Miami February 17. The Government of the United States currently
carries out a survey in order to know if American citizens are implied in
an illegal trade of captive dolphins coming from Cuba and destined for
various tourist establishments in the Caribbean.
The investigation carried out by the Office of the Treasury of the
United States, which is given the responsibility to control the transfers
of foreign capital and the possible violations of the economic embargo
issued by the USA against Cuba. They are concentrating their interest
mainly on two " dolphin parks" managed by Americans on Antigua and
Anguilla, two islands located at the Northeast of the Caribbean.
"An investigation is opened ", confirmed the special agent of customs, Mr. Robert Fernandez, to the
press. " If it proves that a US citizen or any American company is implied in this type of
traffic, it would be a pure and simple violation of the embargo".
Furthermore the "Herald Tribune" reported that the Cuban government is at present one of the principal providers of dolphins for delphinariums, particularly those where tourists may directly touch these very popular marine creatures and swim with
them.
It is now more than forty years ago that the United States imposed an
economic embargo against the Cuban communist state. Following the fall of
its Soviet ally, Cuba tries by all means to find new sources of foreign
currencies.
It is a well-known fact that the capture of wild dolphins for the use
in " marine parks " constitutes for a long time now a prime target for the
defenders of animal rights. Even if American laws allow in theory the
capture of wild dolphins, the ceaseless actions of activists lead ten
years ago to a moratorium regarding this situation in the United States.
On the other hand, the Cuban Ministry of Science and the Technology, who
manages the infamous National Aquarium of Havana, developed an extremely
lucrative market of captive dolphins for the Caribbean and Europe.
Célia, 38 years, veterinary responsible for marine mammals in Aquario National, is nobody else than the daughter of Che Guevara! According to figures presented by a specialized agency of the United Nations
(which compiles all information available on the live animal-trade) Havana sold at least 82 dolphins during these five last
years, making the island of Cuba the first world exporter of captive
dolphins... Sent by:
(02/03/2002) Audience at the International Court of Justice for Animal Rights
Monday, 11th March 2002, 09.00 a.m.
CICG – Centre International de Conférence de Genève
15, rue de Varembé, Geneva, Switzerland
The case of the Inhumane Treatment of Farm Animals for Slaughter in Europe:
· Monstrous conditions in factory farming, live exports, long distance transport and
slaughterhouses
· Over-production and resulting mass extermination of surplus live stock
· Ritual slaughter without stunning
In the light of newly inflamed discussions about ritual slaughtering without stunning and of newly discovered facts about the scandalous treatment of animals in European factory farms and
slaughterhouses, the hearing is of special public interest. Simultaneous translation:
English, French, German.
As usual, the Court will be composed by three judges and a jury of nine
members. Attorney-at-law Dr. Christian Sailer, Germany, is the prosecutor. Judges next to the president are attorney Dr. Norbert
Schauer, Austria, and lawyer Lars-Jürgen Weidemann, Germany. Attorney-at-law Rudolf
Schaller, Switzerland, will act as counsel for the defence.
Among the complainants are: C.I.W.F.Compassion in World Farming, Great
Britain; the Animal Protection Party, Germany; GAIA and Animaux en Peril,
Belgium; O.A.B.A. Oeuvre d’Assistance aux Bêtes d‘Abattoirs, France; the
Asociacion Centro de Estudios Naturistas, Spain; the Federation for the
Protection of Animals, Austria; the Animal Welfare Institute of Poland
(whose delegate will expose the illegal and criminal practices linked to
the live exports of Polish farm animals for slaughter to EU countries),
Poland, and others.
The Court has so far invited the following personalities to appear at the
hearing: EU Commissioner Franz Fischler, Austria, and Commissioner David
Byrne, Ireland; the Secretary of State Rt Hon Margaret Beckett, Great
Britain; the president of the German Farmers’ Protection Association Gerd
Sonnleitner, Bonn; and six ministers of agriculture from Belgium, France,
Spain, Italy, Austria, Holland.
The hearing, which is presided by Franz Weber, closes around 4.00 p.m.
by a verdict. Dr. Johannes Caspar, professor at the University of Hamburg,
Germany, will take part in the proceedings as advisor on European Law. Dr.
Eric Posak, France, and Professor Dr. Dr. Klaus Sojka, Germany, will take
part in the proceedings as legal advisors of the complainants.
22nd February 2002
THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS
Information: FONDATION FRANZ WEBER, case postale, CH-1820 Montreux/Suisse
- TEL 0041 21 964 37 37 and 964 42 84 - FAX 0041 21 964 57 36 - E-mail
ffw@ffw.ch
-
www.ffw.ch
(03/03/2002) A Day Without End - Daily Life at the Bruges Dolphinarium
www.dauphinlibre.be/aday.htm
On January 31 2002, the weekly English language magazine The Bulletin,
published in Brussels, dedicated a whole page to the confessions of a
trainer working at the Boudewijn Park Dolphinarium in Bruges. Confessions
is a big word. Mr Johan Cottyn is quite happy in fact to describe life at
the Bruges Dolphinarium in very peaceful terms ; truly it is a little
paradise.
So firstly we will give you an idea of the tenor of his article, which
could also be entitled «An ordinary day at the Dolphinarium». (As this
text is protected by copyright, you'll read just an abstract). Then we
will examine point by point the assertions of this professional of captive
animals and the subjects which he dares to stipulate.
In addition it should be pointed out that the following week «The Bulletin" - which
is, by the way, an excellent newspaper - was offering free places to the dolphinarium to their
readers.
At this month's Animal Rights (AR) Conference at American University in Washington, D.C., several keynote speakers emphasized the need to build bridges to other activist segments in order to expand the significance of the AR
movement. Consider what they said:
Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA, stated that PETA has launched outreach programs towards people of
color;
Howard Lyman, President of EarthSave and author of "The Mad Cowboy" and
Pattrice- , Founder of The Global Coalition Against World Hunger, emphasized the need to form coalitions with other groups seeking social justice.
