has caused some to suffer and die in house fires. While humans talk a blue streak, dogs get shushed. They have a right to use their voices – and if we don’t pay attention, we’ll miss what they’re trying to tell us. As I write in Animalkind , dogs alter the pitch, timing, and volume of their barks to convey different messages. Many have warned of fires, intruders, gas leaks, and other dangers, saving their guardians’ lives – so there’s even a selfish reason to let them speak and to listen when they do! Let’s make our dogs’ lives more interesting and give them the freedom to do some digging, barking, and running. Let’s allow them to set the pace on walks and linger over interesting scents as long as they like. Let’s toss out the crate and arrange for a trusted person to give them exercise, fun, and companionship when we’re away from home. The past year has shed light on the burden of confinement – no one should have to spend their entire life in lockdown, silenced and mostly ignored.

F or New Yorker cartoonist and author Harry Bliss, animal rights is a black-and-white issue. Over the last 20 years, he has illustrated several covers for PETAmagazines and designed PETA statues of an injured chicken and a crying baby elephant named Ella Phantzperil that have toured the US. He collaborated on a new book, AWealth of Pigeons , with comedian Steve Martin. PETA: We love pigeons for their fidelity, parenting skills, and smarts. Your book is titled A Wealth of Pigeons , but it actually has all sorts of animals in it. Harry: Well, I’ve been fascinated by birds my entire life. In fact, I think I did a drawing of a bird while in utero . I feel a connection to all living beings. But there’s more about my dog, Penny, in this book, which is not unusual. She’s 16 years old, and I fear she’s not long for this life – but she has brought me so much joy, as all animals do.

PETA: Why do you feel so strongly about protecting animals?

PETA: Do you have humans you look up to?

Harry: Absolutely. I look up to those who give of themselves to ease the suffering of helpless beings. That’s a beautiful thing, and I respect that way of being in the world. My mantra is “Be kind.”

Harry: We are all animals. I think that’s something we need to take seriously. Some of us take animals for granted, and that’s not right. All I know is that when I look into the eyes of an animal, I see the universe. PETA: A cartoon in your new book shows a dog panhandling next to a sign that says, “I have no thumbs.” As funny as that is, it makes one realize that animals are at all kinds of disadvantages yet somehow manage to communicate with us. Harry: Yes. My dog is very communicative. She is virtually blind, but when she needs to go out, she smells me near and moves her head toward the door to let me know. That’s very impressive. All dogs are different, and each one is nuanced in their own way, just as we are. That’s true of all animals. It’s really fascinating.

PETA: What do you say to people who want to help animals?

Harry: My advice is to give of your time and attention – and donate money. Animals should not have to suffer. Donate to nonprofits that ease suffering – it’s a no-brainer.

Take Action Now Follow Harry’s bliss: Please visit PETAAU.vg/HelpAnimals to donate.

Get campaign updates and find out about protests and other events in your area by signing up at PETA.org/ActionTeam .

PETA: How was it working with Steve Martin?

“All I know is that when I look into the eyes of an animal, I see the universe.”

Harry: Steve and I both adore animals, and he’ll often insert Penny into a comic script he submits to me unsolicited. We’re both vegetarians, and I feel that’s a visceral connection we have.

Global 17

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DRAWING ON COMPASSION