News features
new york livekindly plant based news x

LiveKindly: Law Firm Files Legal Petition in Bid to Shut Down New York City’s Live Animal Markets

LAW FIRM FILES LEGAL PETITION IN BID TO SHUT DOWN NEW YORK CITY’S LIVE ANIMAL MARKETS

A law firm has filed a legal petition to get New York City wet markets shut down. NYC currently has more than 80 licensed live animal markets.

Lawyer Carissa Kranz—founder of BeVeg International Law Firm, a law firm for vegan certification—has filed a legal petition for rulemaking in New York City in an effort to shut down live animal markets.

Nearly 80 licensed live animal markets operate citywide. These markets sell live animals such as hens, goats, ducks, and lambs for human consumption. Customers choose a live animal, which is then slaughtered. A 2008 law prohibited building new live animal markets within 1,500 feet of residencies.

The markets pose a high risk of animal-borne diseases due to crowded, unsanitary conditions. A 2014 Grubstreet article describes one live poultry market in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, as a “small tile-covered shop is strewn with feathers and stacked with cages of birds.”

Kranz, whose firm has offices in NYC, Florida, and Washington, D.C., told CBS12 News that “it’s called a wet market because it is wet with blood, urine, guts, feces.

According to National Geographic, another explanation is the fact that wet markets sell perishable goods.

Wet markets are distinct from live animal markets. Similar to farmers markets, wet markets also sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Wild animal meat is rarely on offer, as it was at the Huanan seafood market where experts believe the virus originated.

Kranz said the markets are “hotbeds for contagions” like COVID-19 pandemic.

NYC currently has more than 183,000 confirmed cases of the virus. New York state has more than 333,000. “While New York is the epicenter for the coronavirus right now, the reality is, New York is also a possible epicenter for a relapse or a new contagion to be born,” Kranz said.

Lawmakers Demand Wet Market Ban

Last month, 66 U.S. lawmakers sent a letter to the director-generals of the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the United Nations demanding a global ban on live animal markets.

“As this pandemic continues to threaten the lives of millions, pushes healthcare systems to the breaking point,” the letter reads, “and devastates economies around the world, it is imperative that we all take action as a global community to protect public health.”

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and state senator Luis Sepulveda have also introduced legislation to close New York City’s licensed live animal markets. The bill would create a task force of experts to determine whether or not the markets can operate safely.

She told The Independent “Prominent doctors and scientists say that these kinds of markets need to be shut down to forestall a future virus and epidemic from occurring.

 

This article was updated on May 10, 2020, to correctly reflect that a legal petition for rulemaking in New York City was filed.

This article originally appeared on LiveKindly

LAW FIRM FILES LEGAL PETITION IN BID TO SHUT DOWN NEW YORK CITY’S LIVE ANIMAL MARKETS

A law firm has filed a legal petition to get New York City wet markets shut down. NYC currently has more than 80 licensed live animal markets.

Lawyer Carissa Kranz—founder of BeVeg International Law Firm, a law firm for vegan certification—has filed a legal petition for rulemaking in New York City in an effort to shut down live animal markets.

Nearly 80 licensed live animal markets operate citywide. These markets sell live animals such as hens, goats, ducks, and lambs for human consumption. Customers choose a live animal, which is then slaughtered. A 2008 law prohibited building new live animal markets within 1,500 feet of residencies.

The markets pose a high risk of animal-borne diseases due to crowded, unsanitary conditions. A 2014 Grubstreet article describes one live poultry market in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, as a “small tile-covered shop is strewn with feathers and stacked with cages of birds.”

Kranz, whose firm has offices in NYC, Florida, and Washington, D.C., told CBS12 News that “it’s called a wet market because it is wet with blood, urine, guts, feces.

According to National Geographic, another explanation is the fact that wet markets sell perishable goods.

Wet markets are distinct from live animal markets. Similar to farmers markets, wet markets also sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Wild animal meat is rarely on offer, as it was at the Huanan seafood market where experts believe the virus originated.

Kranz said the markets are “hotbeds for contagions” like COVID-19 pandemic.

NYC currently has more than 183,000 confirmed cases of the virus. New York state has more than 333,000. “While New York is the epicenter for the coronavirus right now, the reality is, New York is also a possible epicenter for a relapse or a new contagion to be born,” Kranz said.

Lawmakers Demand Wet Market Ban

Last month, 66 U.S. lawmakers sent a letter to the director-generals of the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the United Nations demanding a global ban on live animal markets.

“As this pandemic continues to threaten the lives of millions, pushes healthcare systems to the breaking point,” the letter reads, “and devastates economies around the world, it is imperative that we all take action as a global community to protect public health.”

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and state senator Luis Sepulveda have also introduced legislation to close New York City’s licensed live animal markets. The bill would create a task force of experts to determine whether or not the markets can operate safely.

She told The Independent “Prominent doctors and scientists say that these kinds of markets need to be shut down to forestall a future virus and epidemic from occurring.

 

This article was updated on May 10, 2020, to correctly reflect that a legal petition for rulemaking in New York City was filed.

This article originally appeared on LiveKindly

Read more
vegworld x

VegWorld Magazine: Vegan Attorney Petitions New York To Shut Down And Ban All Live Animal Wet Markets

VEGAN ATTORNEY PETITIONS NEW YORK TO SHUT DOWN AND BAN ALL LIVE ANIMAL WET MARKETS

CBS Exclusive - Lawyer Takes on Wet Markets

Carissa Kranz, founding attorney for the Law Offices of Carissa Kranz, is fighting to ban wet markets in New York, where there are currently over 80 “wet markets” according to PETA. As cited on CBS news recently, numbers now reflect that the coronavirus may be past its peak in several U.S. states, but the question as to how to prevent future pandemics remains.

