April 9, 2002

High on the Hog:
Tyler Moore in area to fight for animal rights
by Linda Lisanti of the Trentonian

Television and movie superstar Mary Tyler Moore led a rally on the steps of the State House yesterday, demanding humane treatment of farm animals.

"For too long, these creatures have suffered. Today we draw attention to the cruelty...They have feelings too and deserve to be protected," the star said, getting rousing applause from the crowd surrounding her.

Hundreds of animal activists joined Moore at the morning rally, sponsored by the national animal advocacy organization, Farm Sanctuary, which was founded by Gene Bauston.

Holding signs that read, "Animals are Not Production Units" and "Say No to Veal," they demanded a stop to the cruel practices allegedly used in factory farming in New Jersey and across the country.

"It's bad for people. It's bad for the animals. It's bad for the environment. Halt factory farming," the crowd chanted.

According to Bauston and his group, hens, calves and pigs are not treated as living things in these farms, where animals are bred only to be slaughtered.

Rather, they're allegedly packed by the thousands into small sheds, crates and cages, where they can't turn around, lie down or even stretch their limbs.

These procedures have been banned recently in Europe and protesters hope the trend will continue to the U.S. They expect New Jersey to be on the cutting edge.

It's the only state with a law requiring creation of standards for farm animal care, and a bill was just introduced by Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg which would outlaw treatment of calves in veal production.

The animals are confined to prevent any exercise and keep their meat tender and anemic, according to literature.

As a resident of New Jersey, "Guiding Light" soap star, Grant Aleksander, said yesterday he's proud to live in an area where the first steps have been taken.

But the tanned, chiseled-chin celebrity pointed out that there's still a long way to go.

"When people think about where the meat on the platecomes from, they envision happy cows grazing in the field and squealing pigs rolling in the mud. It's all 'Charlotte's Web,'" the celebrity said at the rally.

"They would be horrified to know that the slaughter is really merciful because up to then the animals' lives have been hell. We just won't stand for it anymore."

Moore, who is honorary chairperson for the campaign, echoed that message when she emerged from the State House to put the final push on the peaceful protest.

A vegetarian for 12 years, Moore, who is best known for her starring roles in "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," said she's been interested in animal rights since she was a child.

She recalled a moment at the age of nine, when she saw an old man hitting a dog with a stick and first took action.

"I jumped on him and he backed away. I knew I had done the right thing and I'll never stop doing it" she said.

Moore said she's optimistic that the bill will pass. She has faith in New Jersey to be a leader in stopping the suffering.

"How can (lawmakers) not care for these animals? They have hearts and souls," she said.

And when the legislation does pass, the star promised to come back to Trenton and toss her hat in the air, mirroring the famous introduction to her 1970s show.

"You got it," she said. "I'll be waiting for that day."