I'll try to summarize what was said during the conference below:
When we succeed in helping others realize that animal justice is part of social justice, we have come "full
circle" in making the connection that all life is part of the "interrelated web of existence" and deserves equal protection and reverence accorded by
ethical, moral and judicial bodies. In the (paraphrased) words of Ingrid
Newkirk, "when it comes to pain, fear and loneliness, a dog is a rat is a pig is a boy."
TIPS FOR ATTRACTING OTHERS TO OUR CAUSE:
Please remember, Animal Rights (AR) doesn't stand in isolation by itself – but fits into broader social issues:
poverty, oppression at work, domestic violence, public health, health delivery
systems, nutrition and enough `food for all,' anti-violence, etc., etc. Helping one is helping all – it's the web of life. Help others to see the logical
connection.
When talking to someone outside the AR movement, try to understand: "What is the primary
emergency/concern faced by this person?" Is it hunger, poverty,
racism, violence, helplessness, lack of healthcare, abortion, etc. etc? Acknowledge their feelings,
concerns; their perspective. Quickly refer to the connection between their condition and using animals in a cruel and unethical
way. For example, are they suffering from poor health and lack of
healthcare? Quickly state that billions are thrown away each year to
"white coat welfare" schemes to poison and injure animals in experiments that do not translate into human health
benefits; money that would be better spent providing health care to humans in clinical
settings. Are they concerned about racism or oppression at home or at
work? Briefly state how the system of oppression begins with speciesism, or the oppression and exploitation of other animals by those who have the power to do
so; discuss the animal-human violence connection. Are they hungry? Remind them that the animal-based diet propagated by
schools, governments and industry is expensive and harmful to human health and the
environment; plant-based nutrition conserves the earth, protects the health of adults and
children, is very affordable, and does not torture and exploit other
species. If someone is concerned about abortion (pro or con), discuss the exploitation of farmed animals by forced impregnation to produce offspring who are ripped away at birth for sale to auction houses and school dissection
programs.
WHEN SOMEONE SAYS:
When someone says, "Well why don't you spend your time helping humans?" You can honestly
say, "I am doing so by working in the AR movement." And then discuss some of the connections mentioned
above. You might also want to say, "Well, I've never met an Animal Rights activist who says you can't both help the animals and help other
humans; are you saying you don't see the connection?" (The idea is to put THEM on the
defensive, challenge them to think – meet their question by asking THEM a question in return!) You might also want to
ask, "Well, what do you do for humans that prevents you from helping animals
too?" (Usually the person you're talking to doesn't do ANYTHING to help
ANYONE…but that's another subject…)
Howard Lyman reminds us that we all need to cultivate the patience and humility to realize that what we say to another person is just ONE COAT OF
PAINT. Psychologists and educators say it takes 7 – 12 times of hearing something before a person begins to
"get it." You may be person #4 to say something to this person about Animal Rights (AR). Don't try to put on all 12 coats of paint at one time: you don't want to turn the person off all
together. Be gentle, direct and humble; leave the door open enough for the next person to come along to apply another coat of paint by speaking more of the truth about AR. We need to pray for each other (or send positive
energy; whatever makes sense to your view of the universe.)
If you would like to learn more about "Building Bridges" and the interrelatedness of all social justice causes, visit the websites
at:
Beauty contests for human beings are commonplace now but beauty
pageants for the ships of the desert! Unheard of but now a reality thanks
to the President of UAE. On February 26th, Arabian camels were lined up in
a sandy desert strip for a first ever camel walk on the ramp. The owners
selected the most beautiful camels according to their heads, eyes, bodies,
humps, legs, cheeks, health and adornment. The blacker and younger they
were, the better chances of winning a prize. Hundred enthusiastic owners
with more than 500 camels joined the contest to attempt for a share of the
Dirhams 400,000 (US $ 112,000), a prize donated by the president.
So, will the current Miss World have a pal in Munifa (Miss beautiful camel!)? Difficult to
say!!
In our world of fast disappearing species, a new animal-variety is being bred in the
UAE. Rama, the cama offspring of a male camel and a female guanaco (a wild antecedent of the
domesticated llama), born in 1998, now has a playmate in Kamilah: she was
born to a male dromedary camel and a female llama. The successful
crossbreeds combine the characteristics of both animals. Welcome Kamilah!
Or should we say Marhaba—Arabic for welcome to the land of sun and sand!
Sudha Sharma
(06/03/2002) Joke about dog slaughter sparks controversy
In a controversy rivaling the recent Olympic skating scandals, South Koreans are angered by a joke told on the US television program “The Tonight Show”. The joke told by host Jay Leno referred to South Korean speed skater Kim Dong-Sung who was disqualified after finishing first in the 1500-meter speed skating
event. Leno said the skater must have been so frustrated he must have gone home and kicked the dog, then eaten it.
The joke has sparked outrage from South Korean politicians, namely Kim
Jong-Pil, leader of the opposition United Liberal Party who vowed to send
a letter of protest to NBC and is quoted as saying, “It is repulsive to
talk about another country in such a foul manner. It would not be proper
to let such a man without the least common decency to continue to host a
TV programme.”
NBC has not yet received the intended letter however; they have issued a brief statement “to assure the Korean Community that it is not the intent of the show, Jay Leno or NBC to offend
them. Leno made it clear his intention was not to hurt or offend anyone, though he expressed surprise that the joke was so hurtful because “from his perspective it was based in fact.” Jay has not ‘apologized’ and NBC and Mr Leno have said they will have no further comment.
The controversial joke whether in bad taste or not has brought much needed attention to the Korean dog and cat slaughter issue and exposed the television viewing public to the fact that many Koreans are still dog and cat
consumers. The publicity has been welcomed by many animal rights groups committed to ending the bloody dog and cat meat trade in South
Korea.
