Barbi Twins: Bunnies Rescuing Bunnies - ExtraTV

During the Easter Holidays the Barbi Twins, along with LA Animal Services continued their rescue efforts by getting the word out that the cute little bunnies that are purchased for Easter are not Toys - they are a responsibility and need to be adopted for life.  Remember it may be after Easter holidays but the bunnies are still cute and still need love.

The Barbi Twins' Easter Message: Adopt a Bunny!

Original article: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2012/04/the_barbi_twins_easter_message_adopt_a_bunny.php#ixzz1reDfolDM

visit www.LAAnimalServices.com

The Barbi Twins Go From Blonde to Green When Asked About the Trump Controversy - National Geographic

Posted by Jordan Schaul of The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on March 15, 2012

"The Barbi Twins–past acquaintances of the Donald–and recognized on March 13th on Extra TV (Extra TV) as stars who give back to animal causes and charities, were called upon by the press to give statements concerning the photos of Donald’s sons."

Read More of the article:   http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/03/15/the-barbi-twins-go-from-blond-to-green-when-asked-about-the-trump-controversy/

Barbi Twins: Twitter war erupted between Barbi Twins and Kathy Ireland

Pet Pardons News
Editor's Desk, March 8, 2012

"National Geographic first broke the story Thursday as a Twitter war erupted between animal rights activists the Barbi Twins and current pariah of the no-fur campaign Kathy Ireland.  The heated exchange stems from the fact that the two camps are firmly on either side of the development of a collection of fur garments by Ireland ..."

Read the rest of the story on:  http://news.petpardons.com/kathy-ireland-start-saving-babies-and-ill-stop-using-fur/

Read the National Geographic article:  http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/03/08/the-fur-is-flying-barbi-twins-take-on-kathy-ireland/

Barbi Twins: The Fur is Flying: Barbi Twins Take on Kathy Ireland, NationalGeographic.com

NationalGeographic.com
by Jordan Schaul

"I’m certainly not an animal rights activist.  However, I work with captive wildlife and am well aware of the contentious debates between some advocacy groups concerning their respective interests and perhaps distorted views.  Some of their reactive discourse may pale in comparison to what has transpired in the past few days among celebrities on Twitter."

Kathy Ireland:@Barbi_Twins: Will stop fur design when activists join fight to save babies.

Barbi Twins:@kathyireland Love babies too, but animal activists don’t wear, sell and design skinned babies.

Read the rest of Jordan's article and the "twitter war" exchange: http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/03/08/the-fur-is-flying-barbi-twins-take-on-kathy-ireland/

Barbi Twins: Famous for… Equine Advocacy - National Geographic

The Barbi twins and I agree to disagree on a lot of issues, but I certainly commend them for doing their homework.   They vehemently oppose horse slaughter on the grounds that horses weren’t bred for human consumption.  I did not ask them to comment on zoo animal consumption of horse meat, but I pretty much know where they stand.

The Barbi twins assert that “horses were bred and domesticated to be companion animals like a dog or cat. They also served as working animals on farms, and provided transport for people. They also risked their lives in wartime.”


Read the rest of the article:  http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/03/02/barbi-twins-famous-for-equine-advocacy/

Barbi Twins: Ken and Barbis Ask Your Help for Animal Shelters - ExtraTV

Animal activists Ken Wahl and wife Shane Barbi, along with sister, Sia Barbi, are spokespersons for Stray Cat Alliance (SCA) - and are against the Hayden Law Repeal.

 

Read more: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2012/02/ken_and_barbis_ask_your_help_for_animal_shelters.php#ixzz1o7NoG8sv

Barbi Twins and Elayne Boosler - "Help Stop Repeal of Hayden Law" - Sign Petition Please!

Barbi Twins and Elayne Boosler combine efforts to help Stray Cat Alliance's petition against the repeal of the Hayden Law which was written to protect shelter animals.