Kranz calls these unregulated slaughterhouses “hotbeds for contagion,” and is deeply concerned that in the midst of a global pandemic, thousands of these operations are still active from Illinois to California.

wet market

“It’s called a wet market because it is wet with blood, urine, guts, feces,” Kranz explains. “As a lawyer, I represent injured clients.Clients include people and animals. Live animal wet markets cause injury to both. Not only is it cruel and inhumane, it’s a public health crisis that will likely lead to the next pandemic,” says Carissa Kranz.

Kranz says that at this rate, another coronavirus could originate in New York City as easily as the one in Wuhan began.

“SARS was started at a live animal wet market in China,” Kranz said. It is also believed that MERS is of a zoonotic origin.

“While New York is the epicenter for the coronavirus right now, the reality is, New York is also a possible epicenter for a relapse or a new contagion to be born,” she said.

As legislators on both sides of the isle called on the “WHO” to ban these wet markets across the world, Kranz is petitioning to end them in New York, where she worries they could slip through the cracks.

Kranz officially filed a petition for rule-making in New York last week. She received thousands of signatures from New Yorkers who support her cause and is still waiting for a response.

“It would be wonderful for our countries around the world to unite on this issue. However, even if they unite on this issue, it would be almost impossible for us to enforce it. What we can enforce are bans on our own soil,” she said.

Tomorrow, Kraz will be discussing the same topic on Jane Unchained News with many of the other leading leaders on the front lines working to shut these down.

The Law Offices of Carissa Kranz is based in Palm Beach Gardens. The firm has offices in Florida, New York, DC and California. The firm also manages BeVeg International, the leading vegan certification firm as a legal practice area.

This article originally appeared on VegWorld Magazine. You can read the original article by clicking here.

VEGAN ATTORNEY PETITIONS NEW YORK TO SHUT DOWN AND BAN ALL LIVE ANIMAL WET MARKETS

CBS Exclusive - Lawyer Takes on Wet Markets

Carissa Kranz, founding attorney for the Law Offices of Carissa Kranz, is fighting to ban wet markets in New York, where there are currently over 80 “wet markets” according to PETA. As cited on CBS news recently, numbers now reflect that the coronavirus may be past its peak in several U.S. states, but the question as to how to prevent future pandemics remains.

Kranz calls these unregulated slaughterhouses “hotbeds for contagion,” and is deeply concerned that in the midst of a global pandemic, thousands of these operations are still active from Illinois to California.

wet market

“It’s called a wet market because it is wet with blood, urine, guts, feces,” Kranz explains. “As a lawyer, I represent injured clients.Clients include people and animals. Live animal wet markets cause injury to both. Not only is it cruel and inhumane, it’s a public health crisis that will likely lead to the next pandemic,” says Carissa Kranz.

Kranz says that at this rate, another coronavirus could originate in New York City as easily as the one in Wuhan began.

“SARS was started at a live animal wet market in China,” Kranz said. It is also believed that MERS is of a zoonotic origin.

“While New York is the epicenter for the coronavirus right now, the reality is, New York is also a possible epicenter for a relapse or a new contagion to be born,” she said.

As legislators on both sides of the isle called on the “WHO” to ban these wet markets across the world, Kranz is petitioning to end them in New York, where she worries they could slip through the cracks.

Kranz officially filed a petition for rule-making in New York last week. She received thousands of signatures from New Yorkers who support her cause and is still waiting for a response.

“It would be wonderful for our countries around the world to unite on this issue. However, even if they unite on this issue, it would be almost impossible for us to enforce it. What we can enforce are bans on our own soil,” she said.

Tomorrow, Kraz will be discussing the same topic on Jane Unchained News with many of the other leading leaders on the front lines working to shut these down.

The Law Offices of Carissa Kranz is based in Palm Beach Gardens. The firm has offices in Florida, New York, DC and California. The firm also manages BeVeg International, the leading vegan certification firm as a legal practice area.

This article originally appeared on VegWorld Magazine. You can read the original article by clicking here.

Read more
CBS Exclusive - Lawyer Takes on Wet Markets

CBS Exclusive: Lawyer Takes on Wet Markets

CBS Exclusive: Lawyer Takes on “Wet Markets”

Local injury law firm petitions New York to shut down and ban all live animal wet markets. “Injured clients include people and animals. Live animal wet markets cause injury to both. Not only is it cruel and inhumane, it’s a public health crisis that will likely lead to the next pandemic,” says attorney Carissa Kranz in her exclusive interview with CBS News on her legal petition for rulemaking filed to ban live markets in New York.

 

This article was originally published on CBS12 News, you can read the original article by clicking here.

CBS Exclusive: Lawyer Takes on “Wet Markets”

Local injury law firm petitions New York to shut down and ban all live animal wet markets. “Injured clients include people and animals. Live animal wet markets cause injury to both. Not only is it cruel and inhumane, it’s a public health crisis that will likely lead to the next pandemic,” says attorney Carissa Kranz in her exclusive interview with CBS News on her legal petition for rulemaking filed to ban live markets in New York.

 

This article was originally published on CBS12 News, you can read the original article by clicking here.