South Koreas dog and cat meat trade is a terrifying example of a human beings capacity for
cruelty: Butchers hang dogs and beat them with bats and rods, dogs are skinned
alive, their skin slowly separated from their flesh while they are fully
conscious, dogs are thrown into boiling water and pushed back in by butchers when they try to escape, live cats are thrown into pressure cookers to be slowly boiled to death and made into “cat
juice”, dogs are stuffed together in tiny cages and are often crushed to death even before
slaughter, dogs tongues are cut out, they are hammered on the head into a semi-conscious state before being electrocuted not once but several times as electrocution is often not successful the first time and all this occurs while the animals watch and wait for their turn to die. Dog and cat meat markets are places of
terror, torture and death, a veritable Hell on Earth yet the Korean Government does NOTHING to stop this behavior and many Representatives even support the dog and cat meat
industry. Animal rights groups are working hard to bring attention to the issue and urging the South Korean Government to introduce new and aggressive language into existing weak animal protection Laws to prevent the massacre from continuing but they need more help. Please visit
www.koreananimals.org and
www.dogaid.freeservers.com for more information and find out ways in which you can help to save the suffering dogs and cats of South
Korea.
(dogsindistress@hotmail.com)
(07/03/2002) Japanese whalers to target endangered sei whales
Fifty Sei whales, officially listed as an endangered species in the
IUCN red data book (1), are to be caught by a Japanese factory ship in an
expansion of their 'scientific' whaling program in the North Pacific. The
Japanese Government had tried to keep the new plan strictly confidential
until shortly before the whalers were ready to sail in June, but was
forced to disclose it when a Japanese wire service obtained a copy of the
plan.
This announcement comes as the International Whaling Commission this
week in Auckland hammers out a final plan to resume commercial whaling.
(2) Greenpeace has been keeping a vigil outside the Ascot Metropolis hotel
where delegates are meeting. Japan's Fisheries Agency has long used the
excuse of 'scientific research' to catch whales for the commercial market
in Japan. Ironically, with changing tastes among the young coupled with
the recession in Japan, the market for whale meat is steadily weakening.
Some of the meat from last year's 'research' whaling in the Antarctic
remained unsold. Meat from last summer's expedition to the North Pacific
remains in a stockpile in Japan and has not been released to retailers.
The Fisheries Agency has been forced to issue glossy pamphlets promoting
whale meat in an effort to increase sales. A MORI poll in December 1999
found that the majority of Japanese people no longer eat whale meat and
Greenpeace Japan staff report that it has become a "high class expensive
food".
"Japan's 'scientific' whaling is an insult to science," said
Greenpeace campaigner, Sarah Duthie, "and to claim that whales are eating
too many fish is absurd. Decreased catches of fish are caused by humans
over-fishing, not by the remnants of whale populations occupying the same
ecological niches they have occupied for tens of millions of years," she
added.
Japan claims it needs to catch whales to find out what they eat. Yet
tens of thousands of whales were taken during commercial whaling
operations in the past and studies then confirmed that 85% of their
stomach contents were copepods (a type of tiny crustacean) and krill.
"Greenpeace calls on Japan to immediately withdraw this proposal and,
if it wishes to research whales, to do so entirely by non-lethal means. We
expect all conservation minded nations to protest directly to the
Government of Japan and call for an immediate halt to this so-called
'scientific' whaling," concluded Duthie.
Notes:
(1) See
www.redlist.org/
(2) The Government of Japan’s vote-buying strategy has dramatically
increased pressure on anti-whaling countries to agree to a management plan
for whaling. Full-scale commercial whaling could be resumed despite deep
differences over the plan because vote buying by the Fisheries Agency of
Japan is likely to secure a majority at the May 2002 meeting of the IWC
where the plan is to be discussed.
(14/03/2002) UK: Opinion Poll Shows 4 Out of 5 People are Against Live Animal Exports
CIWF and Advocates for Animals revealed today the results of a nationwide poll to determine the public feeling about the live export of farm animals. 78% of the respondents felt that “The export of live animal exports should be brought to an end. Instead the animals should be slaughtered in the UK, with our exports being in meat
form.”
Peter Stevenson, Director of CIWF, said, “The government defends their position on not banning this trade by referring to the illegality of stopping trade in goods within the EU. This is a ludicrous position – animals have been formally recognised as sentient beings by the EU, they are not
goods.”
Ross Minett, Campaigns Officer for Advocates for Animals, said “This poll confirms that the vast majority of British people back our call for a permanent end to cruel and unnecessary live exports. It is high time this government took heed of the strong public opinion on this issue. Action must be taken to end the suffering routinely inflicted on animals by this barbaric
trade.”
In addition to this, a House of Commons Early Day Motion has been submitted by Gywn Prosser MP on the resumption of live animal exports and has received the support of 118
MPs.
The NOP telephone poll was conducted between 15th – 17th February in a sample of 1000 individuals across the country.
NOTE TO EDITORS
A short media briefing document on the live exports issue is available from the CIWF press office.
The EU has given permission for live exports of lambs, sheep and pigs to resume from the UK.
Until the foot and mouth epidemic, the UK was exporting around 800,000
lambs and sheep a year for slaughter abroad, many being sent all the way
to Italy, Greece and Spain.
Before the foot and mouth crisis, the UK was exporting around 100,000 sows a year. Many of these breeding sows will, as before, be sent to sow stalls on the continent, a system banned in
Britain.
Most of the animals involved in the live export trade will be
slaughtered on, or soon after, arrival at their destination.
CIWF believe that animals destined for slaughter should be sent to an abattoir in the UK, instead of trucking them across the continent in inhumane conditions. The meat can then be exported throughout the world.
Contact:
Compassion in World Farming, Tel: +44 (0)1730 233 904
Advocates for Animals, Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 6039
(15/03/2002) Roaring for more
Playmates five month old lioness cub Tina and four month old Bengal tiger cub Tony, rejected by their respective mothers at birth, are being hand reared by the staff of Dubai zoo. These cubs have been bred in captivity considering that there are only about seven thousand tigers left in the wild and a few pockets of lions existing in small areas in India and Africa. Tina and Tony are tamer and not as arrogant and fierce as they would be if they had grown up in their natural habitats. They have progressed from drinking formula milk in a bottle to eating a whole chicken at one go - and often roar for more!!!
Gifts For The Bleats!