Elayne, Shane and Sia - The "Triplets"
Elayne Boosler and the Barbi Twins

Elayne:    "Then came the "Hayden Law." SB 1785, named for its sponsor, California State Sen. Tom Hayden, became a life saver for adoptable shelter animals, and a humane and valued partner to animal rescuers and owners. It made animal shelters more accountable. It gave the public longer to find their lost animals before they were killed. It mandated more "work friendly" hours to the public for going to the shelters. It was so good, after a few years it expanded to offer owner-surrendered animals the same amount of time (four to six business days) to stay alive for adoption and rescue instead of being instantly killed.

Better and better, right? And now, worse. Gov. Jerry Brown wants to repeal the Hayden Law. Everything comes down to money, but even here, the math is wrong"

Read Elayne's post in its entirety in the Huffington Post:   Barbis, Boosler vs. Brown & Board of Extermination

Sign the petition:  Don't Repeal Hayden

Visit www.StrayCatAlliance.org for more information about their fight to stop the repeal of the Hayden Law.

Visit our friend Elayne Boosler's official website at  www.elayneboosler.com and her animal rescue organization website at www.tailsofjoy.net

Barbi Twins Speak Out Against Hayden Law Repeal: Doom for Shelter Pets

We are spokespersons for Stray Cat Alliance (SCA), against the Hayden Law Repeal.

Governor  Jerry Brown wants to revoke the Hayden Law for shelter pets in California which currently gives 4-6 days to allow owners to find their lost pets, injured animals to relieve donated medical attention or for fostering or adoption opportunity.   Gov. Jerry Brown wants to cut funds off by eliminating the wait period and killing the pets within only a 72 hour waiting period. This will create mass killings at shelters. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION! Killing has only opened the window for breeders, creating more discarded pets that are dumped at shelters.

As SCA points out, it actually saves money to implement a spay/neuter program.  For instance, to house, euthanize and dispose a pet, it's $250, whereas to simply fix the pet, it is less than $50.

Jerry Brown's solution is not only unethical and uncompassionate, it also won't solve the problem of pet population.  Killing never has been an answer, just an excuse for breeders to continue to over-breed.

It is far cheaper and more cost effective to implement a spay/neuter program.
Petition to urge Gov Jerry Brown to reconsider the Hayden Law Repeal.


http://scapetitions.org/dont-repeal-hayden-petition

Atlantic City Steel Pier cancels its planned diving horse shows

Add one more victory for animals to the list!

Recently, we shared the news that Atlantic City Steel Pier planned to reopen the diving horse shows that were part of the pier from the 1920′s through the 70′s. Owner Anthony Catanoso planned for the events to be part of the big additions going into the location this year and to host the first shows Memorial Day Weekend.

Barbi Twins Valentine Day Wish - Save the Horses - ExtraTV

Barbi Twins Valentine's Day Message: Save the Horses!
ExtraTV, Stars Give Back, Feb 14, 2012

The Barbi Twins ask you to:  SHOW YOUR HEART - DON'T TAKE A HORSE'S HEART!

Barbi Twins Fight to Stop Horse Slaughter

Repost by www.stillisstillmoving.com - Inspired by the Wonderful Willie Nelson

Thanks for passing the word about the slaughtering and abuse of horses from Todays War Horse (The War on Horses)

-   Shane and Sia Barbi

For Complete Barbi Twins Twin Bunnies Media List

For a complete media list for
Animal Activists Shane and Sia Barbi
and their fight to inform the world
of the cruelty that befalls animals
Click to go to  the Twin Bunnies Media List

Todays War Horse: The War On Horses By The Barbi Twins, Global Grind

Todays War Horse:  The War On Horses By The Barbi Twins, Global Grind, Feb 7, 2012

The Barbi Twins speak out about variouis subjects around horse slaughter such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the lack of USDA laws to protect horses, the economic myths that go with the horse meat trade, the sad truths around which horses go to the slaughter houses and what the individual can do to prevent cruelty to these beautiful animals beginning with supporting bills like the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act .

Celebs Support Petition to Stop Cruel Diving Horse Event

By Jennifer Mishler, Ecorazzi, Feb 6, 2012

"The diving horse events were stopped in the 1970′s with a brief return in the 90′s, but now Steel Pier President Anthony Catanoso plans to reopen the ridiculous and cruel shows by this summer. If you’re wondering what these events are all about – riders mount horses and ride them up a 40 foot pier and then plunge into the 12ft of water below. Yes, seriously.".....