Read more
NYC

Emergency Petition For Rulemaking: Close & Ban All Live Animal Wet Markets in the State of New York

Emergency Petition For Rulemaking: Close & Ban All Live Animal Wet Markets in the State of New York

BeVeg Law Firm petitions the NYS Health Commissioner, NYC Department of Health Commissioner, and the Governor. New York State should lead the world by example.

Pursuant to New York Senate Bill S5792 BeVeg law firm, on behalf of 761 New York residents and 22,350 others, filed an emergency petition for rule making for immediate adoption.

New York is the epicenter for the global COVID-19 pandemic, and just like the wet markets in China that gave birth to the coronavirus crisis, more than 80 dangerous live animal wet markets are in operation today in New York, despite the New York State of Pause Executive Order.

“This is a time for New York State to lead the world by example. How? By immediately closing and banning all live animal wet markets. This is about viral pandemic prevention and disease control; such measures are necessary to protect global public health, safety, and general welfare,” says Carissa Kranz, attorney-founder of BeVeg Law Firm.

History has proven that live animal wet markets are prime transmission locations for highly contagious deadly human viruses with zoonotic origin. These markets are packed with a mix of animals, tightly packed in cages, awaiting purchase for onsite slaughter. The conditions are unsanitary and soaked wet with blood, guts, feces, and other bodily fluids and parts. Wet markets are particularly dangerous to public health and safety due to the lack of inspection, sanitation, and close quarters of humans with live and dead animals.

NYC is particularly susceptible to a new, even more uncontainable virus erupting through its dense population of over 8 million people, all living in close quarters. In addition to the current uncontained COVID virus, there could be the introduction of new variants, which can reinfect and cause a global pandemic relapse. Such repercussions could be more deadly, and plague more people, as humans have no immunity and no vaccine.

“Live animal wet markets are a global public health crisis,” says attorney Kranz.

The CDC says about 75% of infectious diseases are of animal origin, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from zoonotic spillover.

The closing of live animal wet markets in New York is long overdue. In 2016, the New York Senate recognized “the unbearable odor that emanated from the markets…. [as] markets failed to properly dispose of animal entrails….Floating feathers clogged sewer drains and air conditioning/heating ducts and presented asthma, allergy and respiratory hazards. Experience in local communities has shown that these markets are not monitored appropriately due to the inadequate number of state and city inspectors necessary to ensure market compliance with health, food safety, and environmental laws. Lack of monitoring became especially frightening in light of Mad Cow disease and recent outbreaks of avian influenza (“bird flu”). The continued siting of live poultry markets in the midst of dense, urban and often residential areas has …. Forced [families] to move away from their homes and businesses were forced to close or relocate due to employee illness and a loss of customers.” Senate Bill (S7345, 2015-2016 Sess (N.Y. 2016)).

“Live animal wet markets are a global public hazard. It is because of these markets that the world is being deprived of fundamental civil liberties: life (as the death toll increases), liberty (as we are forced into quarantine with stay at home orders), property (as the economic pursuit of property becomes nearly impossible for those sick or affected by stay at home orders),” says attorney Kranz.

As New York is the epicenter for the current COVID plague, all eyes are on New York. The next viral pandemic to erupt may be deadlier, and it could come straight out of the streets of New York. This is the time for New York State to lead the world by example and prevent the introduction, transmission, and spread of new highly contagious and deadly global human to human communicable diseases by prohibiting all live animal wet markets in New York state – effective immediately.

This is about viral pandemic prevention and disease control; such measures are necessary to protect global public health, safety, and general welfare.”

— Carissa Kranz, Esq., Founding Attorney of BeVeg Law Firm

New York has a choice. Will New York risk launching the next viral pandemic attack? Or will New York lead the world by example by taking the necessary emergency action to protect global public health and safety by promoting pandemic prevention hygiene?

On behalf of New York residents, BeVeg law firm proposed rulemaking action that consists of adding Part 26 to the State Sanitary Code to address zoonotic diseases, planetary pandemics, and a legal ban to live animal wet markets. The law firm also recommends lawmakers consider the hundreds of dying workers who cannot exercise proper social distancing at slaughterhouses and close all slaughterhouses as part of the New York State of Pause Executive Order.

New York Senate Bill S5792 relates to petitions for rulemaking on matters of significant public interest. This proposed bill requires an agency response when it is signed by 100 or more New York residents. In alignment with the proposed bill requirements as set forth in the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA), the petition for rulemaking and notice for emergency adoption to carry out the intended purpose of the petition, was served to lawmakers. While the bill relating to public petition for rulemaking is sitting in the senate, attorney Kranz drafted a petition that met the requirements of the proposed bill hoping it will be considered and answered in this emergency, since the bill, once passed, would require agency action or response to such a petition.

“The justification for this petition is the same justification laid out in the bill: ‘we expect the government to be ‘of the people, by the people, for the people’,” says attorney Kranz.

The Petition for Rulemaking and Emergency Adoption was filed by BeVeg Law and attorney Kranz on behalf of New York residents. While the full petition is live and still collecting signatures It was sent to the following lawmakers Sunday evening: The New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, the New York City Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot, New York Governor Cuomo, and the Department of State. Copies of the public petition for rulemaking was sent to the Bureau of Communicable Disease Director, Daniel Kuhles, the Office of Public Health Deputy Commissioner, Bradley Hutton, the Bureau of Community Food Protection, Chief Sanitarian, Darby Greco, the Center for Environmental Health Gary Ginsberg and Roger Sokol, the New York State Assembly Administrative Regulations Review, the New York State Senate Assembly Administrative Regulations Review, the Regulatory Review Unit who reviews rules along with the executive chamber, and the New York Senate Majority Leader. This was filed in accordance with New York Senate Bill S5792 and Public Health Law – PBH § 206, with citations to NYC Healthcode Article 161.01(a, b) and 161.19 and Senate Bill (S7345).

