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This painting is part of a series called 'Animals in our World' that is based on animal rights.
"Merlin" is a real goat that was found wandering the streets of Los Angeles. He was
eventualy taken in by a fantastic group by the name of 'Animal Acres' in Acton, Ca.

Merlin had suffered some agonizing abuse, his tongue had been severed at the root in what
looked like an effort to cut it off, and now hangs limp out of the side of his mouth. One of his
horns juts out in a jagged end as a result of a failed attempt at severing it. Merlin no longer
allows humans to touch or groom him and his hair lays in massive clumps around his body.
But he does now tolerate being around the caretakers and visitors. Maybe Merlin will
re-connect
one day.

In this painting I have inserted an excerpt along the red banner, from the Beatle's song
"Blackbird"; which is a poignant song about hope in the face of negative circumstance.

Animal abuse of domesticated creatures is a reality and the legal system does little to
nothing to protect them. The criminals who inflict these abuses are barely penalized, if at all.
Animals raised and used for meat or other bodily products also receive less legal protection
than any other animals in the country. They are, therefore, subject to some of the most
horrific neglect and abuses that this country sees on a second to second basis.

It is my hope, with this and other paintings in my animal rights series, to try and open eyes
to the incredibly dynamic and intelligent nature of animals. It is why I no longer fund
corporations that do not humanely treat their animals. Unfortunately, that is a long list, but
hopefully, eventually, with enough people supporting it, money will do the talking. It always
does.

For more information on animals used in agriculture and other animal issues check out: Peta.org,
americanhumane.org, veggieglobal.com, goveg.com, animalacres.org.