April 19, 2012

Gracia Del Mar: the horror continues

 

UPDATE from COMPASSION IN WORLD FARMING

A few weeks ago over 20,000 of you wrote to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) regarding the tragedy aboard the Gracia del Mar ship, on which thousands of cattle were stranded and dying. Thank you for your amazing support.

Together, we called on the OIE to react quickly to resolve the appalling situation, and ensure that their guidelines to protect animals in transport are properly enforced.

Despite this phenomenal pressure, the OIE have completely failed in their responsibility to take action on this disaster. The full story of what happened on board the Gracia del Mar is still a mystery, but we believe the OIE did nothing to help resolve the incident, despite having a clear mandate to take action.

And it gets worse…

Since this tragedy, Compassion in World Farming has received truly shocking footage of inhumane animal slaughter in Egypt: the original destination of the animals aboard the Gracia del Mar.

This footage is some of the worst that Compassion has ever seen; completely in breach of international slaughter guidelines and so utterly horrific that we are unable to show it publicly.

And who do you think is responsible for the development of these slaughter guidelines? The OIE, again. And yet again, they are failing abysmally in their duty to protect farm animals.

TAKE ACTION NOW – tell the OIE this is not acceptable

We have received reports that the surviving animals aboard the Gracia del Mar, which we believe were eventually unloaded in Djibouti, may yet be returned to Egypt and are likely to face these terrible slaughter conditions.

After an unimaginably distressing voyage these animals now face a brutal end in the final stage of this story – and the buck must stop with the OIE.

The OIE have a conference in May and we are doing everything we can to ensure they address their failings on transport and slaughter at this meeting. But we need your help.

Please email the OIE now: Call on them to take responsibility, show leadership in ensuring their guidelines are adhered to and to confirm what, if anything, they did to help resolve the Gracia del Mar disaster.

Thank you,

James West
Campaign Manager

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Past news:

Gracia Del Mar Cattle Tragedy

http://legalaction4animalrights.net/2012/03/09/update-gracia-del-mar-cattle-tragedy/

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Filed under Egypt, Live export

April 19, 2012

Cancel The Height Restrictions On Dogs In Harbin, China

Reblogged from Care for Chinese Animals:

Plea from Harbin citizen to save her dog: ENGLISH

Harbin government will probably start confiscating dogs in the city from the 1st of June. Responsible citizen and dog owner Yu Fei is in despair: she doesn’t want to violate the law, neither wants to give up her loyal friend Yang, an Old English sheep dog. Watch her personal plea

Plea from Harbin citizen to save her dog: CHINESE…

Read more… 75 more words, 1 more video

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April 17, 2012

HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL AND LUSH COSMETICS LAUNCH GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO END COSMETICS TESTING ON ANIMALS

Humane Society International/Australia, Choose Cruelty-Free, Humane Research Australia and Lush Cosmetics have launched the Australian arm of the largest-ever global campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics. The campaign, launched to coincide with World Week for Animals in Laboratories, is being rolled out simultaneously in 48 countries and more than 700 Lushstores in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe, India, the United States and Russia. HSI also operates a scientific outreach program in other countries, where the testing of cosmetics on animals is still required by law.

Troy Seidle, director of research & toxicology for Humane Society International, said:

“Animal testing is the ugly secret of the beauty industry, and it’s time for it to stop. Thousands of animals such as rabbits and mice continue to endure chemical poisoning tests just to produce new lipsticks and shampoos, and that’s simply unacceptable in a modern society.”

Such testing is already banned in Europe and a further ban on the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals in other parts of the world is expected to come into effect in March 2013.

In Australia, whilst little or no cosmetics animal testing is currently licensed, there is no legal ban preventing animal testing in the future, and products tested on animals overseas are still sold in shops throughout the country.

HSI offices in Australia, Canada, India, and the United States are joining with Lush to end cosmetics cruelty with nationwide consumer campaigns in each region. HSI and its partners will work with politicians, regulators and scientists to press for change. Consumers are being urged to sign national petitions in Lush stores from 17 to 28 April, and online at fightinganimaltesting.com and hsi.org/becrueltyfree. Citizens will be able to support both an international ban, and at the same time send a strong message to the Australian government that animal testing for cosmetics needs to be banned by law.

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April 17, 2012

Florida Victory: Environmentally Destructive Zoo Bill Vetoed

Reblogged from Victories for the Animals:

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source: In Defense of Animals – eNews

A coalition of 16 Florida zoos and aquariums tried to quietly pass a bill that would have allowed them to lease state-owned land to breed exotic species under the guise of “research.” We asked our Florida members to send letters opposing the bill. We’re pleased to report that Governor Rick Scott has vetoed it.

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April 12, 2012

EU: Launch of CALLISTO

A direct access to scientific research and debates on zoonoses transmitted by companion animals

CALLISTO – Companion Animals multisectoriaL interprofessionaL Interdisciplinary Strategic Think tank On zoonoses presents the www.callistoproject.eu website. CALLISTO is an international research project financed by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Commission and implemented by an international consortium of research
institutes, universities and veterinary associations. This project aims at providing an overview of the current situation, with regard to the role of companion animals as a source of infectious diseases for people and livestock. During a three years cycle, CALLISTO will identify knowledge and technology gaps for the most important zoonoses associated with keeping companion animals, and it will propose targeted actions to prevent and reduce the health risks for both humans and livestock.

