Auckland, May 21st 2003: A new initiative to be introduced by 18 countries
to this year's June meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC)
in Berlin will greatly strengthen the ability of the IWC to protect the
world's cetaceans - whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The Berlin Initiative would reorient the IWC away from exploitation of
whales and toward conservation. Greenpeace says it is a timely proposal
and takes into account the wide range of threats now facing cetaceans in
our polluted and over-fished oceans.
In May 2003, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) warned that some cetacean
species could become extinct within a decade and others remain critically
endangered...
[Link]
(02/06/2003) WHO Links SARS to Three Small Mammals
GENEVA - The World Health Organization has traced the SARS virus to the
civet cat and two other small mammals in China, and researchers are
investigating a possible link between the animals and the SARS outbreak in
humans, an official said Friday.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong examined 25 animals
representing eight species in a live animal market in southern China and
found the virus in all six masked palm civets they sampled, as well as in
a badger and a raccoon dog...
[Link]
(07/06/2003) Cats Shown to Offer Many a Better Night's Sleep
by Sherry Morse and Sarah Wahlert
Forty-four percent of respondents to a survey of cat owners in England
recently conducted by Cats Protection indicated that they "enjoy a better
night's sleep with their cat on their bed...than with their partner in
their bed."
Only 26 percent of the men who were polled agreed with the statement, but
a majority - 51 percent - of the women did.
"Those
who said they enjoyed a better night's sleep with their cat stated they
felt safer and more comforted with their feline," said Cats
Protection Head of Promotions Judy Bernstein.
Among the other advantages of cats cited by respondents were more space on
the bed, purring and an absence of harassment and/or snoring.
A total of 420 individuals took the survey. All of them were at least 20,
but no older than 40.
Most of the individuals - 55 percent - indicated that they would be
willing to allow their cats to "hog the covers" in order to make
themselves more comfortable, but not permit partners to do so.
(08/06/2003) China vs SARS: A good dog is a dead dog
HONG KONG - In Beijing's Fengtai district, a family living in an apartment
building in the Niwa neighborhood suspected that its pet dog, a Pekingese,
had become infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Upon
suspecting their pet's infection, a member of the family promptly threw
the dog from the family apartment's window, on the sixth floor of the
building. The small but tough dog did not die after its fall on to the
sidewalk below. When the family discovered this, they dug a small grave
for the animal and buried it alive...
[Link]
NEW YORK - Animal rights activists soaked themselves in fake blood and
spat insults to mark a big day for Vogue magazine editor Anna Wintour, who
was set to accept a prestigious fashion industry award.
Five protesters draped in fur coats drenched themselves in the fake blood
and crawled up the sidewalk to the facade of publisher Conde Nast's
building in New York's Times Square, where Vogue's offices are located.
The protesters smeared red fluid down the front of the building and
clogged a revolving door with their bodies. Lunchtime passers-by stepped
through pools of the red liquid as it oozed off the building into the
street gutter.
Wintour, Vogue's influential editor in chief, was to receive a lifetime
achievement award at a dinner held by the Council of Fashion Designers of
America...
[Link]
(10/06/2003) LIVE EXPORT PROTESTORS TO STAGE NOISY DEMO AT DOVER PORT OFFICES
Farmed Animal Action, a Kent based national organisation campaigning against farmed animal cruelty,
will be staging a noisy demonstration at the offices of the Dover Harbour Board Managing Director's Offices on
Monday 16th June at 11am as a protest at the Board's involvement in the live export trade.
This follows repeated requests to speak to the MD of Dover Harbour Board, Bob Goldfield, regarding why
clearly ill animals are allowed to travel - often in gale force winds, the lack of enforcement of government
legislation regarding the cleansing of trucks and withholding information about live export movements.
The trade in live animal exports resumed on 15th July 2002 after an EU ban was lifted following the Foot and
Mouth outbreak in the UK. Since then, some 100,000 animals (lambs and sheep) have faced arduous journeys
across the channel to Europe where they are then transported for days to continental abattoirs. A recent
RSPCA investigation revealed that the cruelty of live exports continues despite so-called regulations set up in
order to monitor movements.
The RSPCA produced video shows a calf being pushed into a closed storage compartment underneath a lorry,
exhausted sheep found dead and dying after a nine-day journey and a sheep too sick to travel dumped on a
ferry deck.
Undercover teams trailed consignments of sheep, horses, pigs and
cattle across Europe. On one journey sheep were not fed for six days,
several ewes gave birth en route and outside temperatures reached 40
degrees centigrade.