TODAY’S WAR HORSE (The War on Horses)

by The Barbi Twins

Horses are as symbolic as the country they built, America. It is a shame we don’t give them the respect they have earned. For centuries, horses shed their blood to give their service to us. It says a lot when a country has better laws for its flag (that doesn’t have a spine or feel pain), then it does for the horses. Horse slaughter and the wild-horse round ups have been the buzz in the media recently. Here are the common questions and facts about horse slaughter and wild horse round-up controversies.

Why is there an uproar about horses being slaughtered or abused more than other livestock animals?

Horses weren’t bred for human consumption; they were bred and domesticated to be companion animals like a dog or cat. They also helped build our country by working the farms, providing transport and even risking their lives in our battles.  In 1971, Congress voted to protect our wild horses with a special a special law.  They tasked the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with the responsibility.  Sadly, the BLM was the very agency that had been killing the horses they were asked to protect.

Does horse slaughter help our economy?

Actually, American tax dollars are used to support these foreign owned slaughter houses.  We are paying to provide inspections on meat that goes overseas. This is a big government merging with big business for profit. They hide this greed in the disguise of compassion by insisting slaughter is humane. The ringleader of pro-slaughter advocates recites her facts (propaganda) from an inconsistent and inaccurate GAO (Government Accounting Office) report.  Horse slaughter is a good profit business for foreign owned companies, as horsemeat goes for as much as $40/lb.

Common Confusion… If Congress unanimously voted in 1971 for the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) to be the government agency that protects wild horses, then why does the BLM insist on deadly round-ups? They end up harming the horses and not protecting them and all with tax payers’ money?

What tax payers didn’t know is that the BLM is made up of cattlemen, not horse advocates. The BLM was originally behind eradicating the horses.  They have always wanted to replace wild horses with cattle on the horses land. So why did the government put the BLM in charge of “protecting” the wild horses? Profit disguised as compassion once again by our government merging with big business and making a worse monopoly which leaves the tax payers left with the bill! The wild horses are slowly going extinct. There were 2,000,000 in 1900 and today we can only approximate to 20,000 in 10 western states. The cattle and oil rigs are now replacing the horses.

What is inhumane about slaughter and wild horse round-ups?

Both slaughter and wild horse round-ups are blatant animal cruelty. The helicopter round-ups spook the horses so they end up badly injured or trampled to death. Many times pregnant horses abort foals in these stampedes.  The remaining horses usually die from extreme neglect (hunger, thirst, overcrowding) in the inhumane holding pens. Ironically, this was the very excuse the BLM used to round-up the horses in the first place! Then the horses may be “adopted” by 3rd party kill buyers for slaughter even though it is illegal to slaughter a wild horse. The loading and transport of horses is also animal abuse. Any horse expert can tell you it’s harder on a horse than other livestock, whether it’s in the next city or across the border. Transporters stuff the horses in trailers way to small, without water, food or rest. This is pure brutality as many transporters admit.

One thing is for sure, slaughter is slaughter, and whether it’s done on US soil or foreign soil, it is animal abuse and cruelty. Horses brains are further back in the head which makes it harder to find, thus making shooting or killing the horses much more difficult than any other livestock. Horses sometimes have to be shot three to five times and throats slit to prevent screaming. There is proof that while carving into the horses many are still conscious. There is nothing humane about slaughter and it’s impossible to enforce it, as Dr. Temple Grandin, humane slaughter expert, even admitted. There are very few USDA laws to protect the horses and they are rarely enforced. “Humane slaughter” is an oxymoron.

Why should everyone care about horse slaughter bill passing?

For those who don’t care about horses, you should care your taxes are wasted on this, much more than the myth that this creates jobs. For those who were told that horse meat is better for you, they haven’t heard about the toxic warnings, dangerous drugs and medicines used in the horse industry. These are also hidden from the commercial market. Horses were not bred for eating!

What about the unwanted or abandoned horses?