 

Nine project partners, led by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), cooperated in developing the CALLISTO website, which is considered the gateway to the scientific research developed within the project, as well as the main axis of the CALLISTO communication and dissemination strategy. CALLISTO communication activities aim at contributing to the uptake of the knowledge gained throughout the project, and at promoting risk-awareness in healthy and balanced human/animal relationships.

 

This website is the core of the project outcomes for both internal and external purposes. Specifically, the website informs relevant stakeholders about the outcome of CALLISTO conferences and expert group meetings, it
promotes awareness on objectives and activities of the think tank in order to increase general public awareness of the impact of companion animal zoonoses, and to obtain the support of political stakeholders in combating zoonosis outbreaks and diffusion at a European and National level.

 

This website is dedicated to the interactions between CALLISTO and the outside world, promoting effective and durable uptake of the output of CALLISTO conferences, beyond the organisations directly involved in the network. CALLISTO engages the outside world in developing the expert opinions and recommendations, having direct links with a wider audience of stakeholders: organisations of pet owners, pet traders and transporters, farmers, animal welfare organisations, national and international public health authorities, experts on epidemiology, sociology and welfare of
companion animals.

 

To this end, www.callistoproject.eu promotes a continuous exchange of  information with main stakeholders and general public, using interactive spaces for discussion, such as blog and web conferences, and offering
project documents, videos, scientific literature and other relevant documentation. The website will be constantly updated, according to CALLISTO progresses with respect to scientific research, and proposing targeted actions to reduce the risk of infectious diseases associated with  keeping companion animals.

 
All relevant information concerning CALLISTO is now available at www.callistoproject.eu

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April 12, 2012

EU Exposed: factory farming’s best kept secret

 

During a recent investigation, “Compassion in World Farming” team visited rabbit farms in France, Spain and Italy – where more than three quarters of all rabbit farming in the EU takes place.

 

Appalling suffering was documented; rabbits kept in tiny, bare wire cages, unable to move freely or express their natural desires to dig or hide. Rabbit faeces were built up under the cages – piled up to knee-height in places. And there were bins – full of dead rabbits.

During their investigation they witnessed extremely high levels of suffering; rabbits kept in tiny, bare wire cages, unable to move freely or express their natural desires to dig or hide. The conditions are so detrimental to their welfare that more than 15% of these animals die in their cages.

Globally, rabbit farming has nearly doubled in the last 20 years and has become much more intensive. There are no EU laws specifically protecting rabbits and these vulnerable animals have been ignored in an important part of the new EU slaughter regulations coming into force in 2013. They are completely defenceless against inhumane practices and cruelty. And, meat from rabbits kept in these conditions is being sold right now across the UK and Europe.

 

“Compassion in World Farming” – Links

Rabbit Revolution

Read Investigator’s Eyewitness Account

Video: Please be aware it contains scenes of a distressing nature.

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Filed under EU, Rabbits

April 11, 2012

Felix shelter Serbia – Appeal

We have received a message from our friend Danica, President of Felix cat shelter in Serbia.

Please  support – if you cannot send money, share the information far and wide. Thanks!

Full information on making a donation (Paypal or cards) is available on her site – simply click on the ‘Donate’ link on the following site: http://catshelterfelix.com/

 

Message from: Danica Mirkovic – President - is as follows:

All of you remember this last dreadful winter, when Europe, including Serbia was caught in the grip of uncommon deep freeze. My shelter had been cut off by heavy snow for days. By some miracle, the roof and the wire mesh were able to sustain the maximum snow load but haven’t got through the winter unscathed. They’re severely ravaged by an extraordinary amount of ice and snow they were never meant to endure.

We definitely cannot get through another winter like this. Workers are supposed to start repairing a roof and making a concrete backyard this month. The existing concrete surfaces which are cracked and worn out must be removed and replaced. When it rains, water collects and pools in my backyard so extra drainage needs to be added. I am worried sick because of the expanses as these repairs will cost a fortune yet they’re necessary. It all needs to be done, and done now. And again I’m forced to ask for your help, as I cannot do this alone.

As all of you know, my shelter depends on donations entirely. I’m very much aware that most of the people are strapped for money these days, notwithstanding your help is desperately needed. My kitties and I are boundlessly grateful to all of you who support us through these hard times. You truly reinforce the belief that together we can make a difference!

http://catshelterfelix.com/

new webshop http://www.cafepress.co.uk/catshelterfelix.

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CARE2 News to share

MEET THE CATS

http://www.youtube.com/user/Felixshelter/videos

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April 10, 2012

IFAW: $3.6 million sealing industry bailout is a waste

Update from IFAW about Canadian seal hunt.

Commercial seal hunt in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador © IFAW/S.Cook

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) condemns the Canadian government’s decision to provide $3.6 million in bailout money to a Norwegian company to stockpile seal pelts. The animal welfare group says that using Newfoundland tax dollars to keep the seal hunt on life support is wasteful and misguided.

