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(01/01/2003) Dolphin Story
We went to the Baltimore Aquarium to stage a surprise demonstration. Three
of us were to find the underground window to the dolphins' tank and summon
them (by stroking combs with our thumbs) just as the show was beginning.
Then, our comrades in the audience upstairs would stand and unfurl banners
protesting captive marine mammals.
We slipped downstairs, our heads full of plans, times, and escape routes,
and gave the required signal. Silence, hearts pounding, straining to see
through the tons of water. Then three dots appeared, getting larger,
closer, swiftly gliding right up to the other side of the glass. The
phrase, "Oh my God" rolled over & over in my head. We three "commandos"
stood transfixed in wide-eyed, open-mouthed wonder, tears streaming down
our faces. Then, after a long, electric moment, one of us (I don't know
who), said , in a soft, quivering voice, ". . .Hi".
The muffled sounds of tumult wafted down from above, then the closer
sounds of hurried footsteps in the bare concrete corridors. Uniformed
guards burst in noisily through the double fire-doors. We never budged.
The guards led us out like zombies, our heads turning to keep from
breaking eye contact with the magnificent creatures until the last
possible moment.
We were dumped outside, where our upstairs counterparts were angrily
trading insults with the exiting patrons (the show was abruptly canceled),
but I felt no anger, no pain, no logical thoughts at all. I felt like I
had just had a religious, overpowering, humbling experience. The whole
three hour ride home in the van, the others were pumped and preachin' to
the choir. I never said (or heard) a word. Years later, I still haven't
completely digested that moment at the glass. It haunts me. I'm grateful
to have been there.
[Link]
(02/01/2003) FISH STUDY SHOWS FISH DON'T LIKE FISHERMEN
"A study of trout fishing in New Zealand reveals for the first time that
fish in popular waters stay out of anglers' sight and avoid bait while
fish in less popular waters fall for the bait. John Hayes and Roger Young
of the Cawthron Institute investigated the phenomenon after veteran
anglers complained that fish are harder to catch. The researchers asked
two experienced anglers to visit a popular hole on the Owen River and a
remote river of the Kahurangi National Park on four fishing trips over a
single season. Despite the same amount of fish per river, the savvy fish
from the Owen were far more difficult to land. Only 58 were caught in the
Owen, compared with 157 in the remote river." (source: ENN, 29th August,
2000)
This is more proof that fish learn to be wary of anglers. Why would they
be wary if they could not feel pain or have only a short term memory? This
study is matched by reports from anglers elsewhere in the world. It is
obvious that fish do have good reason to fear the fishermen.
(Notice) V-Day², Dag Van Het Vegetarisme
March 15-16 2003
Stuurboord, Antwerp (Belgium)
In January 2002, EVA organised its first V-Day, or the Day of
Vegetarianism, and event which attracted more than 750 visitors and which
was widely covered in the media. V-Day² will take place on March 16 2003
in the very spacious and modern
Stuurboord in Antwerp, Belgium.
Sunday, March 16 maart: V-Day²: A World of Taste
On this day, EVA welcomes whoever is interested in eating less or no meat.
A large audience will be able to try hundreds of products at the
vegetarian fair, and attend about ten different workshops and lectures on
all aspects of vegetarianism, from the culinary side to the backgrounds of
meatless eating. Several celebrities will relate about their vegetarian
experiments, and some well-known and lesser know artists will provide the
atmosphere. And of course we will again award the Golden Carrot 2003 to
one person or organisation that made a positive contribution to the
spreading and acceptance of vegetarianism in Belgium.
Tasty and healthy snacks will be available all day, and at night 250
people will be able to enjoy an exclusive four course vegetarian dinner.
The Day before V-Day² on March 15, EVA is organising a symposium on
Vegetarianism and Health, aimed at professionals from the health industry
like dieticians, medical doctors and students, but also at anyone who is
interested in the topic of healthy nutrition in general. The preliminary
programme features lectures about vegetarianism and baby's, senior people,
etc.
[Link]
(03/01/2003) Kashmiri shahtoosh weavers struggle for survival
by Sheikh Mushtaq
India: January 2, 2003
SRINAGAR, India - Mohammad Gul and his two sons sit hunched over a row of
handlooms in a small building hidden behind thick creepers and willow
trees in Indian Kashmir and stealthily weave a wool shawl.
[Link]
(Notice) The Horror of Dog and Cat Markets, South Korea
Dear all,
please circulate this article and try and get it published in the
newspapers. This article illustrates the current situation in South Korea.
The article was written by one of our members who is a veterinarian who
recently visited South Korea she now lives in England. It shows the true
reality of what is happening to the dogs and cats in South Korea. Please
read below!
Regards,
Laura Teresa, President of Dogaid Australia
The Horror of Dog and Cat Markets, South Korea
Author: Dr Michelle Coles BVSc BSc (Hons)
On a recent overseas trip I visited Seoul, South Korea. Seoul is a
thriving, bustling city whose economy is strong. Behind this façade lies
the worst case of animal cruelty and injustice that I have ever
experienced.
Earlier this year I learned that there were dogs and cats being sold for
meat in South Korea and that the animals were tortured before being
killed. Being a Veterinarian the prospect of animal torture of any kind
horrified me. So when I received the chance to go to South Korea I decided
to investigate these allegations further.
The Moran Market is in the Gyeonggi Province approximately half an hour
from the city of Seoul. The market day is run on the 4th and the 9th day
of each month; we arrived in Seoul on the 29th August and headed straight
out to the market.
Approaching the market from the east side one would see the vibrant
rituals of an early morning market. Fruit and vegetable stalls, plastic
goods etc and people heckling over price.
If one is to approach from the west side, however, one gains a very
different perspective of the Korean Market scene, one that cannot help but
tug at the heartstrings. The first row of the west side is dedicated to
the dog meat market. The dogs are crammed into cages, many without water.
The day that I was at the market it was very hot and humid. Some of the
cages had a soup like broth provided as a food and water source, the
contents of the broth appeared to have been the intestinal remnants of
their fellow canine friends.
As a veterinarian, from my observations, on a medical level these animals
were in appalling condition. Dehydrated, lethargic (some so weak that
their faces were pressed into the cage bars and unable to move) and very
depressed. When approached most of the dogs could not find the energy to
show any response. The minority that were in slightly better condition
would cower away. These dogs were completely miserable. I distinctly
remember one dog that I tried to coax in to coming to the side of the
cage. All he managed was a sideways glance at me as if to say 'you can't
do anything to help me'.
The sight of these poor dogs was horrifying, but I was unprepared for the
next thing that I was about to see. At the back of the market in the car
park we found a utility. The back of this ute was full of cages approx
40cm in height. These cages were far smaller than those in the market area
and the dogs in them were much larger. These dogs were large cross breeds.
The dogs could not stand up, they lay on their sides squashed together.
Some had wounds on their limbs from rubbing against the cages. They licked
at each other trying to cool themselves (the temperature this day was
38o). This was the worst case of animal cruelty and suffering I have seen.
When I approached one of the vendors of the market stalls he was adamant
that the dogs were not for eating. This was the same vendor that had a set
of scales on top of the cages and two roasted dogs sitting beside the
scales. The existing 1991 Animal Protection Law prohibits cruelty against
animals and the human consumption of dogs and cats. Unfortunatley the
Korean Government do not enforce this legislation as they claim that dog
meat consumption is part of their culture. There were police at the front
of the market doing patrol work and they completely ignored all that was
going on in the dog stalls. If the vendors do get charged the fine is
meager (approx $40A). Cultural attitudes should not, in my belief, be used
as an excuse to inflinct pain and suffering on these animals.
