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The number of news found: 64.

08/31/2003 THE INNOCENT VICTIMS OF OVERFISHING OUR OCEANS!

Punishing innocent species is the first tragic consequence of overfishing our planet's oceans. As global stocks of large commercial fish plunge to 10 per cent of their 1950 levels, fishers around the world are already blaming their reduced catches on seals, dolphins, birds and whales. The results are bloody, brutal and unfair. Thousands of seals are being killed on Canada's Atlantic coast, blamed for the failed cod recovery. Namibians, faulting seals for their reduced catches, killed 60,000 last year. A seal cull is now being considered on the West Coast - about 4 per cent of a seal's diet is salmon. The Japanese are laughtering dolphins, the Californians pelicans and cormorants, while the Japanese, Norwegians and Icelanders are increasing their illegal kill of whales. Iceland, despite objections from the International Whaling Commission, says it will kill 500 whales over the next two years - following the Japanese in a so-called "harvest" for scientific purposes. After the animals have been dissected and their stomach contents examined for cod, the blubber and meat will be sold. But Stephan Asmundsson, Iceland's whaling commissioner, admits that, "The driving force behind this isn't so much the whaling as the fisheries. Whales are very big and there's a lot of them, so they are quite obviously having an impact on fish stocks. We estimate we could probably be catching 10 to 20 per cent more cod if we bring the whale stocks down to the optimum level." For "optimum level," read the bare number of whales needed to avoid extinction so Icelanders can maximize their fish catch.

08/31/2003 ACTIVISTS STOP TRUCK OF SLAUGHTER-BOUND HORSES!

Prague, Animal-rights activists blockaded a border crossing between Czech Republic and Poland where a Lithuanian truck laden with 13 horses was about to cross. The activists wanted to bring the public's attention to the deplorable conditions in which the animals are transported from Eastern Europe. One of the activists, Michal Kolesar, told AFP that thousands of horses are trucked every year from Eastern Europe to Italian slaughterhouses.

08/30/2003 TIGER CAGED IN KOREAN HOTEL!

The Captive Animals' Protection Society has received complaints from visitors to the Lotte Hotel in Central Pusan, Korea, about a Siberian Tiger named Caesar, who is "on display" to guests. The tiger lives in a small pen with artificial rocks and plants, a small stream and an astro-turf floor. The side of the cage is metal bars and the glass front looks out onto the breakfast room. Visitors have told us that the tiger has no where to hide from people and has little protection from the elements as the roof is open to the sky. One distraught hotel visitor told us "when it is sunny he has little shade, when it rains he gets wet and when its cold he has to break the ice on the stream to drink." Another visitor informed us he has been there for 8 years and is used in a "show" in the evening.

08/30/2003 "MIRACLE DOG" SPARKS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN!

His name is Quentin, and he's one lucky dog. Not many would have thought so after Quentin, a 30-pound Besenji mix, entered a St. Louis gas chamber which was packed with unwanted dogs. But when the death chamber doors opened again, Quentin greeted animal-control supervisor Rosemary Ficken with his tail and tongue wagging. Quentin - named for the San Quentin State Prison - beat the odds, and so Ficken didn't have the heart to put him back into the gas chamber. Instead, she turned him over to Randy Grimm, the founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Grimm said that Quentin's "bad days are behind him for good." And with that thought in mind, Grimm took Quentin's story public. "To me, it's a miracle or divine intervention," Grimm said. "I can't help but think he's here to serve a higher purpose."

08/29/2003 10,000 MINK SET FREE!

Sultan police, volunteers and owners of a local mink farm spent much of this morning trying to round up an estimated 10,000 mink which were set free late last night. Police Chief Fred Walser said someone broke down the fence of the farm, which is on 339th Avenue Southeast between Sultan and Startup, and opened up all of the chicken coop-like cages."I think some animal rights group went it and broke down the fences," Walser said. "When I got up there, there was mink all over." Walser said many of the animals returned to the property after they were released, possibly because they were searching for food. He said the farm owners told him that the animals have spent their lives in cages and are probably unable to hunt for food or locate water. Walser said police, farm personnel and volunteers located most of the animals by noon. He said many people were still driving up and down local streets with fish nets searching for stragglers.

08/29/2003 OUTRAGE AT LIVE EXPORTS FROM BERWICK-UPON-TWEED!

Animal welfare groups today expressed disgust and outrage that live sheep are to be exported today from Berwick-upon-Tweed harbour.The charter boat, "Caroline," is reported to be transporting 2 or 3 lorries of Scottish sheep from Berwick harbour to Holland. It is presumed that the sheep will then be re-exported to another country for slaughter. The "Caroline" became notorious during the live export protests in 1995, when it regularly exported calves and sheep from Brightlingsea to Europe.

08/29/2003 ADIDAS, WORLD DAY OF PROTEST!