“When a company cannot receive financing through traditional sources, it should be a clear warning that the seal hunt is a bad investment,” said Sheryl Fink, Director of IFAW’s Seal Program. “The numbers alone show that this is an economically unviable, dying industry, and continuing to finance it simply does not make fiscal sense. Tens of millions of dollars have been poured into the sealing industry over the past two decades, with little to show for it. The sealing industry is at its lowest point in recent memory, bringing in less than $1 million last year.”

Fink also questioned the decision to use taxpayer dollars to bail out a Norwegian company:  “It’s also interesting that the Minister would provide millions in bailouts to Carino, a Norwegian company, in the very same week that NuTan Furs, a Canadian-owned company, announced that it was closing its seal tannery.”

The landed value of the commercial seal hunt in the past 3 years adds up to only $2.9 million, and the numbers of sealers participating industry is dwindling annually, with only 225 participating in 2011, as many sealers move on to other opportunities.

IFAW says that this bailout is a short-term measure, and comes at a time when the sealing industry may have reached the point of no return. Thirty-three countries  now ban the trade in seal products, notably the 27 member states of the EU, Russia (which reportedly represented approximately 90% of the export market for seal fur) and the U.S. (Canada’s closest trading partner). An agreement between Canada and China to allow edible seal products to be exported to China has not been ratified, and there are reports of China considering banning seal products as well.

“At a time when all levels of government are talking about fiscal responsibility, it is astounding that the Conservative Government continues to throw good money after bad at an industry that has no future,” Fink said. “What the government needs to do is provide sealers with opportunities to get out of the industry and to end the seal hunt once and for all.”

 

TAKE ACTION:

Protect seals

http://www.ifaw.org/ca/get-involved/protect-seals-help-sealers-out

 

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April 10, 2012

2 Kittens rescued

Reblogged from Care for Chinese Animals:

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The 2 kittens are only about 20 days old. Sara, a tourist  from Spain, rescued them from an abandoned box in Qibao.

A volunteer from Jaiya Animal Rescue in Shanghai, offered to open her home and look after the kittens. They will be taken to the vet for further check up.

Learn more about JAR - Jaiya’s Animal Rescue, at these links…

Read more… 21 more words

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Filed under China, Dogs and cats, Note

April 10, 2012

Bird protection in China soars to new heights as rescue center marks ten-year anniversary

Reblogged from Care for Chinese Animals:

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Government officials, conservationists, animal rescuers and celebrities joined in a celebration today to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Beijing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC)—China’s only specialized raptor rescue and rehabilitation facility. Established a decade ago by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and located at Beijing Normal University (BNU), BRRC not only saves individual raptors, but also educates people about threats to wildlife and promotes policies and actions that advance the conservation and welfare of animals.

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April 10, 2012

Making Animal Cruelty Offenses Count

A very simple sad fact is that people abuse animals. It is hard for most people to fathom why anyone would want to hurt anther living being. Who does this? Where does it happen? Is it increasing or decreasing?

The answers to these and other questions would help law enforcement, prosecutors, mental health professionals, educators, policy makers, and others address this problem more effectively. Unfortunately, not only is this information not readily available, but also, until now, it could not be said whether such information even exists.

In recognition of April as Animal Cruelty Awareness Month, the Animal Welfare Institute announces the availability of the Animal Cruelty Crime Statistics: Findings from a Survey of State Uniform Crime Reporting Programs. For the first time, a snapshot has been taken of whether and how states collect and report animal cruelty crime data. Knowing this is the first step towards having such information available on a national level.

Animal cruelty in and of itself is a heinous act against some of the most vulnerable members of society. It is a crime in all jurisdictions, and some forms constitute felonies in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virginia Islands. Moreover, it is well known that animal abuse is linked to other crimes, including family violence and other forms of interpersonal violence, gang and drug offenses, and property crimes. However, the FBI does not collect animal cruelty crime statistics as part of its Uniform Crime Report (UCR), and so there is no broad picture of these crimes.

AWI has long been working to achieve inclusion of animal related crimes in the UCR. Its new report offers detailed information obtained from the 28 participating state FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) programs about if and how animal cruelty crime statistics are reported to the state UCR programs by local police and then transmitted to the FBI national office. Of critical importance, Animal Cruelty… reveals that some state UCR programs maintain retrievable animal cruelty crime statistics. This is vital information not publicly known before this survey.

AWI President Cathy Liss explained that the survey was done to gain a better understanding of what is and isn’t known about crimes against animals. “We needed to know if such information exists or can be generated for submitting to the FBI. We learned that some states are already collecting such data. And we were particularly gratified to learn that the majority agree that having such data is useful.”

This report takes an important first step toward the goal of gaining inclusion of animal cruelty crime statistics in the FBI’s national analysis.

 

AWI REPORT

Animal Cruelty Crime Statistics: Findings from a Survey of State Uniform Crime Reporting Programs.

http://www.awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/ca-12fbireportfinal040312.pdf

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Filed under Animal cruelty abuse neglect, USA