Tina Brumfield, Director of Farmed Animal Action says
"We are very keen to set up a multi-agency meeting with Dover Harbour Board, the police, DEFRA, and the
state veterinary service to address some of the issues that have arisen since the resumption of live exports,
and have made several requests for such a meeting. The Harbour Board have ignored our request and the
police have stated that they see no merit in such a meeting. In view of the fact that 4 out of 5 people in
the UK are totally opposed to this cruel and unnecessary trade, we feel that the they are totally dismissing the
wishes of the majority of the population and are totally indifferent to the suffering that these animals endure.
We have personally witnessed clearly ill animals passed through the port, DEFRA bio-security regulations broken
and animals forced to travel in appalling conditions across the Channel - all this before they even reach
Europe"
"When live exports commence once again through the port of Dover,
which we estimate will happen in August, there will inevitably be mass
demonstrations from compassionate and concerned people possibly resulting
in delays for holiday makers and causing disruption to local residents.
Bob Goldfield's stance in not discussing this issue is very irresponsible
in that he could prevent demonstrations at the Docks and of course limit
the disruption to Dover residents. We want an undertaking from Mr
Goldfield that animal welfare regulations will be strictly adhered
to."
For more information please contact Tina Brumfield on 07957 468149
FARMED ANIMAL ACTION
PO BOX 27
TONBRIDGE
KENT
TN12 5WJ
Karen Charman is an investigative journalist specializing in agriculture, health and the environment.
Have you ever signed a petition in support of an environmental or animal-rights issue? Do you belong to the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources
Defense Council, or Greenpeace? Have you publicly protested some environmental or animal rights outrage? If legislation crafted and promoted
by the ultra-conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) becomes law, these fundamental rights of American citizenship could become
illegal.
Exploiting the current political climate against terrorism, ALEC has teamed
up with the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, a pro-hunting group, to create a model "Animal and Ecological Terrorism Act." The legislation is part of an
intense backlash against increasingly effective and vocal citizen campaigns
aimed at halting -- and holding corporations accountable for -- environmental, animal-rights and public health abuses...
[Link]
(12/06/2003) Record Amount of Animal Testing Data Released
by Sherry Morse
The largest amount of information about experimentation in
laboratories in the United Kingdom involving animals that has ever been
made public was recently released after a judge overturned an injunction
against publication of the material.
The 1,274 pages provide detailed accounts of attempts made from 1994
to 2000 by Huntingdon Life Sciences, the largest laboratory research firm
in Europe, to perfect methods of creating animals from which organs can be
safely transplanted into human beings.
Among the more surprising revelations about the unsuccessful work, which involved genetic engineering and transplanting organs from one animal into
another, are that:
* a primate died because a swab was accidentally left inside him during surgery
* an animal died because he was accidentally given a quadruple overdose
* an attempt was made by Home Office officials to have the suffering involved in kidney transplant tests classified as "moderate" rather than
"severe" in order to make obtaining permission for the experiments easier
* Home Office officials took no action after learning that 34 baboons had
been confined in crates for approximately 34 hours - 10 more than legally
allowed - while being shipped from Africa "The documents reveal at least
520 errors (or) omissions in the...research," said one scientist who
reviewed the material.
"These documents are a damning indictment of the state of
transplantation research...both from an ethical and scientific
standpoint," Campaign for Responsible Transplantation Director Alix Fano
stated.
"This is a tragic scandal of historic proportions," said Uncaged
Campaigns Director Dan Lyons, who led the effort to get the injunction
overturned.
"Ultimately, the appalling failure of government in its most fundamental duty - to enforce the law - is unmasked."
Nearly 1,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises drown every day after becoming
tangled in fishing nets and other equipment, scientists say in what appears
to be the first global estimate of the problem.
Annually, the researchers said 308,000 of the marine mammals die unintentionally in fishermen's hauls.
There are more than 80 species collectively known as cetaceans, or fishlike
sea mammals. They range from porpoises weighing 100 pounds to the blue whale, the world's largest creature at more than 120 tons. Many species are
near extinction because of centuries of overhunting.
The new study, conducted by American and Scottish biologists, suggests that
accidental captures, known as "bycatch" in the fishing industry, may be the
biggest immediate threat to these animals' survival - even more than ship collisions and pollution.