Adidas persists in supporting the killing of kangaroos to make football boots. (The Predator, the Maniac and the Supernova.) Saturday August 30 is the Australian National Day of Action for protests around Australia.

08/28/2003 KANGAROO DIES IN THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS!

In July, a seriously ill kangaroo who was used by UniverSoul Circus died in Nashville, Tennessee. The kangaroo was reportedly suffering from a deadly bacterial disease, called lumpy jaw, which can be caused by overcrowding, poor hygiene, or poor diet. The circus was aware of this kangaroo's delicate condition yet continued to use him in performances in which he was harassed into defending himself in a boxing routine, and subjected him to the rigors of travel and constant confinement. This kangaroo should have been taken off the road immediately after he was diagnosed with this often fatal illness and provided with medical care by a qualified veterinarian with experience in treating kangaroos. UniverSoul Circus continues to exploit two other kangaroos that were exposed to this highly contagious disease. It is imperative that the remaining kangaroos be taken off the road and provided with appropriate veterinary treatment. Fortunately, the Detroit Zoo has offered to provide expert medical treatment and a safe, nurturing home for the surviving kangaroos if authorities seize them.

08/28/2003 SAUDI ARABIA REJECTS 57,000 AUSTRALIAN SHEEP!

The Middle East's leading English Language Daily Newspaper, Arab News, reports on August 26 that Saudi authorities have rejected a ship carrying 57,000 Australian sheep. The report claims the Australian animals are infected with the contagious disease - stomatitis - a disease that can be transferred to humans through touch. Australian officials advise that the sheep are in fact not suffering from stomatitis and instead confirm that a small percentage of sheep on board are suffering from scabby mouth - the disease that caused the cessation of the live sheep trade to Saudi Arabia between 1991 and 2001. Scabby mouth is a low grade disease against which Australian sheep bound for Saudi are vaccinated. Despite precautions it is still known to manifest under stressful conditions.

08/27/2003 UPDATE ON ADIDAS KANGAROO LAWSUIT!

In May of this year the California-based animal rights group, Viva!USA, filed a lawsuit against sports giant Adidas. The lawsuit was filed based on California Penal Code § 653o, which states that the body parts or products of kangaroos cannot be imported into or sold in the state. Adidas currently uses kangaroo skins to make some of its soccer cleats, including the Adidas Predator. In addition to Adidas, three retail stores were named in the suit. Lombardi Sports in San Francisco, Offside Soccer in Sacramento County and Sport Chalet in Los Angeles County. Lombardi Sports in San Francisco has agreed to stop selling kangaroo skinned shoes and follow the law until the lawsuit concludes. In addition to this, Adidas Promotional Retail Operations, Inc., which is the Adidas Corporation of California, has admitted to importing and selling athletic shoes with kangaroo parts. Hearing is set for early November. "We are pleased that Lombardi has decided to abide by the law," said lauren Ornelas, US Campaigns Director of Viva!USA. "It is shocking that Adidas continues to disregard the law of California and still sell kangaroo skinned shoes in our state. Their disregard for California law proves they have no respect for the lives of kangaroos nor for the will of the people of California."

08/26/2003 MANURE DUMPED AT SAN DIEGO ZOO AS WILD ELEPHANTS!

San Diego - A member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) dressed as an elephant dumped a load of manure at the entrance of the San Diego Zoo in protest of the arrival of seven recently captured African elephants, who previously lived free in a wildlife preserve in Swaziland. Other PETA members will gather with signs reading, "Swazi Elephants - Born Free, Sold Out," to decry the zoo's administration, which has put the elephants through what must have been a traumatic, stressful, and frightening 50-hour journey from their homeland in Africa. Four additional elephants from the same herd are destined for Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Fla.

08/26/2003 MEXICO HALTS IMPORTING OF SOLOMONS DOLPHINS!

Mexico has agreed not to import any further dolphins from the Solomon Islands after official approaches from New Zealand. The New Zealand manager of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Kimberly Muncaster, said Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff had written to her confirming Mexico's decision. "As a result of our approach, Mexico has assured us that, in light of the new information it now has on the situation in the Solomon Islands, it would not, on scientific grounds, authorise further imports," the letter says. Muncaster said the society was delighted by the change of heart. "The captures and subsequent trade in dolphins from the Solomon Islands should never have taken place and we are calling on officials there to take immediate action to protect the welfare of these dolphins." Mexico had launched an investigation into the shipment to Cancun of 28 dolphins, one of which died after arriving in the country. Muncaster said the society remained concerned about the surviving 27 dolphins, as well as dozens being kept in shallow, overcrowded sea pens in the Solomons. "Several have already died, food is scarce and locals have reported scratches and blisters on the marine mammals, caused as a result of the dolphins being unable to dive deep enough to avoid the sun's rays. [The society] is leading calls for authorities to intervene, stop the captures and return the animals to the wild." Its efforts were complicated by fact that the industry was so lucrative - trained dolphins could fetch up to $30,000.