Well just like with dogs and cats, it becomes the owner’s responsibility once we outlaw slaughter. This is a whole different animal issue, which is not solved with animal cruelty of horse slaughter. Moreover, the horse slaughter business only wants healthy horses.  A USDA study said that 92% of slaughter horses are in good condition.  Many victims of horse theft or horse fraud complain they have found that their horses had gone to slaughter. This is because kill buyers seek healthy, young horses in order to sell better quality meat. Many of the so-called abandoned horses were ironically from the horse killers themselves leaving behind the sickly horses at the borders that weren’t good enough for horsemeat.

Who is the blame for the abandoned horses?

The abandoned horses are not the problem; it is only a decoy from the truth. The real problem comes from the breeders and the breeder supporters who encourage incentives for the breeding of as many horses as possible. This is specifically true of Quarter horse breeders who are using artificial insemination. They promote slaughter as a dumping ground which opens a huge window of business for more breeding. By the way, most of the “abandoned” horses are Quarter horses which tell you right there what “their” agenda is!

What can we do?

First of all get the facts straight and don’t buy into the propaganda being spewed by pro-slaughter pitches or the clever BLM claims disguised as facts. Remember the BLM is just cattlemen with an agenda to replace the horses with cattle, gold or an oil pipeline. Then spread this factual information.

Right now there is a perfect “one stop solution” to end this all….a bill before the US Congress that stops all horse slaughter  in the US and stops all transport of American horses for slaughter to any foreign country. This bill is called the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This bill was originally drafted in 2001 and introduced to Congress in 2002 by the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), who has led this national effort for ten years. Chris Heyde, from AWI, worked tirelessly on state laws to shut down the three U.S. slaughter houses in 2007; two in Texas and one in Illinois. However, the ultimate goal is passage of a federal bill that will prevent any new plants from opening and will prevent American horses from being shipped to Mexico or Canada for slaughter.

Now the horses need your help. We have the power to end this permanently. All you have to do is call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senators and Representative.  Then tell them you are pro-horse and urge them to help pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 2966 and S. 1176) today!  You can find out who your legislators are by visiting AWI’s Compassion Index at www.compassionindex.org .  Even more effective than a call, you can go to your elected officials’ local town hall and urge them to support these bills face to face.  Because this year is election year, your representatives are eager to hear what you want. We have the power with our vote, but also because it is election year. Congress closes early this year, so we have to act quickly.

BTTB Media : Extra TV

For a complete list of ExtraTV media...

THE COLLECTION AGENCY - Rescuism vs. Rescuing

By The Barbi Twins, Founders, TwinBunnies.com (originally posted on Kitty Liberation Front May 31, 2006) To the animal community, In reading these e-mails about hoarding I could not resist in commenting. My sis and I are known for our recovery from bulimia, and my mom is a top therapist for alcoholics and addicts. I have learned to recognize addictive behavior, not by their symptoms of excess weight or being drunk, but instead by their character defects: control issues, being  a victim, denial, etc. Hoarding is a mental illness, just like bulimia, and the addiction that follows hoarding allows us to add the "ism" to rescue. In fact, I recoined the word hoarding into "rescuism", to force people to view hoarding as mental addiction and disease. You cannot judge or get angry at someone mentally ill. However, just as we should not judge a "drunk", you still can stop the drunk from driving, when it involves other living creatures. I believe this should hold true with a hoarder and  rescuism. Their illness makes them unfit to see their sickness and unfit to run a shelter with dependent living creatures. Furthermore, you cannot tell a drunk they are drunk. Telling a mentally ill person they are a hoarder, will only make them defend themselves or defend other fellow hoarders.

MYTH BUSTER!

By The Barbi Twins, founders, TwinBunnies.com

There is NO pet overpopulation, but rather a pet crisis which is directly related to the lack of laws and spay and neuter programs. The pet crisis is also because people are unwilling to commit for life to their pet, just like a family member, or they are unwilling to adopt imperfect or older pets. The chances of an older dog getting adopted is less than 10% and the chances of an older cat getting adopted is less than 1%. Rabbits aren't even considered pets, they are "property". They all end up killed or abandoned on the streets

Obama Flipflops on Campaign Pledge to Prevent Horse Slaughter, Media Mum

NewsBusters, Noel Sheppard, Dec 10, 2011

"Over the years, we’ve covered the efforts of former Playboy playmates Shane and Sia Barbi to put an end to the slaughter of horses in the United States. And, now that Congress has just lifted a ban that could result in a return to horse slaughter for meat after it had been outlawed for five years, the Barbi Twins are revamping their efforts. [...]