The vendors of the markets were very wary of our presence. We needed to be
very careful with our photography and filming as there has been incidences
of camera's being confiscated and destroyed. We witnessed the sale of a
dog from one of the vendors from afar (hiding behind one of the fruit
stalls). The purchased dog was noosed around the neck, hauled up and taken
out of my view behind the cages. The dogs cry for help at this point will
stay with me forever. The next image that I saw was the dog dead on the
ground bleeding from the neck where he had been stabbed. I was glad that
the dog had been killed quickly as in South Korea dogs and cats are often
horrifically tortured before being killed. The tortures
include beatings, blowtorching of skin whilst alive, skinning and boiling
alive. I read a report where a woman saw a cat thrown alive into a pot of
boiling water, the cat tried to claw its way out of the pot, but the
callous attendant merely poked the cat back in with a stick. The Koreans
believe that the meat is of better quality and is a better aphrodisiac
when the animal has suffered massive amounts of stress before being
killed. The day that we were at the market the stall vendors knew of our
presence so they may have changed the way that they would normally deal
with the killing and sale.
It is interesting that the majority of Korean people are disgusted and
appalled and embarrassed at the condition of the Markets in South Korea.
The workers of the hostel that I stayed at in Seoul were very concerned
when I said that I was going out to the Moran Market. They said that there
were "some things there that are not very nice". At the market itself the
other stall holders showed looks of concern and also looked a little
embarrassed because of the conditions these animals were kept in. Even the
couple that I witnessed buying the dog looked awkward and wary that they
may be being watched.
People around the world eat meat every day, pork, beef, lamb. I do not
have an aversion to people eating dogs and cats- that would be
hypocritical in a society where meat eating is prevalent. In a modern
society such as ours however, animal cruelty, such as what is going on in
South Korea at the moment, is in my mind completely unacceptable and
cannot be allowed to continue. Despite any cultural influences how can one
justify the boiling or skinning alive of an animal. I hope that in the
near future this will be looked upon in disgust and that we will be
appalled that it was ever allowed to occur in the first place.
If you are interested in the plight of these animals and wish to help in
any way there are two fantastic organizations that you can contact:
DogAid Australia are based in Victoria, Australia. The president of
DogAid Australia is Miss Laura Teresa.
Website address:
www.dogaid.freeservers.com
Postal Address: P.O Box 6050 Karingal, Vic 3199
Korean Animal Protection Society - Founder is Sunnan Kum
Website address:
www.koreananimals.org
(04/01/2003) Dolphins still seen in danger despite new US
rules
USA: January 2, 2003
WASHINGTON - The federal government said harvesting tuna fish in the
Pacific Ocean using a large net does not significantly affect nearby
dolphin populations, but animal and environmental groups balked at the
findings.
[Link]
(05/01/2003) From "Animal Radio Network"
[Email]
If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,
If you can overlook when people take things out on you when, through no
fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can do all these things,
Then you are probably the family dog.
(06/01/2003) URGENT GREYHOUND ACTION INTERNATIONAL ALERT:
Stop greyhound racing in Shanghai background Greyhound racing is
responsible for the suffering and the deaths of countless numbers of
greyhounds around the world. There is no hope or opportunity of rehoming
the greyhounds that are surplus to requirements in Asia. They are ending
their days being butchered in the barbaric dog meat industry. Racing is
already underway in Vietnam, Macau, Korea and more recently China. A
shipment of greyhounds from Australia have already arrived in Shanghai
Wild Animal park.
Shanghai Wild Animal Park Development Ltd is a joint venture between
Shanghai City Government and the National Forest Department. The existing
animals that live in the park are already suffering cruelty and abuse,
what hope have the greyhounds got unless we take immediate action to help
them.
Urgent action to help the greyhounds
(1) Please remember that the track is under construction and has not
been completed yet. They are hoping to start racing next year. This is an
opportunity for us to stop them, so please consistently write, fax, email
or if you can telephone the contacts below to voice your objections.
(2) Put pressure on the Australian minister Warren Truss (minister for
live export) to call for an immediate! ban on the export of greyhounds to
Asia. Contact details can be found on our website
www.greyhoundaction.co.uk (Australian section)
(3) Put pressure on the Australian racing authorities to stop the export
of greyhounds to Asia. Details can be found at
www.greyhoundaction.co.uk (Australian section)
(4) Contact your local MP, MEP and RSPCA (International section) and ask
them to take action to stop the export of greyhounds to Asia. Please
forward any replies to
greyhoundactioninternational@hotmail.com.
(5) Contact the media and expose the situation, shame the countries that
are partaking in greyhound abuse.
(6) Contact the tourist offices and let them know what you think of
greyhound racing in Asia.
For further information on the suffering of animals in Shanghai Wild
Animal Park:
http://www.aapn.org
(Report on Chinese Zoos by Paul Littlefair Campaigns Officer
International Department, RSPCA (UK))
THE CONTACTS:
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Sanzhao Town,
Pudong
Shanghai, PR China
Email:
shwzoo@public1.sta.net.cn
Shanghai Wild Animal Park Development LTD
Vice Executive President
Mr Zhang Ci Zu
231 Nanjing Road West,
Shanghai 20003, PR China
Email:
shwzoo@public1.sta.net.cn
His Excellency Jiang Zemin President,
People's Republic of China Zhongnanhai Xichengqu
(West City District), Beijing City, PR China
Mayor of Shanghai
Government of Shanghai
Ren Ming Da Dao
Shanghai, PR China
China National Tourism Administration
CNTA A9 Jian Guo Men NeiAvenue,
Beijing, 100740, PR China'
Email:
ny@cnto.org
EMBASSY OF THE
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN:
AUSTRALIA
Ambassador: WU Tao
15, CORONATION DRIVE, YARRALUMLA, A.C.T. 2600, CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61-6-2734780 - Fax: +61-6-2734878, 2735189
USA
Ambassador: YANG Jiechi
Address: 2300 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W., WASHINGTON D.C. 20008, U.S.A.
E-mail:
WEBMASTER@CHINA-EMBASSY.ORG
Tel: +1-202-3282500, 3282551- Fax: +1-202-3282582
UK
Ambassador: MA Zhengang
Address: 49-51 PORTLAND PLACE, LONDON W1B 1JL
Tel: +44-20-72994049, 72994054(night) - Fax: +44-20-76362981,76365578
Administrative Office: 72994021- Political Office:72994037
Information section: 72994070, 72994071
CANADA
Ambassador: MEI Ping
Address: 515 ST.PATRICK STREET, OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, KIN 5H3
P.O.BOX 8935 NEW TERMINAL, ALTA VISTA, OTTAWA, CANADA
Tel: +1-613-7893434/ 7910511 - Fax: +1-613-7891911/ 7891414
BELGIUM
Ambassador: GUAN Chengyuan
Address: AVENUE DE TERVUREN 443-445, 1150 BRUSSELS
Tel: +32-2-7713309 - Fax: +32-2-7714131
E-mail:
SHI.BIYAN@SKYNET.BE -
BANGONGSHI@SKYNET.BE
SPAIN
Ambassador: TANG Yonggui
Address: NO.113, ARTURO SORIA, 28043 MADRID, SPAIN
Tel: +34-1-5194242 - Fax: +34-1-5192035
SWEDEN
Ambassador: ZOU Mingrong
Address: LIDOVAGEN 8, 11525 STOCKHOLM
Tel: +46-8-57936437 (24 hours) - Fax: +46-8-57936454 (24 hours)
Administrative Office: +46-8-57936404 (Tel), 57936403 (Fax)
Consular Office: +46-8-57936430 (Tel), 57936452 (Fax)
Defense Attaché Office: +46-8-57936418 (Tel), 57936435 (Fax)
Cultural Office: +46-8-57936428 (Tel), 57936442 (Fax)
GERMANY
Ambassador: MA Canrong
Address: MARKISCHES UFER 54,10179 BERLIN
Operator: +49-3027588-0
Administrative Office: +49-3027588-116
Protocol Secretary: +49-3027588-215/217
Consular Office: +49-3048839722(before the end of January 2000)
Press Office: +49-3027588-231
Defense Attaché Office: +49-3027588-711
Science and Technology Office: +49-3027588-237
Cultural Office: +49-3027588-249
Economic Office: +49-3027588-235
Commercial Office: +49-304723118
Educational Office: Address: LYCKALLEE 36,14055 BERLIN.