08/25/2003 PRIMATE CENTRE DECISION SHOCK (UK)!

The RSPCA (UK) is shocked and appalled by a government decision to allow a breeding centre in Mauritius to become a supplier of primates for research and testing in the UK. The Society is calling for information on how such centres are assessed to be made publicly available. Conditions at the Centre de Recherches Primatologiques (CRP) were heavily criticized by the Society last year after it obtained distressing video footage and photographs of monkeys in squalid and barren cages that appeared to fall far short of International Primatological Society guidelines on acceptable husbandry and care. The RSPCA submitted a detailed report to the Home Office setting out these and many other concerns about the primate trade. The Society expressed serious concerns about the way such centres are assessed and the lack of information made available to the public.

08/25/2003 AUSSIE SCIENTISTS WANT TO USE GE VIRUSES TO STERILISE SOME PEST ANIMALS!

It's the next GM. For the last ten years, scientists have been working behind closed doors to genetically engineer viruses. Now, they're seeking permission to let them out. Their dream is that these viruses will provide a humane, self spreading means of controlling some of our worst pests - mice, foxes and rabbits. The trouble is, Australia isn't the only country that's created a GM virus. In Spain, they've also developed a rabbit virus. And it does the opposite of ours. The Spanish want to save their rabbits, which are threatened by myxomatosis and calicivirus. So they've engineered a virus to act as a vaccine against these rabbit killers. In New Zealand, they're working on a genetically modified organism to eradicate possums. What if these viruses got here, or our virus got there? Have we tried to solve a local problem, only to create a global one? These are some of the questions scientists are asking as Australia decides whether or not to release the GM viruses.

08/25/2003 "FREE WILLY" WHALE DOESN'T WANT TO BE FREE!

TAKNES BAY, Norway - Keiko the "Free Willy" whale still doesn't want to be free. It's been about a year since Keiko was freed from his pen - and swam straight back to human companionship. With the killer whale drawing 200 to 400 fans a day, the bay he calls home seems more like a low-budget "Keikoland" than an experiment in returning a captive orca to the wild. To keep people from entering the water, Keiko's keepers posted a 24-hour guard and put up orange ropes with "no access" signs along the shore. Temporary nets span the bay to keep small boats out.

08/22/2003 SWAZILAND TO SHIP 11 ELEPHANTS TO US ZOOS!

MBABANE, Swaziland - Swaziland prepared to fly 11 baby elephants to zoos in the United States late Wednesday, despite a campaign by activists to keep them in the wild. A military-style convoy transported the tranquilized 2.5-ton elephants, each in a cargo container, to Matsapha Airport for the overnight flight.Their sale for $1.1 million to Lowry Park Zoo in Florida, and the San Diego Zoo drew criticism from U.S.-based animal welfare groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals which threatened to lead a boycott of Swaziland's tourist trade if the deal went through.

08/21/2003 TOOTHFISH CHASE TURNS INTO GLOBAL FIGHT!

CANBERRA: An Australian Customs boat's 12-day chase across icy southern seas in pursuit of a Uruguayan ship suspected of poaching a rare fish has turned into an international fight against illegal fishing. Fisheries Minister Ian MacDonald said a list of countries, including South Africa, Britain, the United States, Canada, India and Germany, had offered to help catch the Viarsa with its suspected catch of Patagonian Toothfish, a costly delicacy, also known as Chilean sea bass. "If we as a world don't do something about this now, we may destroy the last viable pristine set of waters in Australia, destroy the fishery completely, and take another species off the planet," he told the National Press Club here.

08/21/2003 FRANCE TRIES TO BLOCK EU LAW BANNING ANIMAL TESTING FOR COSMETICS!

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) on Tuesday published an exclusive front page article with the Guardian newspaper, revealing that France and a newly formed federation of ingredients manufacturers is attempting to challenge the EU "testing and sales ban" for cosmetics and toiletries. David Thomas, the BUAV's legal advisor, says: "These cases will show whether European law can put animal welfare and the concerns of EU citizens above profit and vanity. If the answer is that it cannot, it will represent another serious blow to public confidence in the morality of the international trade system and the EU generally. But we believe it can." Wendy Higgins, BUAV's Campaigns Director, says: "It has taken animal campaigners and the European Parliament a frustrating thirteen year struggle to finally secure legislation to outlaw the suffering of lab animals to produce trivial products like lipstick and perfume. It is shameful enough that it has taken this long, impeded as we have been at every stage by aggressive industry lobbying. It is even more shameful and shocking though, that a challenge to actually reverse the EU cosmetics animal testing ban has been brought forward. This proves once and for all that the beauty business is more concerned with turning a profit than with turning their back on unethical and cruel practices."

08/20/2003 PLEASE HELP STOP THE "GUGA HUNT"!