Historically, zoonotic viral transmissions from animals to humans have mutated into deadly viral global pandemics killing hundreds of millions of people, if not more. Just consider these zoonotic viruses linked to animal exploitation by humans:

  • COVID-19, SARS, and MERS are all traced to live animal wet markets.
  • Ebola is connected to the consumption of the meat of wild animals.
  • E-coli and salmonella are connected to finding feces in food. A Consumer Report found that 100% of the hundreds of pounds of beef examined contained fecal matter.
  • Swine flu strains repeatedly develop during the raising and slaughter of pigs for meat.
  • Mad cow disease is a fatal disease which destroys our brain and spinal cord.
  • Avian flu repeatedly develops from the raising and killing birds for meat.
  • The Spanish flu, which killed 50-100 million people, and affected 500 million, or one-third of the world’s population, was an avian flu strain traced to an animal farm in Kansas.
  • The HIV virus was introduced as a deadly human to human virus after humans came into contact with contaminated Chimpanzee blood as humans hunted them for meat.
  • Hepatitis E is contracted by eating undercooked meat.
  • The measles (MeV), which infects 30 million people annually, and kills close to 200,000 globally, has traced origins to early civilization in the middle east when cattle was introduced to humans and farmed in close proximity.
  • Bubonic plague, or Black Death, is from eating animals infected by a deadly bacteria carried by fleas, or come into close contact with their bodily fluids.
  • Smallpox has increasing evidence from DNA and RNA sequencing that it is a zoonotic disease that jumped from animals to humans. Some experts believe it originated as cowpox and mutated to evolve to what we call smallpox. It is estimated that the smallpox killed 300 million people in the twentieth century.
  • Malaria is said to have originated in humans from chicken farming before mosquitos became carriers to keep the virus alive.
  • Nipah Virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted through contaminated food. Its origin is traced to pigs, and jumped to humans through sick pigs or close contact with their contaminated tissues.
  • Listeria infection is a food borne bacterial illness most commonly caused by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products. Notably, processed meat is a group 1 carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization.
  • Domestication of the horse led to the common cold virus that still plagues humankind.
  • Domestication of chickens gave humans chickenpox, shingles, and various strains of the bird flu.
  • Introduction of livestock cattle is responsible for the emergence of measles, smallpox, and tuberculosis.

BeVeg is a law firm for vegan advocacy, laws, and vegan certification. BeVeg has the trusted and leading global vegan certification trademark. The vegan logo can be found on product packagings around the world. Carissa Kranz, Esq. is a Super Lawyer-awarded attorney, a vegan from birth, and the founding attorney and CEO of BeVeg International, a law firm for vegan.

The formal petition for emergency rulemaking is live and is hosted by Lady Freethinker, a 501c3 nonprofit media organization founded by Nina Jackel. For the most up to date number of signatures or NY resident address verification, please contact the petitioner point person. The online petition may be viewed and signed here: https://ladyfreethinker.org/shut-down-all-live-animal-wet-markets-new-york/

BeVeg Global Vegan Certification

BeVeg is the only law-firm-issued vegan symbol with global trademark protection. Represented in more than 70 countries. Are you ready to be “officially vegan”? Apply for vegan certification here.

Emergency Petition For Rulemaking: Close & Ban All Live Animal Wet Markets in the State of New York

BeVeg Law Firm petitions the NYS Health Commissioner, NYC Department of Health Commissioner, and the Governor. New York State should lead the world by example.

Pursuant to New York Senate Bill S5792 BeVeg law firm, on behalf of 761 New York residents and 22,350 others, filed an emergency petition for rule making for immediate adoption.

New York is the epicenter for the global COVID-19 pandemic, and just like the wet markets in China that gave birth to the coronavirus crisis, more than 80 dangerous live animal wet markets are in operation today in New York, despite the New York State of Pause Executive Order.

“This is a time for New York State to lead the world by example. How? By immediately closing and banning all live animal wet markets. This is about viral pandemic prevention and disease control; such measures are necessary to protect global public health, safety, and general welfare,” says Carissa Kranz, attorney-founder of BeVeg Law Firm.

History has proven that live animal wet markets are prime transmission locations for highly contagious deadly human viruses with zoonotic origin. These markets are packed with a mix of animals, tightly packed in cages, awaiting purchase for onsite slaughter. The conditions are unsanitary and soaked wet with blood, guts, feces, and other bodily fluids and parts. Wet markets are particularly dangerous to public health and safety due to the lack of inspection, sanitation, and close quarters of humans with live and dead animals.

NYC is particularly susceptible to a new, even more uncontainable virus erupting through its dense population of over 8 million people, all living in close quarters. In addition to the current uncontained COVID virus, there could be the introduction of new variants, which can reinfect and cause a global pandemic relapse. Such repercussions could be more deadly, and plague more people, as humans have no immunity and no vaccine.

“Live animal wet markets are a global public health crisis,” says attorney Kranz.

The CDC says about 75% of infectious diseases are of animal origin, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from zoonotic spillover.

