Sunday, September 28, 2008

Baker and Basso and Novartis, Oh My! –Sunday Visit for Animal Killers & Abusers

Demo #1: Andrew Baker, Chief Puppy Killer – Huntingdon Life Sciences

Activists save up their anger and animosity for the monthly WAR protest at the multimillion-dollar Central Park West home of Andrew Baker. Baker is the CEO and largest individual investor in the notorious Huntingdon Life Sciences. Over a dozen protesters gathered on Central Park West to vent their rage at the one single person most responsible for the death of 500 animals every single day.

Despite the fact that activists have seen Baker dropped off at this address, that we have interviewed his former limousine driver and that his residence has been corroborated by both real estate and other official government records, building residents insist on claiming that Baker no longer lives in the building. Has anyone ever considered that if Baker did not live in the building, there would not be a restraining order keeping activists away from his front door?

Assured that they were in the right place, protesters held their signs and banners to educate the neighborhood about the kind of person that lives at 279 Central Park West in #14-B. Loud strong voices once again filled the air as activists spoke out for the punched beagle puppies, the mutilated monkeys and the poisoned rabbits. They all had to die, so that monsters like Baker could live a pampered life of greed and privilege with luxury homes in multiple cities.

Demo #2: Dennis Basso – New York Fur Ghoul

Next stop on the Monster double header was the Central Park West home of New York City’s most hated fur ghoul, Dennis Basso, owner and chief animal abuser of Dennis Basso Fur Salons with retail locations in New York City, Chicago and Aspen. Dennis and his partner, Michael Cominotto live in the ground floor corner unit of the posh Beresford building which sits on CPW between 81st and 82nd Street. Although Basso has a private entrance, activists preferred to stage their protest directly in front of this busy doorman building.

A banner proclaiming “FUR IS MURDER” and the images of the bloody mutilated remains of foxes that had been skinned for their fur disturbed many passersby, who stopped to chat with activists and to find out how they could help. Flyers with Dennis Basso’s contact information were freely distributed.

“No more cages, no more traps…no more fur on Basso’s racks”…..protesters chanted in loud raised voices. Activists took the opportunity to educate compassionate consumers and to let them know that oftentimes animals are skinned alive for fur garments and trip. “Stop killing animals Basso or we will keep coming back to tell you that there is no excuse for animal abuse.”

Demo #3: Dorothy Watson – General Counsel Novartis

Although the focus of the day’s protests was primarily monsters Baker and Basso, activists could not rest the short walk south to the penthouse apartment of Dorothy Watson, General Counsel of HLS customer Novartis. Dorothy’s apartment is situated at one of the busiest intersections on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Flyers were distributed and activists spent time speaking with and educating concerned consumers. Many asked where they could find replacement products that were not tested on animals. Activists were happy to offer suggestions.

Novartis continues to contract with the killers at Huntingdon Life Sciences propping them up and allowing them to continue to torture and mutilate 500 animals every day. If customers like Novartis had any concern for their names and reputation with consumers, they would not be working with animal abusers at HLS. “For the cat and for the mouse, we are here outside your house, Dorothy!”….chanted the protesters. “If you want to get some rest, cut your ties with HLS, Novartis!!!”.