Each year, around August, approximately 10 fishermen from the island of Lewis in the Scottish Outer Hebrides sail from the Port of Ness to the Island of Sula Sgeir on a "guga hunt." Gugas are baby gannets. The "guga hunt" involves the fishermen plucking about 2,000 baby gannets from the cliff faces using poles of up to 10 feet long with a sprung metal jaw on the end. The chicks are then clubbed to death before being decapitated. Chicks that are too small to "harvest" or to fly to escape, panic and fall down the cliffs to their deaths, whilst their frantic parents fly overhead. The birds that are caught and killed are sold in the Port of Ness as a delicacy. The Guga Hunt is often justified on the grounds of "culture" and "tradition" - it appears to have been going on regularly since at least the 14th century.

08/20/2003 PETA STAFF MEMBERS TOOK UP RESIDENCE IN THE SWAZILAND EMBASSY!

On August 14, PETA staff members took up residence in the Swaziland Embassy in Washington, D.C., in protest of Swaziland's plan to cruelly separate and export 11 recently captured African elephants, who once lived freely in Swaziland's wildlife parks, and send them to zoos in San Diego and Tampa. Three people entered the embassy, and one of our staff scaled the side of the building and hung a banner reading, "Keep Swazi Elephants Free," over the entrance. Other activists, chanting and holding signs reading, "Swazi Elephants-Born Free, Sold Out," demonstrated outside the building.

08/19/2003 URGENT: ZOOS PLANNING CRUEL CAPTURE AND IMPORT OF WILD ELEPHANTS!

The San Diego Zoo and Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa have devised a despicable and cruel plan to capture and import 11 African elephants from their homeland. The 12-year-old elephants will be forced to trade freedom for a miserable life of captivity and an almost certain premature death.

08/19/2003 BULL RUN GOES WRONG!

A traditional running of the bulls festival in Spain has degenerated into a stampede, leaving 37 people injured. Ten of those hurt suffered serious injuries as four bulls caught up with some of the revellers and gored three. The remaining seven badly injured suffered head, rib and leg injuries. Around 2,000 bull-running fans turned up for the Virgin of Butarque fiesta at Leganes, just south of Madrid.

08/19/2003 ICELAND'S WHALE FLEET SAILS INTO STORM OF PROTEST!

When captains Gudmundur Haraldsson, Gunnar Johansson and Konrad Eggertsson slipped their three boats quietly out of port to hunt minke whales for the first time in 14 years, the forecast was for calm seas and clear skies. But within hours the small flotilla - fitted with new, improved harpoons and with crews taught how to use them by Norwegian whalers - was the centre of a force 8 gale of protest as British animal welfare groups joined international environmental organisations to condemn its actions.

08/19/2003 1.2 MILLION SIGNATURES TO CLOSE HLS!

About 50 people turned up at the Home Office last Thursday at 12 noon to hand 1.2 million signatures in on petitions demanding the closure of Huntingdon Life Sciences. It took two large trolleys to wheel the massive petition into the Home Office. Heather James from SHAC gave a speech and told the Home Office in no uncertain terms that we were not asking from them any favours and we were not pleading with them in any way. The protesters told them that HLS is going to close whether they liked it or not. They made their presence felt with air horns and mega phones and hundreds of leaflets were given out to members of the public. There was a lot of support from the passers by with many of them stopping to chat about why they were there. Most had heard of HLS and were disgusted that the place was still open and wanted to know how to help close it.

08/18/2003 POLICE TIGHTEN NET ON ANIMAL ABUSERS!

Police experts are now surfing the internet in their latest bid to round up rings of animal abusers staging illegal cock-fighting, dog-fighting and badger-baiting meets. Just as they have already succeeded in tracking down paedophiles downloading child pornography from the internet, they are now combing it for secret or coded messages being passed between people still addicted to the outlawed sports. The new moves were revealed by Faye Burton, the local wildlife expert and badger preservationist who is chairman of the Staffordshire rural policing liaison committee.

08/18/2003 WEATHER HALTS WHALING RESUMPTION!

Bad weather conditions have prevented Icelandic whalers from carrying out their first hunt for 15 years. High winds and choppy seas halted vessels which were set to leave on a six-week mission to kill 38 minke whales. Iceland's government said it was embarking on a scientific whaling programme, and authorities had been due to issue permits on Friday. They say the mammals have become so abundant since a worldwide moratorium on commercial whaling that they are threatening stocks of fish, including cod. But the decision was attacked by the UK and US Governments, as well as animal welfare groups. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw) says there is no scientific basis for the operation, and that Iceland cannot use science to camouflage its desire to resume commercial whaling.

08/18/2003 NEW YORK DOG IN WHEELCHAIR WILL BE KILLED AUGUST 22 IF NO HOME FOUND!

