LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 21, 2011) - Chris DeRose, president and founder of Last Chance for Animals (LCA), was the only guest (non-shareholder or media), invited by Murdoch himself, to attend the News Corporation's annual general meeting. The invitation was prompted by a letter LCA sent to Murdoch threatening civil disobedience if Murdoch did not take an official stance condemning Australia's live animal export. Rarely are speakers allowed longer than two minutes; DeRose was given five after which Murdoch replied "yes" to all three of the following questions:
"Will you condemn Australia's live animal export?"
"Will News Corporation allow a forum for a fair and impartial voice through your media outlets?"
"Will you provide a contact person within the News Corp that will give LCA an opportunity to speak for those that can't speak for themselves?"
LCA and supporters who were protesting at Fox Studios on the corner of Pico and Motor cancelled the planned civil disobedience after Murdoch took an official stance condemning Australia's live animal export.
Rupert Murdoch, an Australian-American global media tycoon, is the major shareholder, chairman, and managing director of the media conglomerate News Corporation. LCA's position is that some of the papers owned by News Corporation print defamatory and inaccurate stories that are anti-animal and anti-activist, particularly on the issue of live animal export. Murdoch is a powerful man whose voice could end the unnecessary suffering of millions of animals.
Australia is the world's largest exporter of live animals for slaughter. Every year millions of Australian cattle, sheep, and goats are exported live to be killed in the Middle East, South East Asia, North Africa, and the Philippines -- where animal welfare laws do not exist to protect them. Tens of thousands of animals die before reaching their destination. Those who survive the grueling journey are transported, handled, and slaughtered in horrific ways. A majority of the animals will have their throats cut while they are fully conscious, leading to prolonged pain, terror, and anguishing death.
Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national animal rights organization based in Los Angeles, has been active for more than two decades. Founded and led by animal expert, author, and actor, Chris DeRose, LCA's roots began in exposing the inherent cruelty of vivisection. LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty, launching public awareness campaigns, pushing animal friendly legislation and helping prosecute animal abusers.
For more information, visit www.LCAnimal.org