The closing of live animal wet markets in New York is long overdue. In 2016, the New York Senate recognized “the unbearable odor that emanated from the markets…. [as] markets failed to properly dispose of animal entrails….Floating feathers clogged sewer drains and air conditioning/heating ducts and presented asthma, allergy and respiratory hazards. Experience in local communities has shown that these markets are not monitored appropriately due to the inadequate number of state and city inspectors necessary to ensure market compliance with health, food safety, and environmental laws. Lack of monitoring became especially frightening in light of Mad Cow disease and recent outbreaks of avian influenza (“bird flu”). The continued siting of live poultry markets in the midst of dense, urban and often residential areas has …. Forced [families] to move away from their homes and businesses were forced to close or relocate due to employee illness and a loss of customers.” Senate Bill (S7345, 2015-2016 Sess (N.Y. 2016)).

“Live animal wet markets are a global public hazard. It is because of these markets that the world is being deprived of fundamental civil liberties: life (as the death toll increases), liberty (as we are forced into quarantine with stay at home orders), property (as the economic pursuit of property becomes nearly impossible for those sick or affected by stay at home orders),” says attorney Kranz.

As New York is the epicenter for the current COVID plague, all eyes are on New York. The next viral pandemic to erupt may be deadlier, and it could come straight out of the streets of New York. This is the time for New York State to lead the world by example and prevent the introduction, transmission, and spread of new highly contagious and deadly global human to human communicable diseases by prohibiting all live animal wet markets in New York state – effective immediately.

This is about viral pandemic prevention and disease control; such measures are necessary to protect global public health, safety, and general welfare.”

— Carissa Kranz, Esq., Founding Attorney of BeVeg Law Firm

New York has a choice. Will New York risk launching the next viral pandemic attack? Or will New York lead the world by example by taking the necessary emergency action to protect global public health and safety by promoting pandemic prevention hygiene?

On behalf of New York residents, BeVeg law firm proposed rulemaking action that consists of adding Part 26 to the State Sanitary Code to address zoonotic diseases, planetary pandemics, and a legal ban to live animal wet markets. The law firm also recommends lawmakers consider the hundreds of dying workers who cannot exercise proper social distancing at slaughterhouses and close all slaughterhouses as part of the New York State of Pause Executive Order.

New York Senate Bill S5792 relates to petitions for rulemaking on matters of significant public interest. This proposed bill requires an agency response when it is signed by 100 or more New York residents. In alignment with the proposed bill requirements as set forth in the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA), the petition for rulemaking and notice for emergency adoption to carry out the intended purpose of the petition, was served to lawmakers. While the bill relating to public petition for rulemaking is sitting in the senate, attorney Kranz drafted a petition that met the requirements of the proposed bill hoping it will be considered and answered in this emergency, since the bill, once passed, would require agency action or response to such a petition.

“The justification for this petition is the same justification laid out in the bill: ‘we expect the government to be ‘of the people, by the people, for the people’,” says attorney Kranz.

The Petition for Rulemaking and Emergency Adoption was filed by BeVeg Law and attorney Kranz on behalf of New York residents. While the full petition is live and still collecting signatures It was sent to the following lawmakers Sunday evening: The New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, the New York City Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot, New York Governor Cuomo, and the Department of State. Copies of the public petition for rulemaking was sent to the Bureau of Communicable Disease Director, Daniel Kuhles, the Office of Public Health Deputy Commissioner, Bradley Hutton, the Bureau of Community Food Protection, Chief Sanitarian, Darby Greco, the Center for Environmental Health Gary Ginsberg and Roger Sokol, the New York State Assembly Administrative Regulations Review, the New York State Senate Assembly Administrative Regulations Review, the Regulatory Review Unit who reviews rules along with the executive chamber, and the New York Senate Majority Leader. This was filed in accordance with New York Senate Bill S5792 and Public Health Law – PBH § 206, with citations to NYC Healthcode Article 161.01(a, b) and 161.19 and Senate Bill (S7345).

Historically, zoonotic viral transmissions from animals to humans have mutated into deadly viral global pandemics killing hundreds of millions of people, if not more. Just consider these zoonotic viruses linked to animal exploitation by humans:

  • COVID-19, SARS, and MERS are all traced to live animal wet markets.
  • Ebola is connected to the consumption of the meat of wild animals.
  • E-coli and salmonella are connected to finding feces in food. A Consumer Report found that 100% of the hundreds of pounds of beef examined contained fecal matter.
  • Swine flu strains repeatedly develop during the raising and slaughter of pigs for meat.
  • Mad cow disease is a fatal disease which destroys our brain and spinal cord.
  • Avian flu repeatedly develops from the raising and killing birds for meat.
  • The Spanish flu, which killed 50-100 million people, and affected 500 million, or one-third of the world’s population, was an avian flu strain traced to an animal farm in Kansas.
  • The HIV virus was introduced as a deadly human to human virus after humans came into contact with contaminated Chimpanzee blood as humans hunted them for meat.
  • Hepatitis E is contracted by eating undercooked meat.
  • The measles (MeV), which infects 30 million people annually, and kills close to 200,000 globally, has traced origins to early civilization in the middle east when cattle was introduced to humans and farmed in close proximity.
  • Bubonic plague, or Black Death, is from eating animals infected by a deadly bacteria carried by fleas, or come into close contact with their bodily fluids.
  • Smallpox has increasing evidence from DNA and RNA sequencing that it is a zoonotic disease that jumped from animals to humans. Some experts believe it originated as cowpox and mutated to evolve to what we call smallpox. It is estimated that the smallpox killed 300 million people in the twentieth century.
  • Malaria is said to have originated in humans from chicken farming before mosquitos became carriers to keep the virus alive.
  • Nipah Virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted through contaminated food. Its origin is traced to pigs, and jumped to humans through sick pigs or close contact with their contaminated tissues.
  • Listeria infection is a food borne bacterial illness most commonly caused by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products. Notably, processed meat is a group 1 carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization.
  • Domestication of the horse led to the common cold virus that still plagues humankind.
  • Domestication of chickens gave humans chickenpox, shingles, and various strains of the bird flu.
  • Introduction of livestock cattle is responsible for the emergence of measles, smallpox, and tuberculosis.