[Link]
(Notice) EUROPEAN VEGETARIAN UNION
UK: An end to ritual slaughter? Vegetarianism offers an alternative to ritual killings and slaughter in
general. More and more people are discovering the advantages of a meatless
diet, among them many Jews and Muslims, and the European Vegetarian Union works in the interest of all those who are interested in non-violent
lifestyles.
The question of ritual slaughter without prior stunning, whereby a
religiously trained slaughterman cuts the throat of a cow, sheep or chicken
and lets it bleed to death, has led to heated arguments in many countries and to a variety of solutions and compromises. When the government-funded
Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) advised the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that ritual slaughter leads to "severe
suffering to animals" and "should be banned" because "cattle can take up to
two minutes to bleed to death - amounting to an abuse of the animals", a serious conflict with some
religious groups became imminent.
According to European regulations all farm animals must be stunned prior to
slaughter, unless exemptions for religious reason are granted. However, FAWC
recommends an end to these exceptions.
On 10 June, listeners to BBC News
heard the distressed comments of members of the Jewish and Muslim
communities, culminating in the outcry from one man who claimed that
without halal meat he would have nothing to eat and starve to death.
Nothing to eat?
Vegetarians do not get involved in the discussion of different killing
techniques because they simply refuse to participate in slaughter, which takes away the only possession an animal has: life. However, the present
heated discussion calls for the need to emphasize that a meatless diet is not only possible but even beneficial to human health, as has been
established by many different studies conducted with a large number of participants, over long periods and in many different corners of the world.
It is a remarkable coincidence that just at the point when emotions about
slaughter procedures are flaring up, British Heart Week is being celebrated
from 7-15 June 2003 as part of which eating "a healthy diet with plenty of
fruit and vegetables" is recommended.
Under the sub-heading "There is good evidence that eating a diet that is
rich in a range of vegetables and fruits lowers the risk of heart disease"
the British Heart Foundation states: "It is not known exactly why fruit and
vegetables have this good effect. It seems to be due to the antioxidants (vitamins and other substances) in the fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants
prevent 'oxidation' - the chemical process which allows cholesterol to form
atheroma within the coronary artery walls. However, there is no evidence that taking vitamin tablets has the same effect. Fruit and vegetables are
also rich in potassium, a mineral which may help to control blood pressure
and prevent irregular heart rhythms. Fruit and green vegetables are also rich in folic acid. This reduces the blood level of a substance called
homocysteine, which itself may be a risk factor for heart disease. However,
more research is needed to find out whether eating more folic acid will, by
itself, reduce heart disease. Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and
vegetables a day. On average, people in the UK eat only three portions a day. Five portions may sound a lot, but in some countries people eat an
average of eight or nine portions a day. "
The reason for more and more concerned citizens turning vegetarian can be
explained by the continuously emerging proof of the beneficial consequences
of that compassionate lifestyle and its positive consequences on human health, the well-being of animals, environmental issues, natural resources
and the fight against global hunger. Furthermore a vegetarian diet is acceptable to all religions.
The organisation "Compassion in World Farming" reports that "800 million
chickens, 15 million sheep, 9 million pigs and 3 million cattle are slaughtered every year in the UK". It is the aim of the European Vegetarian
Union to stress that a meatless diet is a valid option and that a change from the traditional meat- to a plant-based culinary alternative will bring
about positive changes for the society of humans and the community of animals alike.
"Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival of life
on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." Albert Einstein
(17/06/2003) StuNorway 'undermining' whaling ban
By Alex Kirby , BBC News Online environment correspondent
Norway's insistence on continuing to kill whales contradicts the spirit of
the international moratorium on commercial whaling, the UK says.
The IWC was almost dysfunctional at last year's meeting, and it's not
looking much better this year Elliot Morley Norway has set itself a catch quota of 711 minke whales for 2003, up from
634 killed last year. Its whaling is legal, because it objected to the moratorium, in force since 1986. But the British say the Norwegian hunt is
really for export, and is unsustainable...
[Link]
Nets 'kill 800 cetaceans a day'
About 800 whales, dolphins and porpoises, known collectively as cetaceans,
are dying in fishing nets every day, researchers say.
They believe as many
as 300,000 cetaceans die annually as bycatch, probably the biggest danger they face. Most of the animals drown in the nets, some die of exhaustion,
and sharks attack others...
[Link]
Extinction nears for whales and dolphins
Some whales, dolphins and porpoises are now so endangered they could
vanish within a decade, scientists say.