Ready for a baby shower? Well, this one is not for a human baby but for two female Barbary sheep born in the Dubai zoo in February. Conservationists must be heaving sighs of relief as Barbary sheep are in the endangered list. These sheep live on the Atlas Mountains and its foothills located between Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and part of Libya. They are in the protected list as they have been victims of hunting as well as loss of habitat. Only about two thousand sheep are left in the wild and an equal number in captivity, so these promising youngsters will help to increase their species’ numbers. Good luck to all of
them!
P.S Guests can bring shrubs and dry grass!!
Sudha Sharma
(16/03/2002) Norway bans the routine castration of pigs
The Norwegian Alliance for Animal Welfare (Dyrevernalliansen) is pleased to
announce a major victory for animal welfare: The Norwegian parliament
decided, on the 8th. of March, to ban all castration of male piglets.
Male piglets are routinely castrated in order to avoid the risk of a small
percentage of them developing "boar taint", which is found to be unpleasant
by a small proportion of consumers.
Every year approx. 95% of male piglets (650.000 individuals) are routinely
castrated in Norway without any pain relief. This painful procedure is performed by the farmer without any kind of analgesia.
The parliament decided on the 8th of March to forbid all castration of pigs.
(17/03/2002) Recommendations in EU scientific report will not solve animal suffering in long distance
transport
The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW) today published a new report on the welfare of animals during transport. It will provide the Commission with objective scientific evidence to be used as a basis for the upcoming revision of the EU transport Directive. Eurogroup welcomes the work of the Committee in evaluating the latest scientific knowledge but is concerned that the reality of long distance transport and the suffering it causes will be lost in the scientific compromises being
offered.
The report concludes that animals, which are unaccustomed to transport should not be transported and journeys should be a short as possible. In direct contradiction to this statement is the recommendation
that, subject to regular stops for water and rest, animals can stay on the vehicle for indefinite
periods.
The report further states that transport enhances the risk for spreading of diseases such as F&M and classical swine
fever, but the recommendations do little to address the issue of limiting animal
movements, with the exception of recommending that sending animals through markets should be
discouraged. However the report does stress the importance of animals being fit for travel and the need to closely inspect the animals during the
journey. If adequate inspection during the journey is not possible, the journey time should be limited to 8
hours.
For many years, animal welfare groups have been campaigning against long road journeys and the suffering this causes particularly to slaughter
animals. Journeys up to 80 hours without food and water in overcrowded vehicles are not
infrequent. The Commission's inspection reports show that the existing European rules to
rest, feed and water are rarely respected. Eurogroup's own investigations have revealed that many transporters will deliberately ignore the rules in order to cut the costs and reach the destination in the quickest possible time.
David Wilkins, Director of Eurogroup, and a veterinarian, is disappointed with the
recommendations: "The report considers that with good transport conditions, space allowances and proper ventilation on the
vehicle, the overall transport time is less of a problem. This may be true in an ideal world but in every day practice it will never happen this
way. The transport industry is reluctant to invest in well-equipped vehicles and that rules on space allowances and
feeding, resting and watering times are rarely respected and seldom
enforced. The suggestion that animals can travel comfortably for day on end provided they are
fed, watered and rested on the truck is nonsense. The only solution is to limit all road journeys for slaughter animals and those going for further fattening to eight
hours."
Eurogroup urges the Commission, when it drafts the new rules, to take into account the growing concern on live animal transport in the EU. The European
Parliament, Farm Ministers from Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and
Sweden, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, consumer organizations and many EU
citizens, have repeatedly voiced their opposition to long distance transport.
For more information or photos on transport available from Eurogroup please contact:
Mrs. Sonja Van Tichelen 0477 24 60 77 or Ms. Veronika Haunold 0497 90 92 75
The full report is available on the internet at :
europa.eu.int
From
MollyMcGee01@aol.com
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the Cat Fanciers' Association
warns cat owners: Easter Lilies can be deadly for your cat!!!
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, in partnership with the Cat
Fanciers' Association, is leading a nationwide campaign to warn cat owners
about the dangers of Easter lilies and certain other types of lilies.
"Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum, Japanese show lily, some species of day
lily, and certain other members of the Liliaceae family can cause kidney
failure in cats," says Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Veterinary Toxicologist
at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "All parts of these lilies are
considered toxic to cats and consuming even tiny amounts can be life
threatening to your cat."
Cat owners are encouraged to consider safer alternatives to Easter
lilies such as Easter Orchids, Easter Lily Cactus, Easter Daisy or
violets.
According to Michael W. Brim, Public Relations and Marketing Director
for the Cat Fanciers' Association, "Part of being a responsible pet owner
is to educate yourself on the many different health issues facing your
pet. Removing dangerous plants from your cat's home is an important part
in having safer, healthier, and happier pets."
Should your feline friend eat part of a poisonous plant, rush the cat
to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you can, take the plant with
you for ease of identification.
Other Lilies to avoid if you have a cat in your home include:
GLORY LILY - Gloriosa Superba
TIGER LILY - Lilium tigrinum
STARGAZER LILY - Lilium orientalis
RUBRUM LILY - Lilium speciosum rubrum
ASIAN LILIES - Lily asiatic delicious
ASIAN LILIES - Lily asiatic montreaux
For more information about these and to see photos of the dangerous lilies, you can visit CFA's website:
www.cfainc.org Be safe and protect your beloved pets.
(19/03/2002) Great Ape Project to sponsor African Sanctuary Workshop
PORTLAND,
Oregon - The Great Ape Project (GAP) strengthened its commitment to
long-term chimpanzee, gorilla and bonobo care today by contributing
$10,000 to help sponsor the 2002 Pan African Sanctuaries Alliance (PASA)
Workshop, to be held June 4-7 in Kenya.
PASA, which was formed in 2000, represents the 17 African sanctuaries that
care for thousands of great apes and other primates at sites in Gambia,
Sierra Leone, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of
Congo, and Cameroon, among others. The 2002 PASA Workshop will focus on
developing protocols for communication, education, security, medical data,
and conservation between the members.
GAP's contribution reflects a commitment to deep involvement with
practical problems -- and possible solutions -- facing Africa's great
apes, according to GAP executive director Doug Cress.