The twins are asking fans to get involving either by signing a petition, calling the White House (“Tell Obama to keep his promise to ban horse slaughter and pass H.R. 2966,” they write) or to call Wyoming Rep. Sue Wallis “who is pro horse slaughter and tell her that Americans don’t want to see PET horses as meat on our dinner tables.”

Read the entire article:  NewsBusters

Twin Bunnies Campaign Against 'Slaughter House Sue' over Pet Horse Meat

Posted by NegotiationIsOver.com, Dec 6, 2011

Barbi twins: Obama abandoned the horses
by Patrick Gavin, Politico, dec 1, 2011

Over the years, we’ve covered the efforts of former Playboy playmates Shane and Sia Barbi to put an end to the slaughter of horses in the United States. And, now that Congress has just lifted a ban that could result in a return to horse slaughter for meat after it had been outlawed for five years, the Barbi Twins are revamping their efforts.

The two blasted a release to their email list, headlined, “Twin Bunnies Campaign Against ‘Slaughter House Sue’ over Pet Horse Meat.”

“Profit over pet flesh is unethical!” the two declare. “Congress approved the Conference Committee report on spending bill H2112 for Thanksgiving, giving funding to USDA for horse meat inspections and lifted the 6 year slaughter ban. More than 70% of Americans don’t want slaughter houses here. While Obama was pardoning a turkey, he abandoned our horses.”

Read the Rest of the Article:  http://www.negotiationisover.net/2011/12/06/twin-bunnies-campaign-against-%E2%80%98slaughter-house-sue%E2%80%99-over-pet-horse-meat/

Ken and Barbis Helping The Horses

Models and animal activists Shane and Sia Barbi are starring with Michael Blake in the documentary “The Petition,” which supports an end to horse slaughter.

The Petition

Barack Obama - Let Them Eat Horses

By Andrew Zarowny, RightPundits.com, Dec 4, 2011

"Barack Obama has overturned a 2006 ban on slaughterhouses from killing and processing horses for meat. The move was quietly pushed through with the excuse that it would create jobs and increase exports, as France and Japan are major markets for horse meat. Even PETA appeared to be happy with Obama′s decision, stating that the ban had the undesirable effect of horses dying from old age. I suppose the same will be said of the death panels of Obama Care, as such will be more humane than letting grandpa and grandma suffer needlessly. Luckily for us, two former Playboy Playmates, Shane and Sia Barbi, are standing up to Obama on the subject."

 Read the Entire Article:  http://www.rightpundits.com/?p=9458&fb_source=message

Barbi Twins: Obama abandoned the horses!

 Politico, Patrick Cavin, Dec 01, 2011


Over the years, we’ve covered the efforts of former Playboy playmates Shane and Sia Barbi to put an end to the slaughter of horses in the United States. And, now that Congress has just lifted a ban that could result in a return to horse slaughter for meat after it had been outlawed for five years, the Barbi Twins are revamping their efforts.

The two blasted a release to their email list, headlined, “Twin Bunnies Campaign Against ‘Slaughter House Sue’ over Pet Horse Meat.”

Read the entire article at: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/69542.html#ixzz1lx04alan

The Barbi Twins Support the Elephants

Stars Give Back, Extra TV, Apr 22, 2011

Celebrate Earth Day by supporting one of the largest animals on earth.... the Elephants

View the article on ExtraTV:   http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/04/the_barbi_twins_support_the_elephants.php

Check out:  Elephants in Crisis Facebook Page

The Pop 5 Barbi Twins Interview - The Top 5 Ways to Stop the Canadian Seal Hunt

The Examiner, April 19, 2011
By Jeromie Williams, Canada Pop Culture Examiner

A recent article by the Canada Pop Culture Examiner regarding the Canadian seal hunt unexpectedly caught the attention of the world famous Barbi Twins.  The international super models, turned vegan animal rights activists, have been drawing attention to the highly contested seal hunt in Canada and asked for the opportunity to speak to the Canadian public.