Tel: +49-303057536 - Fax: +49-3027588221
Commercial Office: +49-304710230 (Fax)
THE BONN OFFICE OF THE PEOPLE'S
REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
Director: LU Wenjie
Address: KURFUERSTENALLEE 12, D-53177 BONN
Director: +49-228-95597-15
Administrative Office: +49-228-95597-26
Protocol Office: +49-228-9559716/363828
Consular Office: +49-228-95598-13
Defense Attaché: +49-228-95597-31
Science and Technology Office: +49-228-95597-23
Cultural Office: +49-228-95597-28
Economic and Commercial Office: +49-228-95594-0
Educational Office: Address: RHEINALLEE 53,53173 BONN
Tel: +49-228-361091
For further information on chinese embassies around the world check out
www.travelchinaguide.com
For further information, leaflets or petitions on stopping greyhound
racing in Asia contact us at Greyhound Action International
PO Box 127, Kidderminster, UK, DY10 3UZ,
Fax: 0870 138 3993
E-mail:
greyhoundactioninternational@hotmail.com
(Notice) RAJASTHAN's STATE ANIMAL INDIAN GAZELLE IN GRAVE PERIL
CAN YOU DO SOMETHING ?
The largest possible population of the
Indian Gazelle (Gazella gazella) in India is found in the Indian Desert
where the total failure of annual monsoon has NOW resulted in pressuring
these beautiful, fast running and docile animals to kneel down to eating
the plastic bags which are littered across the region as the grass,
shrubs, etc are non-existent.
An S.O.S. initiative has been started (01 Jan 03) for nearly 350 Gazelles
at the village Aao (in Phalodi tehsil of Jodhpur district; along
Jodhpur-Phalodi-Aau-Chadi-Nagaur road):
- Shri Mota Ram Chaudhary (residing at Aao) is offering the "Phalgati"
Fodder to the Gazelles (it is the stem, leaves and pod of Guar tree, after
the grains have been thrashed out).
- Shri Hanuman Singh Bishnoi (residing in Khichan near Phalodi) is
procuring the "Phalgati" Fodder and supplying it to Shri Mota Ram.
- So many philanthropic persons are contributing to this SAVE GAZELLE
MISSION.
How about joining the campaign which will last until the rains are
received in that region : Contribute by cheque to be in favour of "Tourism
& Wildlife Society of India" (I. Tax exemption is available) or cash
against the receipt.
Conservation of wild life means better life for society.
Your inquiries are most welcome about
(a) More details about the mission, and...
(b) Visiting the spot to offer fodder with your own hands etc.
Kindly contact:
Harsh Vardhan, Hony. Secretary, TWSI.
Email:
giisj_jp1@sancharnet.in
Fax: +(0141) 2621129
Tel: +(0141) 2621472 & 2624444
(07/01/2003) Listening to Whales
The Whalesong hydrophone is operational and we are hearing some beautiful
whale songs tonight! You can reach the live feed at
www.whalesong.net
We look forward to webcasting these fascinating underwater sounds for our
third season.
Best wishes for a new year from the Whalesong Crew!
(08/01/2003) The Cultured Orangutan
For humans, the sputtering sound known as a raspberry is commonly
considered a contemptuous gesture. But among some orangutans, the
expression seems to simply signify that the utterer is turning in for the
night. Not all orangutan groups mark the end of the day this way, however.
In fact, according to a report published today in the journal Science, a
raspberry before bed is one of 24 socially transmitted behaviors that
scientists say may represent cultural variation in the great apes...
[Link]
(09/01/2003) Rescuers Save Part of Whale Pod in New Zealand
WELLINGTON, New Zealand Jan. 8 - Rescuers pushing and dragging whales
managed to refloat 39 members of a beached pod during high tide Wednesday
as dozens of other whales lay dead on a remote island off southern New
Zealand, officials said.Locals joined conservation specialists in the race
to rescue surviving members of a 159-strong pod of pilot whales stranded
on Stewart Island, 25 miles off the south coast of South Island. Rescuers
poured seawater over the beached mammals to protect them from the
afternoon heat.
By nightfall, the 39 whales had moved about 1 1/2 miles out into open sea
and were heading south away from the stranding site on a beach called The
Neck in Paterson's Inlet. It is a few miles from the island's only
settlement of Oban."That was a very good result," Department of
Conservation southern islands area manager Greg Lind told The Associated
Press."The 39 we got off were the only ones alive when the stranded pod
was found around midday," he added. "Overseas, such refloat efforts are
rarely successful."
Several small boats herded the refloated whales away from the beach and
headed them toward open water. Some 80 people, including locals, visitors
and tourists, worked throughout the hot afternoon, pouring cooling sea
water on the beached mammals.
Volunteer helper Michaela Ballard, of Christchurch, New Zealand, said the
rescue effort at times felt like a lost cause. "You try and help them all
you can. At least there's a chance rather than leaving them to die," she
said.
Lind said a spotter plane would fly over the area at first light to check
the survivors had not returned to the beach, and had continued to swim
away from the inlet.The stranded whales had likely been on the beach about
18 hours before they were spotted.The dead whale carcasses would be left
to rot on the beach, Lind said. Scientists don't know why whales beach
themselves.
Stewart Island's worst whale grounding was in 1998 when 320 of the mammals
swam ashore on remote Doughboy Bay and had to be put down.
(10/01/2003) California judges stops sonar testing of whales
USA: January 10, 2003
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - In what was hailed as a "great day for whales," a
federal judge in San Francisco this week blocked the start of a sonar
research project that conservation groups said would have disoriented gray
whales migrating up the California coast...
[Link]
(11/01/2003) Planet Ark : Being a middle-aged chimp no tea party in Berlin
Story by Erik Kirschbaum
GERMANY: January 9, 2003
BERLIN - Aping the tactics of some big employers, the Berlin zoo is to
send its middle-aged chimps into early retirement because they are too
sluggish and set in their ways - and German animal lovers are up in arms
about it.
Because they no longer amuse the public, the five chimpanzees are to go to
China after attempts failed to find a new home for them in Europe. But the
fate of Gusta, Lilly, Karel, Pedro and Soko has sparked outrage in the
local media.
"It's not a very nice thing to do," said Hannelore Dietrich, 77, who has
visited the ape house almost every day for the last 20 years.
"They're lovely animals even if they don't hop around like they used to.
It's a crying shame."
Wildlife activists criticised the zoo, saying it wants to bring in younger
primates to attract visitors."They were cute when they were young, but now
that they're old they're being heartlessly put out to pasture," said
Daniela Freyer, spokeswoman for animal rights group Pro Wildlife.The
158-year zoo, the oldest in Germany and one of the best known in Europe,
said it needs more room for its gorillas and pygmy chimps, which are more
lively and have produced offspring recently. The zoo has a total of
342 apes.
Peter Rahn, scientific head of the zoo, rejected charges the animals were
being "fired" because of their age. He said the Berlin chimps, between the
ages of 14 and 24, were still fit for their ages and could live to 45 or
50. "Certainly they sit in their corner or take it easy at times," he
said, admitting the zoo has spent years trying to find a new home
for the chimps. "But it's the same with humans who hit age 30. Children
bound around with a more energy than middle aged people. It's the same
with the animals."
Local protests against the move won backing from the Bild tabloid
newspaper. "Leave the old apes here with us!" it said.
Werner Krause, a retired tram driver, said he was appalled that the chimps
were being sacked before their time. "It's a rotten thing to do, getting
rid of the older ones," he said. "They should be able to find some room
for them here."
