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Outstanding Activist!
The Carolinas had never seen anything like Terri and Stewart David. As 1990 rolled into town, so did these tireless animal activists from Chicago. And with them, they brought a passion for animal welfare not soon to be forgotten by Asheville, N.C. Since their arrival, the Davids have taken every opportunity to educate friends and neighbors about all sorts of animal issues. Through Carolina Animal Action, the non-profit group they founded, they've done it all, from leafleting and tabling at street fairs to giving talks and pushing for humane legislation. Their op-eds and letters to the editor have garnered the attention of their community, and numerous articles about the animal-loving pair have popped up in local publications, drawing attention not only to this inspiring duo, but also to the animal issues they care so deeply about.
Of the many feats they've accomplished, local Asheville-ites are likely to remember the Davids for their central role in ending an outmoded and cruel greased pig contest in nearby Henderson County. The infamous contest, in which terrified pigs were covered in oil and then chased around a ring as guests attempted to catch and "win" them, had a nearly 50-year legacy when the Davids began protesting it in 2002. When the protest didn't accomplish the desired result, the Davids moved on to pressing charges. Stewart filed a lawsuit against the organizers, citing North Carolina's animal cruelty statute. The contest was cancelled, and now a mechanical pig named Wheelbur stands in the pigs' stead. Continuing the tradition of cruelty-free family fun, the Davids also monitor local fairs for violations of the county's animal control ordinance, making sure that no animals are given away as prizes.
As vegans and Farm Sanctuary members of about 20 years, the husband-and-wife team has exhibited tireless devotion to farm animals, and has even invited them into their home. The Davids have twice participated in Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-a-Turkey Project, in which caring individuals offer permanent homes to these bright, friendly and terribly abused animals. "Sharing our home and lives with these special birds was a wonderful experience," say Terri and Stewart, who have also opened their doors to rescued chickens and goats. Equally important, their direct experience with farm animals has enhanced the Davids' ability to reach out to others with a message of compassion. On one such occasion, Stewart was invited to be a guest on a western North Carolina radio show and took the opportunity to educate listeners about Thanksgiving dinner alternatives, and to promote Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-a-Turkey Project. He has since used his radio experience to call in to other shows with comments about the unique personalities of his turkey friends. And Terri, a champion of persuasive writing, devoted several years to penning a monthly column in a local animal welfare publication. She took opportunities to write about the joys of turkey "motherhood," and to encourage others to participate in the Adopt-a-Turkey Project.
But turkeys and chickens aren't the only birds benefiting from the Davids' beneficence. Terri and Stewart were also instrumental in taking foie gras off the menu at the Biltmore Estate, a major tourist attraction near their home. Knowing that ducks and geese used to produce foie gras are forced to ingest huge amounts of fatty food by way of a metal pipe thrust down their throats, the Davids could not stand by as precious lives were lost for this cruelly produced "delicacy." Additionally, the Davids have donned their running shoes for all farm animals by participating in two of Farm Sanctuary's Walk for Farm Animals events, and continue to educate the public about farm animal sentience, the connection between factory farming and the environment, and the wonderful personalities of the animals who share their home.
Most recently, Stewart stepped up his commitment to protect farm animals by joining Farm Sanctuary's Board of Directors, where his decades of activism will be a phenomenal asset.
When it comes to the Davids' combined compassion, the sum is definitely greater than its parts! Thank you, Terri and Stewart, for your shining example of giving your all for farm animals. We salute you!
Together, we ARE making a difference. If you would like to find out more about volunteering your time to educate others about factory farming and vegetarianism, please contact us at activist@farmsanctuary.org, or call 607-583-2225 ext. 229. Click here to find out what YOU can do to help!