Chico is in a wheelchair but gets around just fine. This little male Pit or Pit x is only 1 year old and very small, about 30 pounds. He was hit by a truck and paralyzed in his back legs. He gets around great in his wheelchair though and goes to the bathroom on his own. He adores people and is extremely friendly with everyone. He is good with "some" dogs. Due to serious circumstances, Chico's owner is unable to care for him any longer and is desperate to place him in a loving home or rescue. This dog will be PTS on Friday, August 22 if no help for him is found. Chico is located on Long Island in New York. If you can foster or adopt Chico, please contact: fourhappydogs@webtv.net.

08/17/2003 AMNESTY AUSTRALIA REMOVES LEATHER !

Danielle Archer, Producer of the "Open Your Eyes," Animal Rights Radio on 2RRR 88.5FM tell us that she recently became aware that Amnesty International Australia were selling leather goods in their on-line gift shop to raise money for their human rights charity.She wrote to them on July 17 to ask that these items be removed for sale because of the damage that factory farming and leather production causes to the environment - reminding them that human rights abuses have occurred when people have refused to move from their land to make way for pursuits such as factory farming. On August 1, Amnesty International Australia removed leather items for sale.

08/16/2003 PINK SEES RED !

Feisty popster P!nk sent a handwritten letter to Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue, urging her to drop fur promotions from the magazine. P!nk's plea comes as Vogue's September issue - traditionally the "furriest" of the year - hits newsstands. "If your readers knew the horrors that these animals go through to supply a hairy swath of skin, coated with chemicals to stop it from decomposing, they would gag," declares P!nk to Wintour, who once had a dead raccoon dropped on her lunch plate as an anti-fur protest. "Won't you use your unique position to help fashion evolve rather than rot?"

08/15/2003 DESPERATE DOLPHIN SITUATION IN SOLOMON ISLANDS !

40 dolphins and a calf are slowly dying of starvation and dehydration in a primitive seapen on Gavutu Island in the Solomons. These dolphins are in dire straits, and unless the Australian or New Zealand government takes urgent steps to immediately get food and veterinarian treatment to these animals, most will die in terrible circumstances. After weeks of intense negotiation with Christopher Porter, the Canadian businessman (principal of the "Solomon Islands Marine Mammal Education Centre" responsible for the captures) - a group of local environmental activists was able to inspect dolphins held in a primitive seapen on Gavutu Island. An eyewitness report from the team details horrific deprivation and suffering being inflicted on captured wild dolphins. The team report that most of the dolphins have injuries from constant fighting over food or from the handling when captured - that the waters are too shallow and the current too weak to flush out rubbish and faeces adequately.

08/14/2003 US ZOOS RECEIVE OKAY ON AFRICAN ELEPHANT IMPORT !

WASHINGTON, DC - A federal judge ruled Friday to allow the San Diego Zoo and Florida's Lowry Park Zoo to import eleven wild African elephants from Swaziland. A coalition of animal welfare groups known as Save Wild Elephants had hoped the judge would issue a preliminary injunction barring the import of the elephants, which they believe should remain in the wild. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently gave the zoos the necessary permits to import the elephants and U.S. District Court Judge John Bates ruled it unlikely the coalition would win its legal challenge to the agency's decision to issue the permits.

08/14/2003 TRUTH ABOUT PRIMATE LABS KEPT FROM DONS !

The governing body of Cambridge University - known as Regent House - has broken its silence over the way it claims it was bounced into approving the proposed monkey research centre. The Council of the University did not even tell Regent House that the planned "new research facility" would engage in primate research. The revelation is contained in the latest edition of the university's formal journal, called Cambridge University Reporter. There is clearly a great deal of anger that the equivalent of the university's parliament was duped by the executive. A Daily Express report is even predicating that should John Prescott give the project planning approval Regent House could vote against going ahead.

08/14/2003 ANIMAL TRANSPORTS CONTINUE DESPITE EXTREME HEAT !

The sizzling summer temperatures are no reason for the cattle trade industry to suspend animal transports temporarily, as recently requested by the Minister for Consumer Protection. According to research initiated by the "Bundesverband Menschen fuer Tierrechte," even long-distance transports continue unabated. Birds are particularly threatened by heat death during transport, but also in the cages of factory farms.

08/13/2003 MONKEY BUSINESS IN KINSHASA MARKETS !

KINSHASA - Take a monkey, disembowel it and gently smoke it over a fire for two days. Once blackened sufficiently it can be served as a main dish or stewed in a broth. "It is very tasty with a tomato and garlic sauce, over a bed of rice," says monkey dealer Marie-Jan at the meat and fish section of Kinshasa's central open air market. On the table in front of her, five monkey corpses stare back, their faces permanently contorted and stiffened by days of charcoal cooking. Shoppers bustle over slime and fish guts mashed into the tile flooring while a young, bound crocodile tries to make a break for it under the tortoise shelf. Severed goat heads stare up vacuously from a table and two men haggle over the price of a bucket of squirming grubs. Giant snail and various species of antelope are other delicacies shipped down the Congo river to the Congolese capital Kinshasa, once hailed as the Paris of Africa.