True to form, the chimps themselves failed to react to the furore, even at
feeding time this week, with 24-year-old Gusta dozing on a perch and
22-year-old Karel lying inert nearby. "It's a sad story, "said bus driver
Rainer Seibt, 59. "But on the other hand if the chimps just sit around
doing nothing, that's not good either. We've all got to earn our keep."
(12/01/2003) Thunder Bay Independent Media Center
by Wage Slave
Protesting May Be Good for Your Health
Taking part in protests and demonstrations can be good for your physical
and mental health, a new British study suggests.
Psychologists at the University of Sussex found that people who get
involved in campaigns, strikes and political demonstrations experience an
improvement in psychological well-being that can help them overcome
stress, pain, anxiety and depression.
The finding fits in with other studies suggesting that positive
experiences and feeling part of a group can have beneficial effects on
health.
"Collective actions, such as protests, strikes, occupations and
demonstrations, are less common in the UK than they were perhaps 20 years
ago," researcher Dr. John Drury said in a statement...
[Link]
Tuesday December 24, 2002 at 02:31 PM
LONDON (Reuters Health)
(13/01/2003) DaimlerChrysler sponsors hunting in Spain
DaimlerChrysler does not only sponsor brutal Rodeo in the USA, but also
hunting. With its brands Mercedes-Benz and Jeep it is one of the sponsors
of the Spanish hunting association "Oficina Nacional de la Caza".
According to the association's website (www.oficinanacionalcaza.org)
its work would not be possible without the sponsors.
Background: In Spain even wolves which are on the list of endangered
species are being shot. This was denounced by the Spanish animals rights
group "Asociación Nacional para la Protección y el Bienestar de los
Animales" (ANPBA) in the European Union in December 2002.
Please write to:
DaimlerChrysler AG
D-70546 Stuttgart
Germany
Tel: +49 711 17 0
- The Public Relations Department:
Fax: + 49 711 / 17 94 531
(14/01/2003) Drought cancels Australian duck hunt
AUSTRALIA: January, 2003
SYDNEY - An Australian state cancelled its 2003 duck-hunting season
yesterday because of the severe nine-month drought afflicting the island
continent.
The southern state of Victoria said waterfowl numbers were low and
allowing the hunting season to go ahead as scheduled in March could
decimate duck populations because birds from across Australia would flock
to the few remaining wetlands in Victoria ...
[Link]
(15/01/2003) COALITION OF WHALE FRIENDS - PRESS RELEASE
Animal groups seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) in San Fransisco
court to stop sonar experiments on 3,000 California Gray Whales.
Hilo based attorney, Lanny Sinkin, acting on behalf of Gray Whales and
Humpback Whales, as well as a number of US and Australian animal and
environmental groups, will request that the Federal District Court act to
immediately restrain Dr Peter Tyack from experimenting on Gray Whales. A
TRO Hearing has been set down for l0.00am, Wednesday 8th January, at Court
1, 17th Floor, Federal Court House, 450 Golden Gate, San Francisco. Case
No: 03-0078.
Dr Peter Tyack of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute intends to begin
deploying sonar from Pacific Gas & Electric's property at Point Buchon
from January 8th - 24th. Dr Tyack has targeted Gray Whales at a time when
the migration pulse is composed principally of heavily pregnant whales and
newborn calves.
At the recent International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Japan, the
US delegation revealed that the Gray Whale population has crashed by 9,000
animals to a low of l7,000.
With no evidence of recovery and a continuing low calf count, the
deployment of mid and high frequency sonar at unprecedented levels has the
potential to send the species to extinction, said Mr Sinkin.
Dr Tyack intends to broadcast sonar at levels of l80dB 1 uPa. This is the
equivalent of standing next to an F-16 taking off.
Leading whale expert and research biologist, Ken Balcomb said in his>
deposition in support of the TRO that : 'It is a published fact that
avoidance behavioural responses have been shown to occur in a variety of
marine mammals from a variety of underwater sound frequencies at RL
(received levels) less than 140dB 1 uPa.
Several species of beaked whales have been accidentally killed by exposure
to high intensity underwater sound. Sound-sensitive beaked whales occur
along the California coast coincident with the migration of the Gray
Whales, he says.
Ken Balcomb's deposition highlights the little known fact that whalers
used intense underwater sounds ( eg Asdic, a 14-20kHz active sonar device)
to increase the efficiency of their catch when chasing whales. The
behaviour of many whale species was greatly modified when exposed to the
Asdic device which has similar frequency characteristics to the device Dr
Tyack is proposing to use.
Interference with Calf Communication.
Dr Tyack's intended frequency levels have the capacity to interfere with
calf communication, says Mr Sinkin. This fact has been well documented in
a California Coastal Commission hearing on an experiment on sea lions
proposed by NMFS in 1999 which used sonar devices broadcasting at
frequencies that the CCC ruled would interfere with calf communication.
" Dr Tyack has stated that he will broadcast at similar frequencies, "
says Mr Sinkin.
" We have no research on the effects of mid and high frequency sonar on
calves in utero, or newborn calves. What we do know is that broadcasts at
180dB are recognized by the US Navy, the scientific community and at least
one Federal Judge as harmful to the extent of causing physical injury.
"This experiment targets more than 20 per cent of an extremely vulnerable
and fragile population," says Mr Sinkin.
"Through a process of deceptive amendments to his original permit, Dr
Tyack has legally flawed consent from NMFS to 'Take and Harass' 417,000
whales and dolphins in huge geographic areas across the planet. Many of
these species are listed as endangered.
"Hawaian Humpback Whales are Dr Tyack's next target. It is simply
unacceptable that the Humpback Whales in Hawaian waters should again be
subjected to sonar experiments. It is unacceptable that nearly half a
million cetaceans should be subjected to frequency and decibel levels that
are known to cause harm.The public has a right to know the full extent and
ramifications of these experiments which have not been subjected to any
Environmental Impact Study. We are taking this legal action on behalf of
the Gray and Humpback Whales, seeking standing on their behalf and on
behalf of concerned Human groups. Gray Whales and Humpback Whales must not
be used as living biological models for sonar experiments. They have a
right to exist in peace. I will be requesting that the Court nullify the
NMFS Permit in its entirety."
For further information:
Call Robin Mankey, Sea Sanctuary Inc. for media interviews with Lanny
Sinkin.
Her cell is: 650 208 3825.
On behalf of Hawai'i County Green Party, Australians for Animals, Stop
LFAS Worldwide Network, Channel Islands Animal Protection Association, Sea
Sanctuary Inc. Robert Puddicombe, Naturalist.
Written and authorized by Sue Arnold, Australians for Animals.
(16/01/2003) Nebraska reports two new cases of wasting disease
LINCOLN, Neb. - Nebraska wildlife officials have confirmed chronic wasting
disease, a deadly brain ailment related to mad cow disease, in two wild
mule deer shot by hunters last fall.
Both deer were killed in Nebraska's Panhandle region, where chronic
wasting disease has been found before, the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission said in a statement this week. The numbers bring the state's
confirmed cases to 17 since the disease was discovered during the 2000
hunting season.
Chronic wasting disease, a fatal illness affecting deer and elk, causes
symptoms similar to mad cow disease, formally known as bovine spongiform
encephalopathy. But unlike mad cow, CWD has never been shown to "jump
species" and infect humans or cattle.
Still, medical experts have advised against eating venison or any other
parts of deer or elk that appear infected...
[Link]
(17/01/2003) Poaching of Mountain Gorillas on the Rise
by Carol A. Kennedy
The poaching of at least six mountain gorillas in Central Africa during
recent months has prompted wildlife officials to place some mountain
gorilla families under 24-hour surveillance.
Several suspected poachers who were found in possession of a baby mountain
gorilla have been arrested and are being questioned to find out who hired
them.
"It appears that people are trying to capture a baby gorilla," Wildlife
Conservation Society gorilla researcher Amy Vedder told a Cable News
Network reporter. "We assume this is for some kind of private...collection
of exotic animals somewhere hidden away in the world."