BeVeg is a law firm for vegan advocacy, laws, and vegan certification. BeVeg has the trusted and leading global vegan certification trademark. The vegan logo can be found on product packagings around the world. Carissa Kranz, Esq. is a Super Lawyer-awarded attorney, a vegan from birth, and the founding attorney and CEO of BeVeg International, a law firm for vegan.

The formal petition for emergency rulemaking is live and is hosted by Lady Freethinker, a 501c3 nonprofit media organization founded by Nina Jackel. For the most up to date number of signatures or NY resident address verification, please contact the petitioner point person. The online petition may be viewed and signed here: https://ladyfreethinker.org/shut-down-all-live-animal-wet-markets-new-york/

BeVeg Global Vegan Certification

BeVeg is the only law-firm-issued vegan symbol with global trademark protection. Represented in more than 70 countries. Are you ready to be “officially vegan”? Apply for vegan certification here.

Read more
lawyertakesonwetmarkets x

CBS12: Local injury law firm petitions New York to shut down and ban all live animal wet markets

CBS12: Local injury law firm petitions New York to shut down and ban all live animal wet markets

“Injured clients include people and animals. Live animal wet markets cause injury to both. Not only is it cruel and inhumane, it’s a public health crisis that will likely lead to the next pandemic,” says Carissa Kranz. (CREDIT: “Save Movement”)

Numbers now reflect that the coronavirus may be past its peak in several U.S. states, but the question as to how to prevent future pandemics remains.

One local area lawyer believes the answer lies in unregulated live animal markets right here in the United States.

Carissa Kranz, is a founding attorney for the Law Offices of Carissa Kranz. a legal injury firm in Palm Beach Gardens. Kranz is fighting to ban wet markets in New York, where there are currently over 80 “wet markets” according to PETA.

“It’s called a wet market because it is wet with blood, urine, guts, feces,” Kranz explained to CBS12 News.

Kranz calls these unregulated slaughterhouses “hotbeds for contagion,” and is deeply concerned that in the midst of a global pandemic, thousands of these operations are still active from Illinois to California.

bbdc  da af dfdafc mediumx thumbnail Lexi

“Injured clients include people and animals. Live animal wet markets cause injury to both. Not only is it cruel and inhumane, it’s a public health crisis that will likely lead to the next pandemic,” says Carissa Kranz. (CREDIT: “Save Movement”)

“SARS was started at a live animal wet market in China,” Kranz said. It is also believed that MERS is of a zoonotic origin.

Kranz says that at this rate, another coronavirus could originate in New York City as easily as the one in Wuhan began.

“While New York is the epicenter for the coronavirus right now, the reality is, New York is also a possible epicenter for a relapse or a new contagion to be born,” she said.

So while legislators on both sides of the isle called on the “WHO” to ban these wet markets across the world, Kranz is petitioning to end them in New York, where she worries they could slip through the cracks.

” It would be wonderful for our countries around the world to unite on this issue. However, even if they unite on this issue, it would be almost impossible for us to enforce it. but what we can enforce are bans on our own soil,” she said.

Kranz officially filed a petition for rule-making in New York last week. She received thousands of signatures from New Yorkers who support her cause and is still waiting for a response.

The Law Offices of Carissa Kranz is based in Palm Beach Gardens. The firm has offices in Florida, New York, DC and California. The firm also manages BeVeg International, the leading vegan certification firm as a legal practice area.

This Article was originally posted on CBS 12

CBS12: Local injury law firm petitions New York to shut down and ban all live animal wet markets

“Injured clients include people and animals. Live animal wet markets cause injury to both. Not only is it cruel and inhumane, it’s a public health crisis that will likely lead to the next pandemic,” says Carissa Kranz. (CREDIT: “Save Movement”)

Numbers now reflect that the coronavirus may be past its peak in several U.S. states, but the question as to how to prevent future pandemics remains.

One local area lawyer believes the answer lies in unregulated live animal markets right here in the United States.

Carissa Kranz, is a founding attorney for the Law Offices of Carissa Kranz. a legal injury firm in Palm Beach Gardens. Kranz is fighting to ban wet markets in New York, where there are currently over 80 “wet markets” according to PETA.

“It’s called a wet market because it is wet with blood, urine, guts, feces,” Kranz explained to CBS12 News.

Kranz calls these unregulated slaughterhouses “hotbeds for contagion,” and is deeply concerned that in the midst of a global pandemic, thousands of these operations are still active from Illinois to California.

bbdc  da af dfdafc mediumx thumbnail Lexi

“Injured clients include people and animals. Live animal wet markets cause injury to both. Not only is it cruel and inhumane, it’s a public health crisis that will likely lead to the next pandemic,” says Carissa Kranz. (CREDIT: “Save Movement”)

“SARS was started at a live animal wet market in China,” Kranz said. It is also believed that MERS is of a zoonotic origin.