"GAP was formed to ensure physical, legal, and moral protection for
captive great apes," Cress said. "Clearly, sanctuaries will play
an increasingly vital role in giving chimps, gorillas and bonobos back
some of the dignity and respect they deserve, and we believe PASA's annual
workshop is extremely valuable. We are proud to be associated with an
organization that is literally on the front lines."
Indeed, many of PASA's members struggle for survival amid civil war,
poverty, and corruption. But PASA executive co-ordinator Stephen Brend
believes that only strengthens their resolve.
"There is no doubt that Africa's great apes are under threat,"
he said. "Because of illegal hunting and habitat destruction,
gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos face extinction in the wild - and some
populations may be lost within this decade. GAP's contribution may be,
quite literally, life saving. Our members know that urgent action must be
taken now."
GAP was formed in 1993 to protect the basic rights of captive great apes
and now includes chapters throughout Europe, Asia, North America and South
America. Among GAP's current initiatives are the GAP Census Project, the
first comprehensive count of the estimated 3,500 gorillas, chimpanzees,
orangutans and bonobos in the U.S., which will be published in book form
in November, and the Declaration on Great Apes, a petition drive that
seeks legal and moral protection for great apes.
This is Mandy she is an adorable little black terrier maybe even lab type about 12 inches high. Mandy was found in an appalling state by the dog warden and placed into Saggart dog pound. Bernie (Dog Rescue) saw her there in a pitiful state, cold and confused while collecting greyhounds that were due to be destroyed. Knowing that Mandy would never be adopted in her current state and that when her 5 days were up she would be destroyed, Bernie came to the rescue and took her home with the Greyhounds. read more about Mandy, and how you can help.... Mandy has kidney, womb, eye and nose infections. She also has a hernia and lump under her stomach, a broken tail and she weighs under half of what she should. Her eyes weep with green mucus and her nose is runny from infections. She cannot wag her limp broken tail and her skin just sits on her
bones.
Subsequently it seems that a negligent owner who
couldn't be bothered with Mandy and would probably of left her to die in
this state caused this. Mandy has had puppies within the last year so she
was allowed to roam and be impregnated at will.
So far after only one week of food, a warm bed, love, attention and
medication Mandy is already a happier and stronger dog. If you look into
Mandy's eyes you can see that she is so full of love, she always has a
snotty kiss to offer and is a wonderful natured dog despite how she has
been treated. This is why Bernie has decided that she will care for and
nurse Mandy back to health.
But there are vet bills ahead of us..... She will have to be operated on to remove the hernia and
womb, this will be costly even at rescue rates. Once she's in full health we'll rehome
her. If you can donate anything towards the vet fees we would be so very appreciative and will keep you posted on mandy's
progress. contact Bernie on 01- 8642968. You can see more about Bernie's Dog rescue work and how to help at
www.dogrescueireland.com
(21/03/2002) Protest pledge at animal test talks
AN animal experimentation trade fair was today due to start in Edinburgh
with campaigners set to mount a noisy protest outside. Led by city-based
Advocates for Animals, activists vowed to mark the start of the three-day
event at the Edinburgh Conference Centre at Heriot-Watt University with
high-profile demonstrations. However, the conference, run by the Institute
of Animal Technology, was being billed by the organisers as an annual
gathering of "welfare workers" from the animal testing industry.
(20 March 2002)
http://news.scotsman.com/
(22/03/2002) Hearts go out to loyal Squeak
Johannesburg - Squeak, the 14-year-old Jack Russell terrier photographed lying next to the dead body of his murdered owner, Zimbabwean farmer Terry Ford, has touched the hearts of the South African public.
http://news.24.com/
(Notice) DEMONSTRATION AGAINST ALMODOVAR'S MOVIE "HABLE CON ELLA"
SATURDAY 23rd March 6 p.m. IN FRONT OF CINE COLISEUM (GRAN A 595). Because he killed 6 bulls on purpose to film the movie "Habele con Ella", against the Animal's Protection Law of the Madrid Community. BECAUSE THE REAL SCENES OF TORTURE OR DEATH OF ANIMALS IN MOVIES ARE FORBBIDEN. Because in this country (SPAIN) the animal's protection laws are never enforced, came join us to protest.
(23/03/2002) Germany welcomes wolf pack invasion from Poland
The first wild wolf pack in Germany in more than 300 years has found an unlikely place to live in safety - an army firing range. A family of six grey wolves has taken up residence on the range in
Saxony, 60 miles from Berlin, after swimming across the River Oder from
Poland. The pack’s arrival was first reported last year, when it was revealed that border
guards’ infra-red cameras had picked up increasing numbers of wolves coming over from
Poland, where their habitat is squeezed by industry, farming and urban expansion. The German government has now confirmed the presence of the pack.
Moreover, it is proud of these immigrants and is keen to protect them from their only enemy - man.
http://news.scotsman.com/
(24/03/2002) Shark finning ban extended to pacific
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has extended a federal ban on shark finning to the Pacific Ocean. Finning - the practice of cutting off the fins and throwing the remainder of the shark overboard - is prohibited under state regulations on the West Coast, in a number of Atlantic states and Hawaii, and has been prohibited in federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea since 1993.
In 2000, Congress enacted the Shark Finning Prohibition Act out of concern about the status of shark populations and the effects of heavy shark fishing. The new regulations, effective March 13, 2002, make it illegal for any federally regulated fishing vessel to carry or land shark fins without the entire shark carcass.
The ban on shark finning in the Pacific Ocean will prohibit foreign vessels from landing fins in U.S. ports without the entire shark carcasses.
NMFS says that the U.S. ban is "consistent with international agreements to better manage shark populations, including the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Plan of Action for Sharks, and the United Nation's Agreement on Straddling Stocks and Highly Migratory Species."
In 1991, the percentage of sharks killed by U.S. longline fisheries in the Pacific Ocean for finning was about three percent. By 1998, that percentage had grown to 60 percent. Between 1991 and 1998, the number of sharks retained by the Hawaii based swordfish and tuna longline fishery had increased from 2,289 to 60,857 a year, and by 1998, an estimated 98 percent of these sharks were killed for their fins.
