Together, we can make the world more humane—for all beings

By John Di Leonardo

Last week, many of us celebrated Thanksgiving—a time to reflect on the harvest and the blessings of the past year. At Humane Long Island, one of our greatest blessings is you. Readers of this column, supporters, volunteers, and everyone who has taken even a single Anuvrat—whether by donating, trying vegan, or lending your time—have helped us save uncountable lives. Today, we want to share what your compassion has made possible.

Just days before the holiday, Humane Long Island rescued two turkeys and a rabbit—Mayflower, Plymouth, and Autumn—from slaughter. In a rare agreement with live market owners, we secured their release in exchange for plant-based meals. Mayflower and Plymouth arrived with severed toes and beaks, infections, and Plymouth required emergency surgery for a necrotic wound. They are alive today because people like you believe these lives are worth fighting for.

And they are only the beginning. Every day, we rescue animals in crisis, provide lifesaving care, and push for stronger protections. This year alone, your support helped us:

• Shut down Double D Bar Ranch: After a joint investigation with the Suffolk County DA’s BEAST Unit, this fraudulent “sanctuary” was charged with 112 counts of cruelty. Nearly 400 animals were removed, and Humane Long Island took 160 of the most vulnerable into our care.
• Expose a rogue wildlife rehabilitator: Our complaint led authorities to rescue 206 wild and farmed animals from a Huntington home filled with filth, feces, and neglect. The operator and her partner now face multiple cruelty charges.
• Rescue birds, rats, and a cat in Bay Shore: We helped officials remove 41 birds, 10 rats, and a cat from extreme neglect during a heatwave. The property was deemed unfit for human occupancy, and the resident was arrested.
• Shut down an illegal slaughterhouse and dog-breeding operation

Our tip led to the closure of Carlos Lauro’s backyard slaughterhouse, rescuing two dozen chickens; Lauro—previously jailed for shooting dogs—is again in custody.

• Shutter the Holtsville Ecology Site: The Town of Brookhaven voted 7–0 to close its roadside zoo, freeing 100+ animals for a chance to receive appropriate care in reputable sanctuaries.
• Rescue from live markets and abandonment: We saved dozens of animals from NYC slaughter markets and nearly 100 more who were abandoned in the wild.
• Deliver thousands of pounds of plant-based meals: Nutritious food went to community members in need and to rescued animals across Long Island.
• Stand up for animals in 150+ news outlets: Ensuring neglected animals have a voice—and that the public knows the truth.

There is still so much work ahead—and we cannot do it without you.

For this week’s Anuvrat, I invite you to join our newsletter, donate to our campaigns or veterinary fund, or sign up to volunteer at our Riverhead sanctuary at HumaneLI.org. Every gift fuels rescues, medical care, cruelty investigations, and the daily care of more than 50 animals who now know safety because of you.

And while we are grateful for your support, we also encourage giving broadly. Two organizations we proudly recommend are Community Solidarity, America’s largest vegetarian hunger-relief organization, and Animal Rahat, which provides compassionate aid to India’s most overworked and overlooked animals.

Together, we can make the world more humane—for all beings.
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(Photo courtesy: John Di Leonardo) 

John Di Leonardo is the founding director of Humane Long Island. He was previously the Senior Manager of Grassroots Campaigns and Animals in Entertainment Campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). He has a Master's degree in Anthrozoology from Canisius College. He also earned a graduate certificate in Jain Studies from the International School of Jain Studies (ISJS) in India. John can be reached at [email protected].