"There's one (baby) that we know of that's still missing," said Dian
Fossey Gorilla Fund International Chief Scientific Director Dieter
Steklis.
There are only about 660 mountain gorillas left in the world. Almost all
of them live in forests in the Virungas Mountains of Rwanda, Uganda and
the Democratic Republic of Congo.
None of the animals are in a zoo because they do not live for very long in
captivity.
[Link]
(18/01/2003) PETA Undercover Video of Pig Beatings at Seaboard Farms Basis for Case
Texas County pig farm worker Alejo Peña pleaded guilty to three counts of
felony cruelty to animals stemming from a PETA undercover investigation
videotape showing Peña, manager of the Seaboard Farms, Inc.-owned pig
farm, mercilessly bludgeoning pigs with iron gate rods in three separate
incidents. This is the first time in U.S. history that a farmer has been
convicted of felony cruelty to animals for injuring and killing animals
raised for food. On May 14, 2001, PETA submitted the video to Texas County
District Attorney Donald E. Wood, whose office filed charges against Peña
on August 31.
For more information and to view PETA's video, please click here:
[Link]
(19/01/2003) Captive Cetacean Displays Banned
by Becky A. Dayhuff
The County Council of Maui recently made the Hawaiian county the 17th city
or county in the United States to ban displays of captive cetaceans.
"The Council finds that cetaceans (dolphins and whales) are highly
intelligent - and highly sensitive - marine mammals," the legislation
prohibiting the displays states. "The Council further finds the presence
of cetaceans in the Pacific Ocean surrounding Maui County provides many
cultural, spiritual, and economic benefits to the County's residents. The
Council also finds that the exhibition of captive cetaceans leads to
distress living conditions for these animals. Therefore, the purpose of
this ordinance is to prohibit the exhibition of captive cetaceans
(dolphins and whales)."
Violators are subject to imprisonment for not more than one year and fines
of as much as $1,000.
Hundreds of letters and a petition signed by more than 15,000 individuals
calling for the ban had been received by the members of the Council.
"This matter received more public support than any other matter in the
history of Maui County," said Council member Jo Anne Johnson.
"Maui will now be recognized as a place where whales and dolphins will all
live free and in the wild," said Council member Alan Arakawa. "This
decision proves we can do what is right."
[Link]
(20/01/2003) EU Votes "Yes" To See Cosmetics Animal Testing Ban Become Law, But BUAV
Calls Delay On Action "Shameful"
Today on Wednesday 15th January 2003 the European Parliament took its
final vote and endorsed the joint text agreed by a Conciliation Committee
in November 2002 to ban EU cosmetics animal testing and introduce an EU
ban on the sale of new animal tested cosmetics.
Leading anti-vivisection campaigners the British Union for the Abolition
of Vivisection (BUAV), which has been lobbying and campaigning to end EU
cosmetics animal testing for many years, has cautiously welcomed the vote
but warns that the legislation will not be the best that could have been
achieved for laboratory animals.
Wendy Higgins BUAV Campaigns Director, says:
"There's no doubt that a Europe-wide ban on cosmetics animal testing is an
historic achievement, and MEPs and animal campaigners have worked
incredibly hard to bring it about. However, it is utterly shameful that it
has taken thirteen-years to make it happen, and even more shameful that
lab animals in Europe will be forced to endure another six years of
cosmetics testing before this abominable practice is finally outlawed and
at least a decade before the vital sales ban could take hold."
The BUAV also warns that a "get out clause" contained in the sales ban for
three of the cruellest animal test areas (see point 3 below) could allow
the animal testing cosmetics industry to delay the introduction of a
complete sales ban.
Wendy Higgins BUAV Campaigns Director, says:
"The 'get out clause' potentially allows industry to side-step a total
sales ban by claiming that insufficient non-animal tests are available.
The cosmetics industry has lobbied aggressively to water-down these
proposals already, and I doubt we've heard the last of them on this issue.
Securing the sales ban is vital but not just for animal tested cosmetics.
It demonstrates that exaggerated concerns about a World Trade Organisation
challenge must not be allowed to stand in the way of progressive and
compassionate legislation as it has in the past and that could reap huge
benefits in the future not just for animal welfare but also for human
rights and environmental protection."
The Plenary has voted for:
1. A complete animal testing ban six years from entry into force (around
2009)
2. An sale ban from 2009 for the majority of animal tests.
3. A sale ban from 2013 - 10 years after entry into force - for the
further 3 test areas identified by Parliament at second reading
(toxicokinetics, reproductive toxicity, repeat dose toxicity). This sale
ban contains a "get out clause" - it can be delayed if insufficient
non-animal tests have been developed.
Notes to Editors:
1. A Conciliation Committee agreed a joint text on Wednesday 6th Nov 2002.
2. In 1989 the European Parliament first passed a resolution calling on
the EU Commission to "formulate a directive with the aim of ending the use
of animals for decorative cosmetic testing".
3. A final vote by the Council of Ministers later this month is to take
place, after which the measures are likely to become EU law. The Council's
third reading is expected during the Agriculture Council of 27/28 January.
(21/01/2003) Turkey adopted Animal Protection Law
Animal Protection Draft Law Adopted By Parliamentary Domestic Affairs
Commission
Anadolu Agency: Wednesday, January 15, 2003
ANKARA - The Parliamentary Domestic Affairs Commission adopted on
Wednesday Animal Protection Draft Law including legal arrangements about
animal rights. Under the draft law, drivers who hit and injure an animal,
are obliged to take the animal to a nearby veterinarian and to undertake
all expenses of the medical treatment. Drivers will also be obliged to
take all kinds of measures not to hit and kill animals with their
vehicles. Under the draft, torture and maltreatment against animals will
be banned. No one can beat animal or let them to starve. Sexual
intercourse with animal is also banned.
Those who commit crimes against animals such as torture, maltreatment and
sexual intercourse will be sentenced to imprisonment. In cases where it is
necessary to kill an animal, methods which causes less pain will be
preferred. Only a veterinarian will be allowed to kill an animal. The
draft bans killing of animals except for outbreak of epidemics. Those who
kill animals, will be punished seriously.
Under the law, animals cannot be trained through methods that will cause
them suffer or depress unnecessarily. No one will be allowed to train an
animal for acts of violence and to force them to fight with each other.
According to the law, animals cannot be killed by boiling, burning,
drowning, applying electricity or breaking their necks.Provincial animal
protection boards will be formed in each provinces under the chairmanship
of deputy governors.
Also, Turkish Animal Protection Foundation will be established.
[Link]
(22/01/2003) Viva! contre Adidas et le massacre des kangourous
Bonjour,
Je me présente : Eric, animateur d'International Campaigns, un nouveau
support électronique dédié au relais en France (par un travail de
communication et/ou d'organisation) de campagnes internationales
essentiellement menées contre les industries de la chair animale et de la
vivisection.
C'est dans cet esprit qu'International
Campaigns relaie en France, en accord avec l'association britannique
Viva!, la campagne internationale de Viva! contre Adidas, société
largement impliquée dans le massacre des kangourous en Australie.
Voici le message diffusé en français au nom de Viva!. N'hésitez surtout
pas à les soutenir...
Appel à l'aide de Viva!
Pour la seule année 2002, les chasseurs australiens ont été autorisés à
abattre 7 millions de kangourous adultes pour alimenter les industries de
la peau et de la viande. Le plus grand consommateur de peaux de kangourou
au monde n’est autre qu’Adidas, qui les utilise pour confectionner des
articles de luxe inutiles tels que des chaussures pour footballeurs
professionnels. Sans le soutien des fabricants de chaussures de sport tels
qu'Adidas, cette industrie s'effondrerait.