Kranz says that at this rate, another coronavirus could originate in New York City as easily as the one in Wuhan began.

“While New York is the epicenter for the coronavirus right now, the reality is, New York is also a possible epicenter for a relapse or a new contagion to be born,” she said.

So while legislators on both sides of the isle called on the “WHO” to ban these wet markets across the world, Kranz is petitioning to end them in New York, where she worries they could slip through the cracks.

” It would be wonderful for our countries around the world to unite on this issue. However, even if they unite on this issue, it would be almost impossible for us to enforce it. but what we can enforce are bans on our own soil,” she said.

Kranz officially filed a petition for rule-making in New York last week. She received thousands of signatures from New Yorkers who support her cause and is still waiting for a response.

The Law Offices of Carissa Kranz is based in Palm Beach Gardens. The firm has offices in Florida, New York, DC and California. The firm also manages BeVeg International, the leading vegan certification firm as a legal practice area.

This Article was originally posted on CBS 12

Read more
thebeet x

The Beet. : California Sued for Failing to Add Meat to the List of Carcinogens

California Sued for Failing to Add Meat to the List of Carcinogens – BeVeg Attorney Weighs in

The Beet features BeVeg International

The Beet spoke to a number of industry experts who backed the move by the PCRM. Our CEO, Carissa Kranz, a Super Lawyer-awarded attorney and founder of BeVeg International—a law firm that advocates for truth and transparency in labels, and certifies vegan businesses and products globally—weighs in.

“There is absolutely no reason to keep the results of these studies off any list that would openly and honestly warn the public of the potentially harmful health consequences of eating meat,” says Carissa. “I suspect PCRM will eventually win this battle, just like they sued the USDA over the old food pyramid and won. It is time for existing information and truth in labeling laws to evolve to reflect the truth: meat is linked to cancer. Period.”

This article originally appeared on The Beet, you can read the complete article here.

California Sued for Failing to Add Meat to the List of Carcinogens – BeVeg Attorney Weighs in

The Beet features BeVeg International

The Beet spoke to a number of industry experts who backed the move by the PCRM. Our CEO, Carissa Kranz, a Super Lawyer-awarded attorney and founder of BeVeg International—a law firm that advocates for truth and transparency in labels, and certifies vegan businesses and products globally—weighs in.

“There is absolutely no reason to keep the results of these studies off any list that would openly and honestly warn the public of the potentially harmful health consequences of eating meat,” says Carissa. “I suspect PCRM will eventually win this battle, just like they sued the USDA over the old food pyramid and won. It is time for existing information and truth in labeling laws to evolve to reflect the truth: meat is linked to cancer. Period.”

This article originally appeared on The Beet, you can read the complete article here.

Read more
g

Fox News: Tiger Woods pleads guilty to reckless driving, will enter DUI diversion program

Tiger Woods pleads guilty to reckless driving, will enter DUI diversion program

Golf legend Tiger Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving on Friday and could avoid jail time if he stays out of trouble for a year.

Woods arrived in a black SUV with his attorney and bodyguards, wearing a dark suit and white shirt. Under the county’s first-time DUI diversion program, Woods will be on probation for 12 months, pay $5,000 in fines, perform 50 hours of community service and attend a DUI class. If Woods abides by the requirements of the program stays out of trouble for a year, his DUI charges will be wiped from his record.

Inside the courtroom, Woods said little, simply responding “yes”
or “no” to the judge and saying “thank you” at the end. Outside the courtroom, Woods did not respond to reporters asking him questions.

On Wednesday night, Woods was in Los Angeles at the Dodger Stadium, enjoying game two of the World Series.

For the past four years, Palm Beach County has allowed first-time DUI offenders to enter a diversion program, instead of losing their driver’s license and face possible jail time.

“Tiger Woods is being treated just like anyone would be treated here in Palm Beach County,” said former prosecutor Carissa Kranz, who said Tiger Woods’ celebrity status has no bearing on the case.

“Here in Palm Beach County, first-time DUI offenders have the option to knock it down to a reckless driving charge, knock it down to a reckless charge, enter a pre-trial diversion program, where they have probation, and if they complete the program successfully, adjudication can be withheld and they can actually have their record expunged. However if their record is expunged, and they get another DUI, that doesn’t allow them to enter this pre-trial diversion again,”

“There is no celebrity privilege here.”

— Carissa Kranz

At the end of May at about 3 a.m., Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies pulled up alongside Woods, who was parked curiously on the side of the road, asleep.

During his roadside sobriety test, Woods slurred, couldn’t walk a straight line, appeared very “out of it” and was taken to the station where he could barely keep his eyes open and struggled to blow into the breathalyzer.

That test showed no alcohol in Woods’ system, 0.0. A toxicology test, instead, showed a bunch of prescription drugs, Vicadin, Xanax, Ambien, Dilaudid as well as THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Woods has had four back surgeries in the past three years, most recently fusion surgery in April.

After the arrest, Woods went to an out-of-state rehab center, which he’s tweeted helped him better manage his medications and dosages.

 

This week Woods tweeted out a new video, showing him hitting a “stinger”—a low, line drive, down the fairway.

The DUI diversion program entails one year of probation, DUI school, community service and fines.