Cetacean diversity, like all biodiversity worldwide, is crumbling William
Perrin, IUCN The warning comes from an international group of cetacean
experts at IUCN-The World Conservation Union. They say species like the
baiji (the Yangtze River dolphin) are unlikely to last for another 10
years. Other small cetaceans and several of the great whale species are
almost as endangered, they believe...
[Link]
(18/06/2003) Pigs in Holland Contract Avian Influenza
by Sherry Morse
Dutch Agriculture Minister Cees Veerman recently announced that avian
influenza had spread from chickens to pigs kept on five farms in
Gelderland Valley.
The presence of the virus in the pigs, none of which have developed
symptoms, was confirmed by the employment of tests that reveal whether or
not avian influenza antibodies are in blood.
Even though there is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted
by a pig to another animal, as a precaution all transportation of pigs in
Gelderland Valley, Limburg and North Brabant has been banned.
The current outbreak of avian influenza in Holland started on turkey farms
in Dinteloord in February. Since then, more than 14 million birds in the
country - mostly chickens - have been killed in order to prevent the
disease, which is highly contagious and can be fatal, from spreading.
(19/06/2003) Whaling body backs conservation
in divisive vote
BERLIN - The International Whaling Commission on Monday adopted a
conservation motion that ecology groups hailed as essential to preserving
endangered whales and dolphins, but whalers said the move could wreck the
world body.
In a sharp shift for the 57-year-old organization, the polarized
members voted 25 to 20 to create a conservation committee that could make
recommendations about problems facing marine mammals, or cetaceans.
Whaling nation Japan said it would not participate in the committee and
was considering withdrawing from the IWC after the vote...
[Link]
(20/06/2003) UK Makes Big Move Against
Illegal Wildlife Trade
LONDON - Britain said Wednesday it intended to increase penalties for
illegally trading in endangered species - a move described by one
conservation group as "incredibly significant." The new penalties, in a
country widely regarded as being a hub in the global illicit trade, raise
jail terms to five years from two, making the offence automatically
arrestable...
[Link]
The world's whales seem little safer, despite all the work and expense
involved in the four-day-long International Whaling Commission's meeting.
The International Whaling Commission has ended its annual meeting
here, leaving many delegates with a resounding sense that nothing has
changed. The meeting cost close to £500,000 ($840,000) and got through
750,000 photocopied documents.
It proclaimed itself firmly in favour of the conservation of whales. But
the killing will continue unchecked, and the commission's own future is
now perhaps in more serious jeopardy than ever. ..
[Link]
(23/06/2003) CIWF Reveals new Evidence of
Routine Animal Transport Cruelty from Eastern Europe into EU
EU wide protests outside national embassies
Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) is today revealing new video evidence
of the way in which CEEC countries, due to join the EU in 2004, continue
to exploit farm animals by transporting them for slaughter over distances
of up to 2500 km.
The new video footage shows calves, lambs and horses being transported in
appalling conditions from several CEEC states, including Poland, Hungary
and Slovakia.
Following the launch of this new investigation on Tuesday June 24th will
be the synchronised delivery of protest letters, petitions and videos to
the Polish, Hungarian, Slovakian and Czech Republic embassies in UK,
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The
Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
Peter Stevenson, CIWF Political and Legal Director, said, "This new
evidence provides further proof that the EU needs to reform European
animal transport legislation urgently. Scientific evidence and practical
experience consistently proves that young animals and horses all suffer
terribly in any journey over 8 hours".
Current EU figures show that, every year, over 100,000 horses are
transported up to 2500 km from Poland, Belarus, Lithuania and Romania
(taking up to 90 hours); around 200,000 calves are transported 1300 km
from Poland (taking 25 hours); over 1 million sheep are exported from
Hungary and Poland in journeys of between 800 - 1300km. Most of these
animals are destined for Italy and Greece.
In November 2001 the European Parliament voted for a maximum overall limit
of 8 hours or 500 km. to be placed on journeys to slaughter or for further
fattening. Then in September 2002, at an Agriculture Council discussion,
nine of the EU's 15 countries said they want an 8-hour limit. CIWF is
pressing the EU Agriculture Ministers to now go ahead and enact a law
imposing an 8-hour limit on journeys to slaughter or for further
fattening.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Copies of the new video investigation in betacam and VHS format, together
with a media briefing document on animal transport in the EU, are
available from the CIWF Press Office.
- ENDS -
For further information or photographs contact CIWF's press office on
01730 233 904 or 07771 926 005 (mobile). Out of office hours call 07771
926 005.