Parallèlement au massacre des kangourous adultes, plusieurs millions de
bébés kangourous sont tués. Leur mère abattue, les petits sont arrachés de
la poche pour être tués d’une balle, frappés à mort sur la tête, écrasés,
projetés contre un arbre ou laissés agonisants sur place. Ceux qui ne
vivent plus dans la poche mais qui néanmoins restent totalement dépendants
de leur mère qui leur apporte chaleur, nourriture, lait et protection,
sont épargnés et s’enfuient dans la nuit. Tous finiront par mourir,
victimes de la faim, de la prédation, du froid ou de l’abandon. Ces
malheureux petits sont les " sous-produits " sans valeur de cette
industrie.
La société Adidas est parfaitement consciente de la cruauté liée au
massacre des kangourous. Elle n’ignore pas non plus que l’Australie
connaît la pire sécheresse de son histoire qui risque d’entraîner la mort
de 70% de la population de kangourous. Mais Adidas se voile la face et
continue à commanditer le massacre de cet animal paisible et unique, dans
le seul but de fabriquer des chaussures de sport.
Le 31 août 2002, la première journée d'action internationale contre Adidas
coordonnée par Viva! a mobilisé des militants britanniques, américains et
australiens, qui ont organisé des manifestations ou qui ont protesté
devant des magasins de sports vendant des produits Adidas. Cette journée a
permis de distribuer des dizaines de milliers de tracts et de recueillir
des milliers de signatures pour des pétitions.
Une deuxième journée d'action internationale est prévue le 8 février 2003
et nous avons besoin de vous ! Vous pouvez identifier les magasins de
sports dans votre ville ou région qui revendent des articles Adidas et
organiser une manifestation locale devant ces magasins pour dissuader le
public d’acheter les produits de cette société tant qu’elle utilisera de
la peau de kangourou.
Parallèlement, une grande manifestation va être organisée en Allemagne
ainsi que plusieurs manifestations plus petites le jour J.
URGENT
Merci de collecter tous les vêtements ou chaussures Adidas usagés que vous
trouverez et de les envoyer à Viva! à l’adresse ci-dessous : 12 Queen
Square, Brighton BN1 3FD Angleterre. Faites-vous connaître en envoyant un
email à Claudia (claudia@viva.org.uk),
qui vous indiquera la marche à suivre. Plus vous récolterez d’articles
Adidas, mieux ce sera pour la petite surprise que nous leur avons préparée
!
Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur
www.savethekangaroo.com. N’hésitez pas à commander des tracts, des
affiches et des autocollants contre Adidas.
Merci de votre aide !"
Viva!
2 Queen Square, Brighton, BN1 3FD, Royaume-Uni
Tél : +44 (0) 1273 777688
Fax : +44 (0) 1273 776755
email:
kangaroo@viva.org.uk
Site Web :
www.viva.org.uk
- Bientôt disponible en français également : la réponse (technique) de
Viva! au courrier d'Adidas visant à contrecarrer la campagne actuelle de
Viva!
- Pour information :
Adidas Sarragan France
r Saessolsheim - 67700 LANDERSHEIM
Tél : 03 88 87 88 00
Service consommateurs (N° Vert) : 0 800 01 10 01
Service administratif - télécopie : 03 88 69 97 25
Direction générale- télécopie : 03 88 87 89 80
Direction commerciale - télécopie : 03 88 87 89 97
Direction financière - télécopie : 03 88 87 89 55
Direction informatique - télécopie : 03 88 87 89 91
Direction logistique et gesplan - télécopie : 03 88 87 89 94
Direction marketing communication et studio - télécopie : 03 88 87 89 90
Administration des ventes- télécopie : 03 88 87 89 95
Juridique - télécopie : 03 88 87 89 56
Service du personnel - télécopie : 03 88 87 89 92
Télémarketing - télécopie : 03 88 87 89 10
(23/01/2003) 147 SEALIONS KILLED IN PERU IN ORDER TO SELL THEIR GENITALS TO ASIA
Sunday 19.01.2003, Lima - Peru: Today finally the killing of 147 sea lions
in Peru's only marine protected area, the National Reserve of Paracas, was
made public after the search for the killers was officially declared to be
a closed case without result.
The bodies of 147 southern sea lions (Otaria byronia) had been discovered
by park guards reaching the Island San Gallán, situated in the
northwestern part of the National Reserve of Paracas, Peru's only marine
protected area, in the morning of the 25. of September 2002 during one of
their patrols. The horrible find had been kept secret in order to help
investigations to find the responsible fishermen. Last week the
representative of the Ministerio Público, Mrs. María Félix Serrano
declared the case to be closed, as local police had not managed to find
any lead to identify the responsible persons within the last three
month's.
The most probable explanation is that a group of 10 to 20 fishermen,
belonging to an organized ring of smugglers reached the Island, that is
home to the second biggest sea lion colony within the reserve at some time
between the 20 and 25 of September during early morning when the island is
usually covered in thick fog. They then encircled the defenseless sea
lions on the beach and clubbed them to death or used knifes to finish
their job. Finally the genitals where cut off and the bodies left for the
hundreds of vultures being around.
"This massacre", declared Stefan Austermühle, Executive Director of the
Peruvian NGO Mundo Azul, is one of the worst environmental crimes ever to
have taken place in a protected area in Peru." While the killing of sea
lions - seen by fishermen as competitors for fish - is a known problem
along the Peruvian coast, the killing of sea lions in order to sell their
sexual organs to Asia is a new phenomenon. "The number of sea lions being
killed", says Austermühle, "is shockingly high and it is to be feared that
Peru's marine environment has to face in future one more problem."
Sea lion populations have diminished during the last strong El Niño Event
in 1997/98 up to 70 percent and the Marine Reserve of Paracas already
faces over boarding problems of uncontrolled over fishing, dynamite
fishing and the illegal slaughter of marine turtles. While officials from
the National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA), being responsible
for the administration of the protected areas in Peru, published plans to
establish in future a permanent guard post on the island, they admitted at
the same time that there are no financial resources yet to implement this
plan. "The park guards of Paracas", sums up Stefan Austermühle, "are
hopelessly outnumbered and without sufficient equipment and financial
resources to effectively patrol and protect threatened species in Paracas.
International help is needed urgently in order to prevent more of such
disgusting events."
More information as well of pictures showing fishermen killing sea lions
and pictures of sea lions in their habitat can be obtained from Mundo Azul
Please contact:
mundoazul@terra.com.pe
(24/01/2003) Hippos roam Colombian drug lord's abandoned ranch
PUERTO TRIUNFO, Colombia - Ten hippopotamuses roam wild among the ruins of
the late drug kingpin Pablo Escobar's abandoned country home, leaving huge
footprints in the mud and scaring the wits out of the local cows. The
hippos are all that remain of Escobar's private zoo. In his heyday in the
1980s, Escobar imported elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, giraffes and other
exotic beasts to his lavish ranch at Puerto Triunfo, 100 miles (160 km)
north of Bogota in central Colombia, as a testament to his fabulous
wealth.
Most of the animals were confiscated by the authorities and transferred to
zoos after the cocaine lord was gunned down by police in 1993 in Medellin.
But the hippos were left behind.
Despite the absence of a keeper, the Nile hippos - some of which weigh 2
tonnes - have flourished and reproduced on a muddy lake near the Magdalena
River as if it were their natural terrain. And for six of the hippos born
there, it is.
"I've never heard of anything like this in my life," Steve Thompson, a
hippo expert at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, said in a telephone interview.
He has traveled to Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania to study the behavior and
life of hippos.
"I've only seen hippos living in the wild in Africa but I guess that if
they have the right food and the right water habitat they can do pretty
well in Colombia."
The short-legged, hairless mammals share the estate with a few families of
war refugees. The refugees fled their homes after leftist rebels attacked
their villages and took up residence at Escobar's ranch. They live in the
once-luxurious guest homes which stand decaying under the tropical sun.