08/13/2003 PROTECTION FOR JAGUARS: MEXICAN PRESERVE PURCHASE !

Defenders of Wildlife, the Northern Jaguar Project and the Mexican conservation group Naturalia purchased a 10,000-acre parcel of land in northern Sonora, Mexico, that forms the core of a jaguar preserve. This area is home to the northernmost breeding population of jaguars in North America and scientists believe their survival is crucial to the recovery of America's jaguar. The land is also home to endangered ocelot, military macaw and a host of rare native plants and animals. (Defenders of Wildlife)

08/13/2003 RARE ANIMAL SPECIES IN DRAVA RIVER BASIN FACE EXTINCTION !

VARAZDIN (Croatia) -- Work on regulation of the Drava river sparked outrage among environmental organisations, warning that it might lead to extinction of numerous protected species. Drava's valuable wetlands and natural habitats are being endangered by the large-scale extraction of river gravel directly from the riverbed in Croatia's part stretching 20 km from the northern town of Varazdin to the border with Slovenia, the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature said. Croatian authorities claim that the works on the river regulation are necessary to protect the area from the floods. But according to the WWF, it leads to the destruction of the natural habitats for almost 50 rare species including white-tailed eagles, black storks, beavers, otters and turtles. The gravel extraction from river beds and banks apart from directly causing biodiversity loss also causes the groundwater tables to fall and the drying out of forests. "This outstanding natural area could soon be lost if Croatian authorities do not take a more responsible attitude to managing their natural resources," David Reeder, a WWF expert leading a protection of Drava project, said. Environmental groups have urged an immediate halt to the work and are calling for a parliamentary debate to ensure the protection of the river's natural richness. The environmentalists explain that the river's ecosystem has just begun to adapt to the changes caused by the construction and working regime of three hydroelectric plants in the area, and that the continuation of works on river regulation could thus have disastrous effects.

08/12/2003 MANATEES: MORE PROTECTION NEEDED !

Federal officials have designated three new areas in Florida where watercraft must operate at reduced speeds, but manatee activists say the restrictions are too weak. Boats caused a record high 95 manatee deaths last year, and conservationists feel more areas need to be restricted to protect this species. The restricted areas are along portions of the Caloosahatchee, Halifax and St. Johns rivers in northern Florida. (Defenders of Wildlife)

08/12/2003 FORCE-FEEDING OF GEESE AND DUCKS VIOLATES THE LAW !

Jerusalem, August 11, 2003. The Israeli Supreme Court ruled yesterday in a detailed decision, that force-feeding of geese and ducks, as practiced in Israel, is in violation of the law, and that regulations that allowed this practice are not valid. The Court granted the industry a period of about a year and a half (until March 2005) before the ban is enforced. Israel is one of the world's major producers of foie gras. The Israeli industry exploits mainly geese. The decision is one of very few decisions of national courts worldwide on the welfare of animals used in the food industry.

08/12/2003 CANNED LIONS... MORE CROOKED THINKING !

The current controversy over the publication by the South African government of new norms and standards for the canned lion industry is hotting up. Pro-hunting wildlife organizations such as the EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust) have been weighing in on the side of the government. Paul Bartels, a director of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, is quoted in newspapers as saying: "The radicals want everything banned. It is not a very practical policy for Africa. Sustainable hunting, carried out in an ethical manner, is what is going to protect wildlife." "First of all," says Chris Mercer of the Kalahari Raptor Centre, a member of the animal welfare community, "we are not radicals. Our views about cruelty reflect the views of the vast majority of people in the developed world where hunting is being progressively banned or restricted. Second, it is only canned hunting we want banned. The canned hunting industry includes the captive breeders who provide the hunters with a constant supply of tame living targets." The Animal Welfare Community (AWC), which contains experienced wildlife rehabbers, has gone so far as to describe the new policy as a "fraud on the public."

08/12/2003 WILLIAM "KILLS DEER WITH SPEAR" !

Prince William has killed a tiny antelope on holiday in Kenya with a 7ft spear, according to reports. The story in the Mail on Sunday is likely to reopen the debate about the Royal Family and their participation in blood sports.The prince had been taking lessons in hunting from a Masai warrior when he took a shot at a dik-dik, a 14 inch (35 cm) high native deer. Legei, the tribal village's Masai leader, told the newspaper that William experimented with the spear - made from acacia wood and fashioned with a metal tip - by targeting tree trunks in a village clearing. He said: "Then we took him out hunting and he crept up like we do on the first prey he saw, a fully grown dik-dik. Using the Masais' silent approach, he followed it, took aim and speared it in one go. I was proud of him. He picked it up by the tail and presented it to me. At home we eat such animals but I don't think Prince William would evenconsider it." William is no stranger to blood sports having attended an English fox hunt with his father in the past.

08/11/2003 DAIRY FARMS EVOLVE TO SURVIVE !