NEWS RELEASE NR19-03
(24/06/2003) Whale Watchers Demand Voice at
World Whaling Body
BERLIN - Whale watchers say their industry, now worth over $1.5 billion
per year, has come of age, and want recognition at the International
Whaling Commission (IWC) - to the consternation of whaling nations.
The International Alliance for Commercial Whale Watchers (IACWW) made
its first appearance as an observer at the annual IWC meeting this week
and called for the body to recognize their industry, and that whaling
threatens it.
They also want the commission to tackle conservation issues, such as
pollution, which pose a risk to whales....
[Link]
(25/06/2003) Nuclear waste found in UK salmon
- Greenpeace
LONDON - Tests on Scottish salmon have found traces of radioactive waste
from the controversial nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield,
environmental group Greenpeace has said.
The research, conducted by the University of Southampton, found low levels
of the radioactive isotope technetium-99, a by-product of reprocessing
nuclear fuel, in some salmon collected from six British supermarkets.
"We
don't want to alarm people. This isn't a threat to health but it shouldn't
be there," said Jean McSorley, a spokeswoman for Greenpeace, which
commissioned the research, on Monday.
[Link]
(29/06/2003) Greece: Stray animals initiative
announced
A Press Conference was held today at the ATHENS 2004 Headquarters in which
an initiative was announced to address the problem of stray animals in the
Athens area. The initiative will be carried out in cooperation with the
Ministry of Agriculture, municipal authorities, the SPCA's and the
Panhellenic Federation of Veterinarians. The initiative rejects euthanasia
as a solution for stray animals...
[Link]
(Notice) A VEGETARIAN WAY OF LIFE CAN LEAD TO THE
ALLEVIATION OF WORLD HUNGER
Press Release by the European Vegetarian Union – 25 June 2003
On 23 June 2003, the President of the United States Bush opened the
“Conference and Expo on Agricultural Science and Technology” in
Sacramento, and some days before, on 20 June, the Director-General of the
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) gave his
keynote address at the “International Conference on the Right to Food and
the Costs of Hunger” in Rome, stating that the “right to food is
fundamental to human existence.”
No doubt, great efforts are being made everywhere in the fight against
global hunger but the world community has not yet learned to deal with
this mighty opponent. Maybe the traditional approach is not the right one
and it is time to consider other alternatives?
In this context, the European Vegetarian Union would like to stress
the virtues of a vegetarian diet, which without a doubt could improve
global food security considerably. Here are just some of the problems the
world community is facing now and in the decades to come (based on the
findings of the FAO Study “World agriculture: towards 2015/2030”):
Presently 776 million people are undernourished (one in six) and even
though cereal production has increased by almost a billion tonnes since
the mid-1960s, a large percentage is not used for human benefit: Just over
a third of total world cereal yield is fed to animals each year as well as
about a quarter of the world fish production.
Even though there are presently impressive differences in
meat-consumption, ranging from 120 kg in America to 25.5 kg in developing
countries, the FAO study further increases right across the globe, albeit
in varying magnitude. So if the present course of development is not
changed, in absolute terms the number of animals will still need to rise
considerably for the 6.8 billion citizens of tomorrow’s world: an extra
360 million cattle and buffaloes, 560 million extra sheep and goats, and
190 million extra pigs will be needed in 2030 – rises of 24, 32 and 22%
respectively. It is expected that these animals will be raised in
industrial enterprises and that by selective breeding they are going to be
larger and fatter, attaining a cattle-carcass weight of 211 kg (compared
to 174 kg in 1967).
This spectacular increase in livestock will tremendously add to the
pressure on the environment. Already today livestock are the world’s
largest user of agricultural land: in 1999 some 3460 million ha were
permanent pastures - more than twice the area used for crops. Overstocking
often leads to soil degradation and the clearing of rainforests brings
about desertification. Growing livestock trade increases the risk of
disease transmissions and involves serious environmental problems - just
to mention a few: deforestation, soil erosion and -sealing, salinization,
water pollution by nitrates, phosphates and pesticides, the development of
greenhouse gases methane and nitrous oxide and an unabated loss of
biodiversity. Livestock account for about 40 % of global ammonia emissions
(expected to be at least 60% higher by 2030), which are one of the major
causes of acid rain. Hazards for human health must also not be forgotten
because in some countries the slaughter animals are reared with
antibiotics and growth hormones.