Hens strut beneath laundry lines hung with ragged clothing...
[Link]
(25/01/2003) US colleges move to meet demand for meatless meals
USA: January 24, 2003
NEW YORK - While young children continue to craveBig Macs and Chicken
McNuggets, many U.S. university students are demanding meatless meals,
animals rights and vegetarian groups said yesterday.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which estimates that more
than 20 percent of college students consider themselves vegetarians, said
results from an online survey of such students show that colleges are
increasingly adding meatless and non-dairy meal options.
[Link]
(26/01/2003) TURTLES: 20 Countries Meet To Discuss Protections
Representatives of 20 countries met in Bangkok yesterday to take the first
steps toward establishing protections for six imperiled species of sea
turtles in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.
The meeting is the first for partners in an agreement aimed at reducing
threats, preserving habitat and raising public awareness of the turtles'
dangerously dwindling numbers. The ancient animals, some species of which
have remained virtually unchanged since the age of the dinosaurs, have
been the victims of accidental catch by industrial fishing boats and
unsustainable harvesting at their nesting sites, according to the U.N.
Environment Program.
UNEP is partially funding the new secretariat for the agreement, to be
based in Bangkok. Thailand has not yet signed the agreement, but along
with India, Indonesia and the Maldives, it has begun the process of
joining. Among the agreement's signatories are Australia, Iran, the
Philippines, Madagascar, Tanzania and the United States.
A similar agreement exists in Africa to protect marine turtles off the
Atlantic coast, according to UNEP (UNWire, Agence France-Presse, Jan. 22,
2003)
(27/01/2003) Germany: The elephant cow Rani is dead but Kenia can be still saved!
After in June 2002 Rani had, under very unclear circumstances,
broken a leg in the German circus Harlekin, she was returned to the circus
after the treatment, despite numerous protests. At the beginning of
January experts discovered the scandalous conditions the animal had to
endure: In a former pig farm in Goeritz (Saxonia-Anhalt/Germany) Rani was
standing in her own excrements, and urine had already burned holes into
her soles. Because of her disablement, ropes had been put around her
chest, which cut deeply into her skin. Furthermore a tumour the size of a
football had formed in her genitals. In spite of immediate complaints, the
responsible veterinary authorities did not confiscate the animal so that
the condition of Rani worsened rapidly and she had to be put to sleep on
13 January 2003.
However, this scandalous development could have been prevented! The
Safaripark Gaenserndorf/Oesterreich had offered to take the two circus
elephants Rani and Kenia, to pay for their transport, to build appropriate
accommodation and to nurse Rani back to health. Some Austrian animal right
movements, including FOR ANIMALS, were ready to support the rescue
financially.
Unfortunately it was too late for Rani! However, Kenia still lives under
these shameful conditions and must be confiscated straight away. Please
help to save her through an immediate transfer to the Safaripark
Gaenserndorf/Oesterreich!
FOR ANIMALS, Austria
POB 36, A 8026 Graz,
phone, fax: 0043 316 573779
e-mail:
for-animals.dravecz@aon.at
Dear Sir,
After the dramatic events in the circus Harlekin, which ended with the
death of the elephant cow Rani, we appeal to you to urgently confiscate
the elephant Kenia still remaining with circus director Köllner, and to
authorize a transfer to the Austrian Safaripark Gaenserdorf.
It was only because of blatant neglect that Rani had to endure this
terrible situation. Already the injury of the elephant had been dubious
because these animals do not break a leg easily. But what happened after
the clinic-stay can only be described as extreme cruelty because under
proper care a broken leg would not have ended lethally!
Since such negligence in the keeping of animals does not correspond to
international standards, we appeal to you to save the elephant Kenia by
confiscating her and have her transferred to safety in Austria.
With kind regards
Name
Place
(28/01/2003) British Government Underwrites Research Firm
by Sherry Morse
The British government recently began insuring Huntingdon Life Sciences
(HLS), which operates the largest animal experimentation laboratories in
Europe.
The action was taken after Marsh, the
company that had been insuring HLS, discontinued providing coverage in
response to protests by animal welfare activists.
"The (Department of Trade and
Industry) is not using commercial insurance companies or brokers and is
providing insurance through its own resources," said Department Secretary
Patricia Hewitt.
"This is a massive victory," said Stop
Huntingdon Animal Cruelty spokesperson Greg Avery.
The Bank of England in 2001 granted
HLS an account because the firm could not find a private bank willing to
do business with it.
HLS uses approximately 70,000 animals
- rats, birds, chimpanzees, dogs and others - per year in its work.
[Link]
(International Campaigns) Semaine Mondiale des Animaux de Laboratoire (du 21 au 27 avril 2003)
International Campaigns vous invite dès
maintenant à réfléchir comment vous mobiliser pour protester contre la
vivisection dans le cadre de la Semaine Mondiale des Animaux de
Laboratoire qui se déroulera du lundi 21 au dimanche 27 avril 2003,
la Journée Mondiale (24 avril) des Animaux de Laboratoire tombant
un jeudi cette année.
Voici quelques premières suggestions et idées à explorer si vous
souhaitez vous impliquer localement, un événement étant notamment prévu
sur la région parisienne:
· Organisation d’un rassemblement statique devant un site
pratiquant la torture animale (laboratoire privé ou public, faculté, CHU…)
dans votre région (devant le site si vous obtenez une autorisation ou
à proximité si vous n’en avez pas) et/ou d’une manifestation mobile
devant un site dans la grande ville de province la plus proche de chez
vous.
· Diffusion du message abolitionniste international auprès du public
et de la presse locale/régionale avec (liste non exhaustive)
- Une tenue militante composée d’une blouse blanche maculée de
peinture rouge et d’un masque ou d’un costume d’animal de laboratoire
(rongeurs, lapins, chiens, chats et autres animaux martyrisés)
- Des posters (de grande taille) d’animaux torturés à poser ou pour "homme/femme-sandwich"
- Des pancartes> et des banderoles avec les slogans radicaux suivants
(identiques sur tous les points de manifestation sur le territoire) :
Vivisection = Torture ! ; Vivisection = Abolition ! ; Vivisection =
Barbarie ! ; Vivisection = Non !
- Un mégaphone pour s’exprimer clairement et vivement
- Un manifeste dénonçant la vivisection (en utilisant notamment
l’argumentaire des associations antivivisectionnistes) à remettre à la
presse contactée au préalable
- Un appareil photo ou un caméscope pour garder une trace de votre
présence.
*** Présence souhaitée sur les sites pendant les heures de bureau
*** Pas de provocation ni d’actions illégales *** Une présence nationale
nous accordera encore plus de crédibilité***
C’est dès maintenant qu’il nous faut nous organiser ! Vous craignez
de ne pas y arriver ou de faire « petit » ? Qu’importe ? C’est
l’expérience et elle seule qui vous permettra de toujours mieux vous
organiser pour amplifier la protestation et exiger l’abolition de la
vivisection !
Motivé(e) ? N’hésitez pas à écrire à
international_campaigns@noos.fr pour parler de votre projet local et
obtenir des conseils et de l’assistance.
(29/01/2003) PRESS INFORMATION
Brussels, 28 January 2003
Eurogroup's investigation into live animal transport makes grim reading.
With the publication of "Summary of Suffering Part II" Eurogroup for
Animal Welfare demonstrates, yet again, that many transporters ignore EU
legislation on the protection of animals in transport and that in many
Member States enforcement of transport laws is virtually non-existent.
The report, presented today to the European Commission, is a depressing
catalogue of 24 reports ( *) of animals being sent for slaughter and
further fattening over long distances without food, rest and water and in
trucks which often do not meet the standards for long journeys.
As the Commission is currently reviewing the European Directive (**),
Eurogroup is calling for a maximum journey time limit as this can be
enforced and, therefore is the only way to control the transport and to
regulate the trade. This view is supported by 9 Member States (***), the
European Federation of Veterinarians and consumer groups.