Houbara bustards being the world's heaviest flying birds are always
reluctant to fly, hence they are easy targets for predators, especially
the two legged kind!!
The hunting traditions in the Middle East were responsible for the houbaras demise. Houbara bustard
hunting became a necessity when nomadic Bedouins in Asian deserts short on food trained falcons
to capture them. Later, as civilisation progressed, houbara hunting became a sport which resulted
in almost complete destruction of the species. Hunters who have been long regarded as the scourge
of rare animal populations have now recast their relationships with conservationists in modern times.
Now the same Middle-Eastern countries namely Dubai (an emirate in the U.A.E),Saudi Arabia and
Morocco have joined together to attempt to save the endangered birds.
In order to save these species from extinction breeding centres as
well as research and release stations have come up in Saudi Arabia.
Morocco has been able to manage the conservation of these birds in such a
way as to make everyone concerned happy. The centre which opened 9 years
ago, breeds houbaras, releases some of them in hunting areas, uses some
for future breeding and releases others into the wild. Their focus in on
the north African sub-species of houbara. The Bedouins who share the land
are compensated handsomely for every egg which they find and also for
every bird that hatches. Dubai's attempts at houbara conservation will get
a fillip when the first ever breeding center opens in April.
The center will attempt to increase the numbers of the Asian houbara.
Last but not the least a series of 34 paintings on the houbara and other
Arabian wildlife by Irish artist Julian Friers has also been commissioned.
They were exhibited in Dubai recently.
At last a solution has been hunted upon to preserve the fast vanishing species of the houbara bustards.
Sudha Sharma
(26/03/2002) 150 "Sheep" Travel on London Underground
150 Compassion in World Farming supporters today (25 March 2002) dressed as sheep and crammed themselves into a London underground carriage to protest at the suffering of sheep exported live from Britain to be slaughtered in Europe.
Travelling on the Circle line and subsequently rallying outside the National Farmers Union headquarters in Shaftesbury Avenue, the protest was the culmination of 72 hours of nationwide protests against the live export trade this
weekend, including a large demonstration in Dover on Saturday.
A photograph of this event is available on Press Association's PicSelect
www.papicselect.com under
charities / compassion_in_world_farming / live_transport or by calling the CIWF press office on 07771 926 005. Digital video footage suitable for broadcast is also available by
contacting the press office.
Demonstrations are being held at livestock markets and government offices around the country as part of Compassion in World Farming's 72 hours of action. In addition, many high street shopping centres are also seeing CIWF supporters distributing information packs and encouraging members of the public to sign a petition to ask farmers to
re-think their attitudes towards the live animal export trade.
Joyce D'Silva, Director of CIWF, said "We chose a 72 hour period as this the time it can take for British lambs to be transported from this country to Italy or Spain where they are often slaughtered in appalling conditions."
Until the foot and mouth epidemic, the UK was exporting around 800,000
lambs and sheep a year for slaughter abroad, many being sent all the way
to Italy, Greece and Spain.
Most of the animals involved in the live export trade will be slaughtered on, or soon
after, arrival at their destination. CIWF believe that animals destined for slaughter should be sent to an abattoir in the
UK, instead of trucking them across the continent in inhumane conditions. The meat can then be exported throughout the world. A recent NOP opinion poll (15-17
February) revealed 78% of the general public want to see an end to the live export
trade. 3,400 UK veterinary surgeons have signed a petition calling for an end to the live export of farm
animals.
Stands for
- an umbrella organisation for European Vegetarian Societies
- a solid platform in the vegetarian movement
- a discussion and information authority regarding animal rights, ecology and campaigns against world hunger
- an information / resource centre on matters of health and consumer protection
- a link between industry and consumers - through the V-label
- a stage for the exchange ideas and information leading to more understanding and mutual help
- a forum dealing with trends, recent developments, discoveries and scientific findings
- a guide informing about shops, restaurants, international recipes etc.
Why not
- join the Club?
- meet vegetarians from all over the world in Scotland next July?
See you in Edinburgh!
(27/03/2002) E-auction of tiger skin raises a stink
New Delhi: For Bazee.com, it was probably just another item. But a tiger skin under the hammer at this e-auction website signalled a chain reaction which has made the site modify its terms and conditions to specifically exclude any trading in animal skins.
[Link]
(28/03/2002) EU ban on Dog and Cat Fur?
This is simply to alert you that Commissioner David Byrne has indicated in writing that he plans to look into the Dog and Cat Fur issue to see
whether there should be a complete ban on imports to the European Union - a labelling scheme - some other measure - or no action at all.
Importantly, in weighing up these options, he has indicated that he
wants to assess how strong Member State interest is in this issue.
We would therefore urge you to write as soon as possible to the
Commissioner to express your concern - and also to encourage your
members/supporters to do the same.
The contact details are:
Commissioner David Byrne,
Rue de la Loi, 200,
Brussels
1049 Belgium
Fax: +32 2 298 14 99
We suggest that the letters should not only emphasise Europe-wide
support for such a ban on dog and cat fur products to end consumer fraud,
but also highlight the fact that it would be wisest not to use a labelling
regulation since exporters commonly use fraudulent and/or misleading
labels.
The above information is provided by way of general background
briefing but we would certainly not advocate a standard text. On the
contrary, for maximum impact, supporters should be encouraged to
personalise their letters as much as possible.
Similarly, we suggest that the tone should be polite and constructive
and that those organisations in a position to do so should indicate their
willingness to assist by, for example, providing additional information on
the situation in their countries (products found, legislative initiatives
etc.).
On a related matter, many of you are already aware of the recent
European Parliament written declaration calling for a ban on dog and cat
fur imports. This was put together by four Italian and one British MEP.