The European Vegetarian Union is concerned that the vegetarian option
to all these problems is not studied seriously – or not at all. In this
context just a simple statistic: On the official website of the FAO the
search brings 180 results when asked for information on meat,
meat-consumption and slaughter compared to two hits regarding
vegetarianism, plant-based food and animal welfare.
If we are considering a threatened future environment monopolised by
meat-production, it is urgent that we look for less destructive
alternatives. Vegetarianism is an ideal solution because it combines food
security, environmental benefits, animal welfare and, last but by no means
least, improved human well-being. In their recently published report
“Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases”, the World Health
Organization praises the benefits of fruit and vegetable in connection
with a multitude of health problems.
Vegetarianism offers a promising and smooth way into the future and that
is why the European Vegetarian Union appeals to all decision-makers to
invest more research into this peaceful lifestyle.
(Notice) Un mode de vie végétarien permet de
soulager la faim dans le monde
Communiqué de presse de l’Union végétarienne européenne (EVU) - 25 juin
2003
Le 23 juin 2003, le président des Etats-Unis Bush a ouvert la Conférence
et l’Exposition sur les Sciences agricoles et la Technologie à Sacramento,
et, quelques jours auparavant, le 20 juin, le Directeur général de
l’Organisation internationale pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO),
lors de la Conférence internationale sur le droit à la nourriture et le
coût de la faim à Rome, a mis l’accent dans son discours sur le «droit
fondamental à la nourriture pour l’existence humaine.»
Il n’est pas douteux que des efforts importants sont entrepris partout
pour lutter contre la faim partout où elle se fait sentir ; cependant la
communauté internationale n’a pas encore appris à combattre ce puissant
adversaire. L’approche traditionnelle ne donne pas de bons résultats et le
temps est sans doute venu de prendre en compte d'autres alternatives.
Dans ce contexte, l’Union végétarienne européenne tient à mettre en
évidence les vertus de l’alimentation végétarienne qui, incontestablement,
serait susceptible d’améliorer sensiblement la sécurité alimentaire dans
son ensemble. Voici quelques-uns de ces problèmes auxquels la communauté
internationale est confrontée actuellement et le sera dans les décennies à
venir (basés sur les conclusions de l’Etude de la FAO «L’Agriculture
mondiale: regards sur 2015/2030»).
A l’heure actuelle, 776 millions de personnes, soit 1 sur 6, souffrent de
malnutrition et, en dépit d’une production céréalière en augmentation de
près d’un milliard de tonnes depuis le milieu des années 1960, un
pourcentage important de cette quantité n’est pas utilisée au bénéfice des
humains. Un peu plus d’un tiers du rendement mondial en céréales est
destiné aux animaux chaque année, de même qu’un quart de la production
mondiale de poissons.
On compte des différences impressionnantes dans la consommation de viande,
allant de 120 kilos en Amérique à 25,5 kilos dans les pays en
développement et l’étude de la FAO prévoit des augmentations partout dans
le monde. Si la tendance n’est pas modifiée, en termes absolus, le nombre
d’animaux devra encore accroître considérablement pour les 6,8 milliards
d’habitants du monde de demain : 360 millions en plus de bovins et de
buffles, 560 millions en plus de moutons et de chèvres, et 190 millions en
plus de cochons seront nécessaires en 2030, soit un accroissement de 24,
32 et 22 pour cent respectivement. Il est prévu que ces animaux seront
élevés dans des fermes industrielles et que, par un élevage sélectif, ils
seront de plus en plus gros de sorte que les carcasses des bovins
atteindront un poids de 211 kilos (contre 174 kilos en 1967).
Cette augmentation spectaculaire des animaux d’élevage aura des
conséquences énormes pour l’environnement. Aujourd’hui déjà, les troupeaux
utilisent la plus grande partie des terres agricoles dans le monde : en
1999, quelque 3460 millions d’hectares étaient utilisés régulièrement
comme pâturages, soit plus du double des terres agricoles cultivées en
permanence.
Un élevage excessif conduit souvent à une dégradation des sols et la
destruction des forêts amazoniennes entraîne la désertification. Une
augmentation continue du commerce lié à l’élevage accroît les risques de
transmission de maladies et génère de sérieux problèmes environnementaux.