The Canada Pop Culture Examiner has opened up this editorial space in an exclusive interview with the Barbi Twins to bring to you The Pop 5 Ways to Stop the Canadian Seal Hunt.
Ladies and gentlemen - the Barbi Twins.

April Buckle Bunnies, The Barbi Twins, Sia & Shane

Cover Story, True Cowboy Magazine, April 2011, pg 38 Barbi Twins & pg 28 Willie Nelson

The Barbi Twins Motto: Cowgirl Up for the Wild Horses!

Examiner.com, Dena Stapleton, Feb 23, 2011


The Barbi Twins, Sia and Shane, were Playboy Bunnies that were plastered on the front Covers of the magazine. Well not much has changed by the way of being on the cover of magazines, but a lot has changed in the way of being a Playboy bunny. They took their “bunny” status over the top by becoming animal activists for every animal on earth, including the cute little fuzzy bunnies. They became the Bunny Crusaders, per-say.

They started out by getting more involved in rescue and helping out in shelters then moving onto bigger things like getting involved in the laws and urging US representatives to create better laws of protecting the animals. One, very close to home for both Sia and Shane, is the issues for the Wild Mustangs and also horse slaughterhouses. The Barbi Twins are doing what they can to urge people to come together to help support the Wild Mustangs and help show that the Bill HR503 (prevent cruelty to horses used for human consumption) and the Bill HR305 (help with the transportation of horses) are two bills that need to be passed. They are taking on a whole new motto: Cowgirl-up and help save the Wild Horses before they are extinct.

Read the Entire Article:  http://www.examiner.com/pet-advocacy-in-national/the-barbi-twins-motto-cowgirl-up-for-the-wild-mustangs

The Barbi Twins in True Cowboy Magazine

Cover Story, True Cowboy Magazine, ExtraTV.com, Feb 21, 2011

Extra gives the horse issue an extra "leg up" by helping promote our feature article in True Cowboy Magazine where we talk about the plight of the wild Mustangs.  Thanks Extra!  


Read the post and see a large image of the cover at: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/02/the_barbi_twins_in_true_cowboy_magazine.php

CUTEST - A Shelter Rescue Pet Story

By the Barbi Twins and Ken Wahl,

Hi, I'm Cutest. I'm a rescued shelter cat that owns Ken and Barbi. I want to tell you my story.

One cruel, cold day I asked myself, "Where did I go wrong?" Sitting here at the shelter, with my other "co-abandonees", we all backtracked to "the scene of the crime" as to why we were here.

I was a kitten born among many other animals in some back-yard breeders place. It was cold, over-crowded and dirty. I witnessed many of my family and friends being torn from each other, to be sold to various people, some of whom didn't even like animals. There was NO discrimination. I was lucky and a little girl spotted me and took me to her home. I thought she really loved me.

COZYWOOD, A Katrina Story

by The Barbi Twins

This story is not a story for the faint of heart, though it does have a fairy tale ending. It is about my life. I am a Katrina rescue cat and my current name is Cozy

I was born from a litter of 4, outside the city of New Orleans. New Orleans mostly consisted of single moms like my mom, because of few spay and neuter programs. Though I thought I was a cute kitten, humans in the state of LA still viewed me and my litter-mates as "varmints" and treated all cats as such. Gosh, my relatives were the reason the rat population was down! Nothing like a "thank you" to be born behind the junk yard and thrown in the streets with the other ferals. I quess that is why I am anti-social with other cats, (and dogs), because I had to fend for myself

The Barbi Twins Want to Save the Horses

ExtraTV, Oct 4, 2010

Shane and Sia Barbi are lending their voices to a new documentary "Saving America's Horses -- A Nation Betrayed."