Again, we urge your members to ask their own local MEPs to sign on to this initiative before the 16th April deadline. This will help
underscore the importance of this issue in the European Parliament. (Source:
honsch@magnet.at )
(29/03/2002) Help save the La Paz dolphins
We have all watched and protested as eight dolphins were dragged into the inhumane sea pens at "FINS, Dolphin Learning Center" in La Paz, BCS, Mexico last year, and have been subjected to abuse and neglect ever since. "Luna" died soon after her capture because of the stress and trauma. We all wondered how the rest would survive the heat, abuse and conditions, but they have. At long last, the government has acted and confiscated the dolphins, and we have waited cautiously for Mexican authorities to decide whether or not to allow these seven surviving La Paz dolphins to be rehabilitated and released. But we also have been watching for tricks. While some officials want this release to happen we have now proved what you also may have suspected; other officials are planning to send the dolphins to other dolphinariums in Mexico! Until we proved this we could not act without jeopardizing the release project.
This is why we asked you to wait until now to writer your letters. The helpful Mexican politicians would have resented outside interference, and would not have acted without proof that a clandestine plan was underway to keep the dolphins in captivity. Now we know. Now they know. Now WE must act. If we all do not act NOW the La Paz dolphins will not be released, but relocated to captivity
tanks!
The dolphins were almost confiscated and released last year. That authorized release of the La Paz dolphins was in progress when it was stopped by the Governor of Baja. FINS also took a very sneaky legal action to stop any additional action by the federal goverment. After a long fight for the dolphins, Conservación de Mamíferos Marinos de México (COMARINO) filed a second and strong legal complaint in December against the "FINS, Dolphin Learning Center", for promoting
Swim-With - The - Dolphins (SWTD) and Dolphin - Assisted - Therapy (DAT) programs without a permit from the Federal Goverment.
As a result of the legal actions by COMARINO, the Mexican authorities closed the facility on 6 March 2002, and confiscated the seven remaining dolphins. This is an unprecedented action; for the first time the goverment has enforced the law to close a facility and confiscate the dolphins kept there.
On the day of the confiscation COMARINO offered help to rehabilitate and release the dolphins, as COMARINO had started to do a year ago, with the help of many experts. Since then the COMARINO rehabilitation and release team has been assembling resources, and plans have been submitted to the government.
While some officials support the release plan we have been watchful for other officials that have never changed their minds, demanding that these dolphins should spend the rest of their days in tanks for the enjoyment of people, and the profit. These officials are planning, for example, that CONVIMAR, the oldest and worst captive industry in Mexico, will "adopt" some of the dolphins. Others are to be sent to Veracruz, in the Gulf of Mexico. Veracruz is the biggest aquarium in the country but has never had a dolphin in captivity.
When dolphin captures were prohibited in Mexico on 10 January 2002 the La Paz dolphins became very valuable properties to be exploited, not released. To keep them in tanks the industry has been providing the Mexican Government with false information. For example, they are saying that dolphin life span is better in captivity, and that rehabilitation is impossible for the La Paz dolphins.
Please, write letters to the following Mexican government offices asking them NOT TO RELOCATE THE DOLPHINS to any other facilities, but instead to give them the opportunity to be REHABILITATED AND RELEASED in the very same area they were captured. Write your comments with respect. These Mexican officials are not the enemy. They have the authority to keep bad things from happening to the dolphins. They now have the facts to prove what is going on behind the scenes. They need to hear that the public is aware of what is happening, and is very concerned for the dolphins. Please remind the officials how cruel the capture and transport was. Emphasize that the dolphins have only been in captivity for less than a year and a half - this makes them ideal release candidates! Make certain that they know that the plight of these dolphins will continue to be investigated by the international media.
Very respectfully ask Dr. Victor Lichtinger, Secretary of Environment, not to condemn these seven dolphins to a life in prison, especially as a team is ready to make their release possible. Tell him that a successful release will do much to ease public concerns for the way these dolphins have been treated in Mexico. Ask him why Mexico's government would give up on these dolphins now, so soon after Mexico has made such positive and humane laws regarding dolphin captures.
Explain to him that there are examples of successful releases with dolphins (especially those older than four years of age at capture) that have been in captivity even longer than the La Paz Seven, like Echo and Misha in Florida, Flipper in Brazil, and Bahama Mama in the Bahamas. Remind him that these seven surviving dolphins deserve their freedom, and Mexico needs to be recognized for this positive action, rather than for not giving the dolphins any chance to be rehabilitated. Tell him that you and many, many other concerned people are watching what happens.
Please send a FAX as well as an email to Dr. Lichtinger:
DR. VICTOR LICHTINGER WAISMAN
Secretario del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
SEMARNAT
Fax: (52) 55.56-28-06-43, 44 - E-mail:
vlichtinger@semarnat.gob.mx
Although emails are far less effective we know that this is easier and cheaper than sending faxes, and that a sudden flood of them to all these other officials could have an influence.
This alert is coordinated with a major political and media effort in
Mexico. Act NOW to be a part of it. It is being posted on behalf of many
organizations and individuals who have fought hard and long for FREEDOM
FOR THE LA PAZ DOLPHINS. CSI is only the messenger here, in some cases for
people who cannot be identified publicly. For more background on the
captivity industry in Mexico see CSI's website,
www.csiwhalesalive.org, for the Mexican Captivity Report in Spanish and
English. An update for this October 2000 report has been delayed because of the La Paz campaign and
others.
Chimpanzees are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. They have intellectual skills and emotions similar to those of a young child. Yet
amazingly, at an overcrowded and filthy laboratory in the Netherlands, the European Union is still performing experiments on these
animals. CEECE - the Campaign to End Experiments on Chimpanzees in Europe - has been formed by several of Europe's leading animal welfare organisations, to free these animals and secure a Europe-wide ban on this
research.
The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) at Rijswijk in the Netherlands is the largest primate laboratory in Europe.
Inside, behind locked gates and barbed wire, 120 chimpanzees and 1500 other primates are housed in conditions which the Dutch Government has acknowledged "do not meet generally accepted standards". Animal welfare experts who have visited BPRC report far
worse. More than 500 macaques are kept individually in cages so small they cannot stretch their bodies. Many female monkeys are used as breeding machines, their babies taken from them at
birth.
Chimps are often housed in solitary confinement for months on end, in cages that offer no stimulation at all. They spend their days banging on the bars of their
cells, spitting at passers-by and smearing their cages with faeces. Many are no longer even used in
experiments.