On peut en citer quelques-uns comme la déforestation, l’érosion des sols,
la salinisation, la pollution des eaux par les nitrates, les phosphates et
les pesticides, l’effet de serre par le développement des émissions de
méthane et d’oxyde d’azote, et une diminution persistante de la
biodiversité. L’élevage des animaux est responsable pour environ 40 pour
cent des émissions globales de gaz ammoniac (dont on prévoit une
augmentation d’au moins 60 pour cent d’ici 2030), qui sont l’une des
causes majeures des pluies acides. Les effets négatifs pour la santé
humaine ne doivent pas non plus être oubliés, compte tenu du fait que les
animaux de boucherie sont souvent élevés avec des antibiotiques et des
hormones de croissance.
L’Union végétarienne européenne déplore que, dans l’étude de tous ces
problèmes, l’option végétarienne ne soit pas sérieusement - ou pas du tout
- prise en compte ou examinée. Dans ce contexte, une simple statistique :
dans le site officiel de la FAO, une recherche permet d’obtenir 180
réponses lorsqu’elle traite de la viande, de la consommation de viande et
du nombre d’abattages, contre deux résultats concernant le végétarisme,
l’alimentation végétale et le bien-être des animaux.
Dans la perspective d’un environnement menacé d’être monopolisé par la
production de viande, il est urgent d’étudier des alternatives plus
douces. Le végétarisme constitue une solution idéale parce qu’il allie la
sécurité alimentaire, les avantages environnementaux, le bien-être des
animaux, et enfin, et ce n’est pas l’aspect le moins important, de
meilleures conditions de vie pour les humains. L’Organisation mondiale de
la santé, dans son récent rapport sur «L’alimentation et la prévention des
maladies chroniques», souligne les bénéfices des fruits et des légumes
pour une multitude de problèmes de santé.
Le végétarisme présente une voie prometteuse et durable pour l’avenir,
c’est pourquoi l’Union végétarienne européenne lance un appel à tous les
décideurs afin que davantage d’études soient consacrées à ce style de vie
pacifique.
(Notice) Vegetarismus kann zur Lösung des
Welthungerproblems beitragen
Presseerklärung der Europäischen Vegetarier Union (EVU) – 25. Juni 2003
Am 23. Juni 2003 eröffnete der amerikanische Präsident Bush die Konferenz
und Ausstellung der landwirtschaftlichen Wissenschaft und Technologie in
Sakramento, und einige Tage davor, am 20. Juni, sprach der Generaldirektor
der Nahrungsmittel- und Landwirtschaftorganisation der Vereinten Nationen
in seiner Begrüssungsrede anlässlich der internationalen Konferenz über
das Recht auf Ernährung und die Kosten des Hungers in Rom über das
„fundamentale Menschenrecht auf Ernährung“.
Zweifellos werden überall grosse Anstrengungen gemacht im Kampf gegen den
Welthunger, aber die Weltgemeinschaft hat noch nicht gelernt, diesen
mächtigen Gegner zu besiegen. Ist es denkbar, dass die traditionelle
Strategie nicht wirksam ist und dass die Zeit nun reif wird für andere
Alternativen?
In diesem Zusammenhang möchte die Europäische Vegetarier Union auf die
Vorzüge einer vegetarischen Ernährung hinweisen, die ohne jeden Zweifel
die globale Ernährungslage entscheidend verbessern könnte. Es sollen nur
einige der Probleme aufgezählt werden, mit denen die Menschheit heute und
in den kommenden Jahrzehnten konfrontiert wird (basierend auf den
Ergebnissen der FAO Studie «World agriculture: towards 2015/2030»):
Gegenwärtig sind 776 Millionen Menschen unterernährt (einer von sechs) und
obwohl die Produktion von Getreide um fast eine Milliarde Tonnen seit
Mitte der 60er Jahre erhöht werden konnte, ist ein hoher Prozentsatz davon
nicht für den menschlichen Gebrauch bestimmt: Etwas über ein Drittel des
totalen Weltertrages wird an Tiere verfüttert und auch ungefähr ein
Viertel des gesamten Fischfangs.
Die regionalen Unterschiede im Fleischkonsum sind eindrucksvoll, nämlich
120 kg in Amerika und 25.5 kg in Entwicklungsländern, aber überall wird
sich lt. FAO Studie der Fleischverzehr in der Zukunft steigern. Wenn also
die gegenwärtige Entwicklung beibehalten wird, muss für die 6.8 Milliarden
Weltbürger von Morgen die Zahl der Schlachttiere in absoluten Zahlen noch
erheblich erhöht werden: Zusätzliche 360 Million Rinder und Büffel, 560
Million Schafe und Ziegen und 190 Millionen Schweine werden dann bis 2030
benötigt, was einem Anwachsen um 24, 32 beziehungsweise 22 Prozent
entspricht. Ausserdem ist damit zu rechnen, dass diese Tiere in
Intensivhaltung heranwachsen werden und unter der Anwendung von besonderen
Zuchtverfahren, nach denen sie grösser und fetter werden, so dass ein
Tierkörper schliesslich 211 kg wiegt (verglichen mit 174 kg im Jahre
1967).