Tiger Woods pleads guilty to reckless driving, will enter DUI diversion program

Golf legend Tiger Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving on Friday and could avoid jail time if he stays out of trouble for a year.

Woods arrived in a black SUV with his attorney and bodyguards, wearing a dark suit and white shirt. Under the county’s first-time DUI diversion program, Woods will be on probation for 12 months, pay $5,000 in fines, perform 50 hours of community service and attend a DUI class. If Woods abides by the requirements of the program stays out of trouble for a year, his DUI charges will be wiped from his record.

Inside the courtroom, Woods said little, simply responding “yes”
or “no” to the judge and saying “thank you” at the end. Outside the courtroom, Woods did not respond to reporters asking him questions.

On Wednesday night, Woods was in Los Angeles at the Dodger Stadium, enjoying game two of the World Series.

For the past four years, Palm Beach County has allowed first-time DUI offenders to enter a diversion program, instead of losing their driver’s license and face possible jail time.

“Tiger Woods is being treated just like anyone would be treated here in Palm Beach County,” said former prosecutor Carissa Kranz, who said Tiger Woods’ celebrity status has no bearing on the case.

“Here in Palm Beach County, first-time DUI offenders have the option to knock it down to a reckless driving charge, knock it down to a reckless charge, enter a pre-trial diversion program, where they have probation, and if they complete the program successfully, adjudication can be withheld and they can actually have their record expunged. However if their record is expunged, and they get another DUI, that doesn’t allow them to enter this pre-trial diversion again,”

“There is no celebrity privilege here.”

— Carissa Kranz

At the end of May at about 3 a.m., Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies pulled up alongside Woods, who was parked curiously on the side of the road, asleep.

During his roadside sobriety test, Woods slurred, couldn’t walk a straight line, appeared very “out of it” and was taken to the station where he could barely keep his eyes open and struggled to blow into the breathalyzer.

That test showed no alcohol in Woods’ system, 0.0. A toxicology test, instead, showed a bunch of prescription drugs, Vicadin, Xanax, Ambien, Dilaudid as well as THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Woods has had four back surgeries in the past three years, most recently fusion surgery in April.

After the arrest, Woods went to an out-of-state rehab center, which he’s tweeted helped him better manage his medications and dosages.

 

This week Woods tweeted out a new video, showing him hitting a “stinger”—a low, line drive, down the fairway.

The DUI diversion program entails one year of probation, DUI school, community service and fines.

Read more

Personal Injury Results

SETTLED MILLIONS

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Neck Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits Settlement

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Neck Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits Settlement

Broward County

Settled Millions

Premises Liability

Neck/Back Injury

Policy Limits

Miami-Dade County

Settled Millions

Negligence

Neck/Back Injury

Policy Limits

Miami-Dade County

Settled Millions

Car Accident

Back Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits Settlement

St. Lucie County

Settled Millions

Motorcycle Accident

Traumatic Brain Injury

Policy Limits Settlement

Martin County

Settled Millions

Bicycle Accident

Leg amputation

Policy Limits Settlement

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Fractures & Herniations

Policy Limits Settlement

Miami-Dade County

Settled Millions

Car Accident

Neck & Back Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits Settlement

Martin County

Settled Millions

Car Accident

Neck & Back Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits Settlement

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Car Accident

Neck & Back Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits Settlement

Broward County

Settled Millions

Car Accident

Neck & Back Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits Settlement

Miami-Dade County

Settled Millions

Motorcycle Accident

Fractures/Broken

Policy Limits Settlement

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Fractures & Herniations

Policy Limits Settlement

Martin County

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Neck Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Neck Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits

Miami-Dade County

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Neck Injury

Policy Limits

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Back Injury

Policy Limits

Broward County

Settled Millions

Truck Accident

Neck Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Car Accident

Neck Injury

Policy Limits

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Car Accident

Wrongful Death

Policy Limits

Martin County

Settled Millions

Trip & Fall Premises

Spine Injury

Policy Limits

Miami-Dade County

Settled Millions

Slip & Fall Premises

Spine Injury/Surgery

Policy Limits

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Motorcycle

Neck

Policy

Palm

Settled Millions

Motorcycle Car Accident

Paralysis & Brain Injury

Policy Limits

Martin County

Settled Millions

Bicycle Accident

Head, Neck & Spine Injury

Policy Limits

Miami-Dade County

Settled Millions

Pedestrian Car Accident

Wrongful Death

Policy Limits

St. Lucie County

Settled Millions

Motorcycle Car Accident

Paralysis & Brain Injury

Policy Limits

St. Lucie County

Settled Millions

Bicycle Car Accident

Paraplegic/wheelchair

Policy Limits

Palm Beach County

Settled Millions

Car Accident

Paraplegic/wheelchair

Policy Limits

Broward County
Personal Injury Lawyers

FREE case evaluation

SUBMIT CASE DETAILS

Want Case Evaluation Priority?

Submit your case to our Priority Evaluation list.

Yes! I want priority -- FREE CONSULT

We will not share your information with anyone outside of The Firm without your permission. Submitting your name and information here does not create an attorney-client relationship with The Firm.

Office Locations

Palm Beach

Injury Legal Firm

3801 PGA Blvd #600

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Send Mail Here

Miami

Injury Legal Firm

7695 SW 104th St Ste 230

Miami, Florida 33156

Appointment Only

New York

Injury Legal Firm

155 E. 49th St, St 7E

New York, NY 10017

Appointment Only