Faced with costs of adaptation that can run into the millions of dollars, thousands of farmers, many of them from small operations, are dropping out of dairying every year. Last year, farmers shut down 6,000 dairies - an average of 16 each day... There were 92,000 dairy farms dotting the countryside in 2002. That's one-fifth the number of U.S. dairies in 1975. Using high technology and cutting-edge research on feed and genetics, they have boosted milk output per cow more than 50% in the past 20 years. Although the number of dairy cows in the USA has fallen 17% to 9.1 million in the 20 years through 2002, total output has risen 25% during the same period.

08/11/2003 CAMBRIDGE PRIMATE LAB !

Just down the road from Huntingdon Life Sciences, Cambridge University has plans to build a new primate research laboratory. This is a University with just as many dirty secrets as HLS and it is vital that this proposed animal torture centre does not get the go ahead. Already campaigners from SHAC have spoken out at a public enquiry against the proposals. The police, public and local council have also objected to it. Now the decision is in the hands of the government who have already proven their total contempt for public opinion, especially where animal rights are concerned. Within the next few weeks the government announcement on whether or not the lab has got planning permission will come.

08/10/2003 HOWARD RULES OUT BAN ON THE LIVE ANIMAL EXPORTS !

SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister John Howard the day before yesterday ruled out banning live animal exports because of cruelty claims, saying the A$1bil (RM2.47bil) a year trade was too valuable and employed too many people. Responding to claims vets were forced to cover up the high death rate of animals being exported to the Middle East, Howard said a ban was unfeasible. Instead, he said the trade should be made as humane as possible. "It's worth about a billion dollars a year in export earnings and employs around 9,000 people," Howard told commercial radio. "I deplore cruelty, any ordinary human being would and does, but we have to keep these things in perspective ? We have to remember that you are talking about a very valuable economic asset and surely the goal is to make the trade as humane as possible." Australia exports about a million cattle and sheep a year, mainly to the Middle East and Indonesia, where the animals are slaughtered according to Muslim halal religious custom.

08/10/2003 900 KG PIGS FOR RITUAL SLAUGHTER !

The rearing of grossly overweight pigs in Taiwan for ritual slaughter has been condemned by animal welfare groups. They said it was time to end the annual "Pigs of God" contests that revolved around the force-feeding of animals to see which could achieve the greatest mass. Pigs weighing in excess of 900 kilograms have been reported. The animals, which are incapable of standing, are dragged in front of thousands of people before having their throats cut. The Environment and Animals Society of Taiwan (East) raised the plight of the pigs this week at a news conference. "This competition, which involves animal abuse, should be abandoned," East told the Taipei Times after showing a video about the animals. "Most pigs were terrified. They screamed loudly and failed to control their bowels when they were moved to the scales by several people." The competitions are said to be part of the religious beliefs of the Hakkas, an ethnic group with a population of over four million in Taiwan. It takes two years to prepare a pig for slaughter. East said the animals were castrated, without anaesthesia, in the belief that this would help make them even fatter. The pigs are then penned down so they cannot move. It is claimed in the run-up to a contest, the animals are even force-fed sand or heavy metals such as lead to add as much weight as possible. East claimed the plight of the "pig of the president" was symbolic of the wider suffering of animals in Taiwan, where it said thousands of farm animals were inhumanely killed every year.

08/09/2003 IRAQI DOG BECOMES AN AMERICAN HERO !