Dieses spektakuläre Anwachsen der Schlachttierzahlen wird den Druck
auf die Umwelt enorm erhöhen. Schon heute wird für die Tierzucht der
grösste Anteil von verfügbarem landwirtschaftlichem Terrain genutzt: 1999
waren 3460 Million Hektar als permanentes Weideland reserviert – mehr als
das Doppelte gegenüber der für Anbau genutzten Fläche. Eine derartige
Konzentration führt zu ernsten Bodenschäden, und das Abholzen vom
Regenwald bringt Versteppung mit sich. Intensiver Tierhandel erhöht das
Risiko von Krankheitsübertragungen und Umweltproblemen, von denen nur
einige genannt werden sollen: Abforstungen, Bodenschäden, -versiegelung
und -versalzung, Wasserbelastungen durch Nitrate, Phosphate und Pestizide,
die Entwicklung der Treibhausgase Methan und Stickoxyd und ein stetig
fortschreitender Verlust der Artenvielfalt. Gegenwärtig ist die
Tierhaltung verantwortlich für 40 % der weltweiten Ammoniakemissionen (die
schätzungsweise bis zum Jahr 2030 um mindestens 60 % anwachsen werden),
die als Hauptverursacher vom sauren Regen angesehen werden. Gefährdungen
der menschlichen Gesundheit dürfen auch nicht vergessen werden, denn
Schlachttiere werden in vielen Ländern noch immer unter Einsatz von
Antibiotika und Wachstumshormonen aufgezogen.
Die Europäische Vegetarier Union bedauert, dass eine vegetarische
Alternative hinsichtlich all dieser Probleme nicht ernsthaft (oder gar
nicht) untersucht wird. In diesem Zusammenhang soll nur eine einfache
Statistik genannt werden: Auf der offiziellen Homepage der FAO bringt die
Suchvorrichtung 180 Ergebnisse bei der Frage nach Fleisch,
Fleischverbrauch und Schlachten, verglichen mit zwei Treffern bei
Vegetarismus, pflanzliche Ernährung und Tierschutz.
Da unsere Umwelt von Morgen durch zunehmend intensive
Fleischproduktion bedroht wird, ist die Suche nach sanfteren Alternativen
immer dringender. Vegetarismus bietet eine ideale Lösung, die ausreichende
Nahrungsversorgung mit Umwelt- und Tierschutz verbindet und, das soll
keinesfalls vergessen werden, zur Verbesserung des menschlichen
Wohlbefindens führt. In einem kürzlich veröffentlichten Bericht «Diet,
Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases» hebt die
Weltgesundheitsbehörde WHO die Vorteile von Obst und Gemüse hinsichtlich
einer Vielzahl von Gesundheitsproblemen klar hervor.
Eine fleischlose Ernährung bietet einen vielversprechenden und einfachen
Weg in die Zukunft. Aus diesem Grund fordert die Europäische Vegetarier
Union die Entscheidungsträger auf, diesen gewaltlosen Lebensstil genauer
zu untersuchen.
When I say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions with
each other so there are still two dogs in the way.
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The
other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw
print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it
becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in
the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by Nascar and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help,
because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. I am very sorry
about this. Do not think I will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure
your comfort. Look at videos of dogs sleeping, they can actually curl up
in a ball. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other
stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking
tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to
maximize space used is nothing but doggy sarcasm.
When I am playing the pinball machine, jumping up and trying to grab
the ball through the glass is not helpful. Barking at me because I'm not
helping you achieve your goal does not win you any extra brownie points.
My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by
some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not
necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the
edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I
entered. In addition, I have been using bathrooms for years, canine
attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dogs butt. I
cannot stress this enough. It would be such a simple change for you.
Rules for non pet owners who visit and like to complain about our
pets:
1. The dog lives here. You don't.
2. If you don't want dog hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
3. I like my dog a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, she's a dog. To me, she's an adopted daughter who is short,
hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
The same applies to cats, except they ignore you until you are asleep.
(Anonymous)
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