David Wilkins, Director of Eurogroup states: "The EU needs to drastically
change the approach to live transport. Those Member States now claiming
that stricter protection rules are not needed but that increased controls
are the solution are exactly the countries, which pay little attention to
enforcement. It is unlikely that this will improve in the future. "
Not only Member States are to blame. The Commission is doing little to
push Member States to respect their obligations. Notwithstanding repeated
critical reports from animal welfare groups and the Commission's Food and
Veterinary Office (FVO) about the lack of enforcement, no Member States
have yet been taken to the European Court. Furthermore, under the FVO's
programme for 2003, only 8 out of the 250 planned missions will directly
relate to animal welfare.
Notes for the editors:
(*) The inspections were carried out by
Eurogroup's member organizations: the RSPCA and the Dutch
Dierenbescherming, and by the German based Animals' Angels in 2001 and
2002 - an overview of the trails can be downloaded at:
www.eurogroupanimalwelfare.org
(**) Directive 95/29 amending 91/628
(***) During the Open Debate in the Council in September 2002, Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Sweden
and the United Kingdom all stated they supported a maximum journey time.
For further information and press pictures please contact: Veronika
Haunold (tel.: 02 74 00 820) or Sonja Van Tichelen (tel.: 0477/246077)
(30/01/2003) Hawaii/internet: Whale Songs Live
A male humpback has moved in fairly close to the hydrophone tonight. How
do we know it's a male? Well, all of the researchers tell us that it is
the males that sing these long complex songs. Dr. Marsha Green, who
studies whales, says the song lasts about 10 to 20 minutes and that they
always breathe at the same point in the song. You can hear this song now
at
www.whalesong.net. According to Marsha, the females and babies also
vocalize, but they do not sing the songs.
We are continuing to try to educate ourselves on what these vocalizations
are all about, and will be bringing information to you from a variety of
sources this season.
We expect to generate two to three emails a week to this list. More
frequent posts, including information on the status of the system and
weather, etc., will be posted on the web log at the whalesong website.
Mahalo to Rich Shipley for setting up the mailing list and the web log for
us. We've been very busy here, and these things make life much easier for
us. Signing up to this list is automated now, on the website. It's easy to
unsubscribe - see instructions at the bottom of this page.
We'd like to ask that you forward these messages freely to your friends
and spread the word about the whalesong project. We go to a lot of work to
keep this system up and running, and like to have as many people listening
as possible. Why? Well...it's fun to share this......but we also think
it's important for people to understand that the ocean is an accoustic
environment. It's part of the seascape, part of what makes this beautiful
planet what it is. If people appreciate the beauty of the oceans, they may
want to help take care of them. And for kids, we think it's important for
them to be able connect with the natural world if they want to......this
provides a unique opportunity.
We hope you are enjoying listening, and appreciate the steady stream of
comments from around the world.
Oh, we are now set up as a Hawai'i nonprofit corporation ...our directors
want me to tell you that your donations are Tax Deductible! If you'd like
to be part of the project, see "How You Can Help" on the website. We are
running out of duct tape to hold all of this together, so send money if
you are so inclined. We appreciate the help. Mahalo Nui!!!
One more last minute thought to share. We are in Hawai'i, and we like to
share Hawaiian mana'o (thought, wisdom) that rubs off on us here in the
islands. We have learned that the ancient Hawai'ians took care of the sea
in interesting and unusual ways. Sometimes, we are told, they created
coral reef systems, and fed fish to make them more abundant. Fishing
during certain times was kapu, not permitted, to protect fish during their
breeding periods. More reasons Captain Cook called the Hawaiians "the
world's greatest ecologists."
Malama i ke kai - protect the seas
Aloha, Dan
(Notice) Chinese Herbal Remedies
In 1998, 10 Saint Bernard dogs from the USA and Europe
were exported to China for dog meat trials, along with Great Danes and
Mastiffs. As a result, the Chinese Government declared the Saint Bernard
to be "The Meat Dog of Choice" advertising its aphrodisiac qualities in
business brochures designed to encourage the farming of these highly
intelligent animals.
In Korean, over 2 million dogs are slaughtered annually under the
misconception that the dog meat invigorates male sexual vitality.
In January 2003, following a complaint about a Chinese herbal
remedy, the Ministry of Health in New Zealand launched an intensive
investigation. The outcome of this was the following:
11 of the remedies tested were found to contain prescription medicines and
toxic substances, some linked to cancer. One of these preparations was Wei
Ge Wang used to treat impotency.
Wei Ge Wang was found to contain powdered dogs penis amongst other things
but the main finding was Viagra in large quantities. The Viagra was not
listed on the box but the powdered dog's penis was. So what does this tell
us?
It tells us strongly that even the Chinese herbalists do not believe that
the dogs' meat is an aphrodisiac, otherwise why use the large doses of
Viagra? It also tells us that by listing the dogs' penises on the
packaging shows us they are using the mythological belief of Asians
that this remedy will cure their impotency. Perhaps it will but only
because a man-made, synthetic drug has been added NOT because of the use
of any part of the dogs.
So, why are the dogs slaughtered so inhumanely under the guise that
the slaughter enhances the aphrodisiac quality of the meat? Purely
and simply, archaic superstition excuses by the meat traders to
justify what they do.
The Doctor I spoke to at the Ministry of Health who did the research on
the 11 remedies stated there is no proof medically or scientifically that
the dogs' meat is an "aphrodisiac" as purported by the dog meat traders.
Never before have scientific tests been carried out on Chinese herbal
medicines and the outcome is indeed astounding. However, it also has a
dark side in that Asians taking this remedy, getting the desired response
will put it down to the fact that it contains parts of an animal, the dog,
which they have been led to believe has meat which has "aphrodisiac"
qualities. So the question indeed which must be asked is why add the
Viagra? The simple answer is that the other ingredients just do not work,
never have and never will. The only thing, which will enhance what the
Asians are looking for, is a man-made, synthetic substance. The claims on
the packaging are therefore false.
This is the 21st Century and the year 2003. Let us fight using the
knowledge Science gives us and use that knowledge well to prove our cases
once and for all. Investigate local herbalists for stocks of Wei Ge Wang
and inform your local Health Authorities. This information can be used
logically and forcefully to denounced the false claims. I have a video
from Television 3 NZ plus newspaper articles, which fully lists the 11
herbal remedies plus the hidden ingredients if anyone would like a copy.
Elly Maynard
Sirius Global Animal Org
30 Jun 2003
bopfm@enternet.co.nz
(31/01/2003) Disease Prompting Cull of One Million Hens
by Sherry Morse
California agriculture officials recently ordered the killing of
approximately one million hens on a farm in San Bernardino County after
some of the birds were found to be infected with Exotic Newcastle Disease
(END), a fatal and highly contagious avian ailment.
About 75,000 hens on a farm near San Diego also are going to be killed
because END has been discovered in several of them.
In order to prevent the disease from spreading further, transporting birds
or bird products out of San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Los
Angeles Counties has been banned. Orange County also has been placed under
quarantine, even though no farms on which chickens are raised have been
established there.
In response to the crisis, the California Department of Food and
Agriculture has created an Exotic Newcastle Disease Task Force that is
testing hens in all at-risk areas. If a hen is found to be infected, the
entire flock to which she belongs will be killed and replaced with new
birds after a 21-day waiting period has elapsed in order to verify that
the area is free of END.
The symptoms of the disease include gasping, coughing, circling,
depression, paralysis, drooping wings, reduced egg production, diarrhea
and swelling of the face and neck.
"Infected birds can spread the virus through their droppings or by
secretions from their nose, mouth or eyes," said Texas Animal Health
Commission Acting Executive Director Dr. James Lenarduzzi.
An END outbreak that occurred in Southern California in 1971 prompted the
killing of nearly 12 million birds on more than 1,300 farms over a period
of approximately three years.
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