Across the world there is growing opposition to the confinement of primates for medical
research, particularly Great Apes. Primatologists have discovered that chimpanzees are able to anticipate future events and can learn sophisticated patterns of sign
language. The United Kingdom and New Zealand have already banned the use of Great Apes in
experiments. In the European Union, BPRC is the only institution still to use
them. Each year the centre receives grants of more than £1.3 million from both the European Union and the Dutch Ministry of
Education. That's almost £3m of European taxpayers' money.
CEECE is campaigning for an immediate Europe-wide ban on the use of great apes in medical research and the closure of
BPRC. We have asked the European Commission to stop funding research at
BPRC, and have offered to help the Dutch Government re-home the animals at specialised
sanctuaries.
Once there was a silly puppy. He was white all over but both his ears were black.
He barked and jumped! He rolled and wagged his tail! He liked everyone and liked to lick them! His brothers and sisters thought he was crazy! They played in the garden on the house where he was born. All the pups had a great time!
One day someone left the white gate open. It moved back and forth in
the wind. Creak! Creak! the gate called! All the pups were scared! They
thought the gate was bad and mean! They huddled together! But this foolish
puppy went to find out what was going on! He sniffed at the gate. Then he
peeped outside.
He saw a road and cars! He saw bicycles! He saw little boys and girls! He even saw other dogs! This was great! So he ran out to find out more! He sniffed here. He sniffed there. He sniffed at flowers by the road. He sniffed at an old shoe someone had thrown away. He ran after a squirrel! What a silly fellow!
Finally he got tired. He wanted to go back, drink some water and be with his mother. He wanted to take a nap. Ooops! He didn't know where he was! He couldn't see the white gates!
He couldn't hear his brothers or sisters barking! He was lost!
Just then he heard a roar behind him! He almost jumped out of his skin! A big red truck passed by and it just missed him by an inch! He tumbled into a big ditch! He felt safe for a few minutes! Then he thought he ought to get out of the ditch. But how? He tried and tried but the sides were too steep! He tried jumping out but the ditch was too deep! He was stuck! Oh no!
So he started crying. He cried and he cried! Soon he could see the stars above him. They twinkled at him but only laughed when he asked them for help! The moon went by and peeped in. He called out to it "Help me! Get me out of here, please!" But the moon went by without saying anything! What a mean moon! He cried and cried and fell asleep.
Now next day, a little boy was walking to school on the same road. He whistled. He kicked some stones. He said hello to a little squirrel who he knew. He was thinking about cricket and what fun he would be having soon. He thought of that scary new teacher who was always scolding everyone.
He heard a sound. It was a puppy crying. He looked around. He looked behind him. It wasn't there. He looked to his left and then his right. It wasn’t there. He looked behind the tree. It wasn’t there. Then he saw a ditch. He got on his knees and looked in. He saw a puppy looking up. It was wagging its tail and barking. It was happy to see him. The puppy was asking for help! So the boy jumped into the ditch and lifted the puppy and put him back up outside.
He climbed out. The Puppy kept licking his face and wagging its tail!
"Don't do that again!" said the little boy to the puppy, wagging his finger at him. Then he saw that the puppy was hungry. He took out his lunch box, took out a sandwich and gave it to the puppy. The Puppy was thrilled! He ate it all without stopping! Then the little boy took out his water bottle and poured out some water in a cup. The puppy drank it all!
"Okay, I have to go now! Be a good fellow!" said the little boy to the
puppy, giving him a tickle under his chin. So he started walking again to
his school. He heard a noise behind him. He turned. The puppy was
following him and wagging his tail. Ooops! "Go back! Don't follow me!" he
said to the puppy. But the puppy wouldn't listen! The little boy reached
his school and went to his class. That new teacher scolded him for being
late! She just wouldn’t listen to him! He had to stand in a corner for TEN
minutes! When school finished, he came out and started walking back home.
The puppy was waiting for him just outside the school gate! They were
happy to see each other! They played all the way back home! They chased
each other! They reached home.
But now what? His parents wouldn’t let him keep the pup! He knew that!
He has asked before and they had said "No!" very strictly! They were mean!
He ran inside quietly and got some bread, biscuits and water and gave it
to his new friend quietly. From that day on he became very interested in
going to school early! His father and mother were very surprised! Usually
they had to shout at him to get going! Now they didn’t have to say
anything! And they were happy he wanted bigger lunches than normal!
"Wonderful" said his father proudly. (Don't tell his father the REAL
reason, okay? It’s a secret!) Then he started telling his parents that he
had to go to school on Saturdays and Sundays too. That was strange,
thought his mother.
"My son is so interested in school, its wonderful" said his father
proudly. (Don't tell his father the REAL reason, okay? It’s a secret!)
One day his mother peeped out of the window and saw the little boy's
secret! He and the puppy were sharing a sandwich and having a good time!
"Oh ho!" she said. "Oh ho! So THAT'S what’s going on! Hmmmm!" That night,
she went outside and quietly picked up the puppy. He whispered something
into its ears! The puppy was thrilled and wagged his tail. He agreed to do
whatever she asked him to! She put him in a big white cardboard box with
plenty of holes. She took the box and put it under the little boy's bed!
The puppy was very excited but he didn’t make a sound all through the
night! The next day was the little boy's birthday. He was going to be SIX!
What a big boy! His mother and father woke him up and said "Happy
Birthday!" They gave him a hug and plenty of kisses! He hadn't even
brushed his teeth! Yuck!
"Here's a present for you!" said his Father, and he gave him the cardboard box. Wow! It was heavy! What was in it? He was really excited! He
sss lllllllllll oooooo www lllllllllll yyyyyyyy opened the box and...... out jumped the puppy and licked him on his face! He didn't care that he hadn't brushed his teeth!
They rolled on the bed together! The boy laughed! The puppy barked and wagged his tail. The boy's mother and father laughed, too! That was the best Birthday present he had EVER had!
From then on, the little boy and his puppy lived happily ever after together!
By Sarang Dev Murthy and his Dad
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