Read the entire article: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2010/10/the_barbi_twins_want_to_save_the_horses.php#ixzz1lx8O4Wnn

The Quad Squad, Barbi Twins, Amy Nelson, Raelynn Nelson

True Cowboy Magazine (Cover,  Pg 44-45,  pg 46-47), April 9, 2010

It happens in life whereby an event, of such great magnitude, such treat turmoil and shock, propels people to unify for a common cause and a singular belief.  In this case, that cause is the plight of the wild mustangs, horses and burros in the United States and those people are Shane & Sia, better known as The Barbi Twins and their compadres, Amy nelson and Raelynn Nelson, daughters of Willie, need I say more?  Wranglin' the four women for this interview was no small feat.  But persistence got it done and the "Quad Squad" sat down to discuss the pressing issues of mustang round ups, penning and threatened slaughter.

Read the rest of the article:   (Cover,  Pg 44-45,  pg 46-47)

Bunny's Billionaire Helper

By Shane and Sia Barbi
Beverly Hills Times, April 7, 2009

Rarely heard from and almost never seen, there is a silent supporter in Los Angeles’ animal welfare world.  He lives a quiet life, drives an 8-year old dog-friendly PT Cruiser and does his own grocery shopping, and while this hero manages to stay out of the public eye his generous contributions speak for him.  His name is Dr. Gary Michelson.

One of “Forbes 400” richest Americans, Dr. Michelson built his fortune inventing spinal surgical devices. Now retired, he devotes his wealth to benefit causes aligned with his philanthropic passions, including founding two charitable organizations—one focusing on human genetic research and the other dedicated to helping homeless companion animals. 

Pets have always been a positive force in Dr. Michelson’s life, providing great comfort through difficult times, and in return he is committed to ending the needless euthanasia that is the current de facto animal control policy in the United States and beyond. 

Los Angeles Homeless and their pets

By Shane and Sia Barbi
Beverly Hills Times Magazine, Feb 4, 2009

Beverly Hills is filled with powerful yet compassionate people known for their generosity with money and charitable endeavors to help those less fortunate.  Even still, its city borders can't escape the images of the homeless sleeping on Los Angeles streets -- many with their pet companions.

During the California fires some of us heard the horrible story of a homeless man who along with his dog, burned to death.  Every day similar stories surface about homeless who die as a result of the hardships and the dangerous conditions they face living on the streets.  Add to that the fact that many remain on the street even though shelters are available simply because the shelters won't allow them to bring in their pets -- their only family and friend.  You would think that we could find a better solution to helping the homeless...one that doesn't require them to give up their pets for a place to sleep.

On the flip0 side, new reports show a growing problem of a different nature.  Some homless have pets not for companions, but as part of the 'con' to get money and/or sympathy.  Real concerns have risen concerning the health and well-being of these pets as the owners (some are mentally and physically challenged) are taking out their anger and frustration on their animals.  The end result is dismal and the problem has grown to such huge proportions, especially here in Los Angeles, and in all big cities, that animal rights organizations are now looking for options to remove these suffering pets from their care.

Up until now, neither the public bus system nor the city pound is offering to take pets away when they see them being abused.  They explain their reason for lack of intervention as this; even though "the owner is homeless and mentally ill, the pet is still the property of that homeless person."  As animal activists who have traveled the country supporting the rights of all animals, animal cruelty is a felony -- no mattter who does it.  As a community we need to enforce existing laws that support the health and well-being of animals.  And, for those not capable of taking care of a pet or treating it with love and concern, that pet should be removed from the owner, and be protected.

Read the article in its entirety HERE

Do Hollywood Stars Support Causes or Cults?

By Shane and Sia Barbi, Founders, TwinBunnies.com
Beverly Hills Times Magazine,  October 2008

Celebrities have the kindest hearts when it comes to supporting charities, gladly offering their names and fame to raise millions for causes.  What's unfortunate, however, is that many stars don't have the time or desire to research the charities they endorse.  Result:  they lend credibility to dishonest organizations that don't follow through with their promises.  One of the worse offenders?  Animal Rights Organizations.  As animal activists, we are shocked to see big-name celebrities endorsing big-name animal rights organizations known for fraudulent claims, misappropriation of funds and even worse -- supporting the belief that "killing is saving."