On the streets of a city in northern Iraq, a scruffy, bony, homeless German Shepherd wandered aimlessly. His head and legs were covered with scars, and he was missing several teeth. His local owners had beaten the emaciated dog. He needed a place to live, so Kurdish soldiers brought him to the Third Group, Special Forces, Alpha Company, Third Battalion. It was a perfect match - or so it seemed. The Special Forces unit had worked with a guard dog in Afghanistan and needed one again to help prevent surprise attacks. Some of the soldiers didn't think this frail creature would be able to do the job, but Sergeant Russell Joyce knew better. He took over the animal's care, feeding, and training, and gave the dog a good, American name - Fluffy. Under the Sergeant's auspices, Fluffy soon changed into a quick, bright guard dog, able to tell the difference between an Iraqi and an American at a sniff. Twice he was involved in enemy attacks on the base he was trained to keep safe. "He definitely looked after us," says Sergeant Joyce. "If any American walked guard, Fluffy would go right along with the soldier and stand right by him." To the surprise of all the soldiers, the former stray had truly become a United States war dog - and a hero. But Russell's time in Iraq was drawing to a close. He was very happy to be going home, but he immediately thought of Fluffy. Since the dog did not come to the war zone with the American troops, he was still considered an Iraqi. Joyce was told if he could not find Fluffy a good, local home, the dog would have to be killed. The clock was ticking; the unit Joyce had arranged to take care of Fluffy temporarily was doing so unofficially and could not keep him forever. The dog's self-made handler took swift action. One of the desperate emails Russell sent found its way to the computer of Ron Aiello, president of the US War Dogs Association and himself a Vietnam war dog handler. Ron called the Sergeant. "What I heard in his voice was something I heard hundreds of times from former military handlers from the Vietnam era. They talk about their canines to this day and the love and devotion we have for them," says Ron. "Russell had that same emotion about Fluffy."Aiello wrote to Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and set up a page in Fluffy's honor on the US War Dogs Web site. In no time, Sergeant Joyce received emails from thousands of people and organizations - including North Shore Animal League America - and correspondence from 32 senators, all asking what they could do to help.Finally, it was decided - Fluffy would become a very unusual exception to a strict military rule. He would be designated an honorary working military dog with honorary war dog status. In Washington, Army Deputy Division Chief Don Stump sliced through some more red tape, and then thirty high-level military personnel signed off to transfer the brave dog to the United States. Operation Free Fluffy had come to a successful conclusion. On June 7, Sergeant Russell Joyce, his wife Caroline, and his daughters Sam and Elise welcomed newly retired military dog Fluffy to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Since that day, Fluffy has become a very important member of the family and friend to all. But it obvious to everyone that Fluffy has a special love for Sergeant Joyce. And the feeling is mutual. "I don't label him as a pet," says Russell. "He's my buddy." Six times each year, North Shore Animal League America presents the Elisabeth Lewyt Award to a heroic dog or cat. For his brave actions on the field of battle, and for Sergeant Russell Joyce's dedication, Fluffy and his handler were presented with the League's most recent award at a reception in Alexandria, VA. Normally, the shelter that cared for the four-pawed honoree is also presented with an award. In Fluffy's case, no shelter was involved. The League decided that the shelter award should be presented to the US War Dogs Association, not only in Fluffy's honor but also on behalf of all the brave and unrecognized dogs who have served with our armed forces in the past.

08/08/2003 ICELAND TO RESUME WHALING !

Iceland announced on Wednesday its intention to resume whaling this month. It said it would take 38 minkes this year, in August and September, from waters around the island to study the mammals' impact on fish stocks. The country's whaling commissioner told BBC News Online that with 43,000 minkes currently in Icelandic waters, the "scientific catch" would have no impact on the species' status. "It's obvious to anyone that whales are very big animals and they eat a lot - a lot of fish," Stefan Asmundsson said. "Precisely the effect they are having on fish stocks around Iceland, we don't know. We need better data."

08/08/2003 VIVA'S 3RD INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST ADIDAS !

On Saturday August 30, 2003 we will again be taking our kangaroo campaign to the streets with the 3rd International Day of Action Against adidas. adidas know that adult kangaroos are cold-bloodedly shot and baby kangaroos are clubbed, stamped on or abandoned to die of starvation yet they continue to fund the massacre by using kangaroo skin to make football boots. The two previous International Days of Action have been phenomenal successes with protests taking place across the UK, America, Australia, in Germany, France, Russia, and Brazil! These events have received international press coverage helping us reach millions of people around the world, letting them know about adidas's involvement in kangaroo killing.

08/08/2003 DOG MEAT RECIPE BOOK PUBLISHED IN GERMANY !

Two German men have written a book with their favorite recipes made from dog meat. Uwe Dressler, 45, and Alexander Neumeister, 31, from Dresden, list a variety of cooking suggestions in their book. Entitled The Cold Dog, their book sells for £8.50, Bild newspaper reports. It is illegal to eat dog meat in Germany but the writers say they won't let this stop them. "Dog meat is low in fat and easy to digest," Dressler told the paper. "We're calling for it to be legalized."

08/07/2003 SOLOMON ISLAND DOLPHIN CAPTURE SYNOPSIS !

* Solomon Islands is a chain of 1000 islands 1,800 KM north of Australia, became independent in 1978.* Civil war between 2 major islands in 1999 - 2000 which led to collapse of police force and most organizations of state.* 5 years of violence and economic collapse have paralyzed much of the administration. Government unable to control warlords and armed gangs.* Australia and new Zealand sending in troops to try to intervene and restore order.* Solomon Islands not signed on to CITES.* In the past Solomon Island residents considered dolphins a cherished part of Solomon Island cultural Heritage.* Foreign Business Group consisting of Canadians, Mexicans and Germans took advantage of political upheaval in the Solomons to capture dolphins for the captivity industry.* Canadian Christopher Porter of Wave Consultants is at the centre of the scheme - wife is Solomon Islander - He went to the island under the pretence that he was going to educate fishermen about unnecessary killingof dolphins and create a resort to boost tourism - No resort was created, only the 6 dolphin pens. Porter's accountant, Greg Thompson said the company has government approval from the fisheries department.* Potential buyers: Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Italy* Market value of captive dolphins estimated at $25,000 - $30,000 USD* Dolphins captured by villagers who were paid $400 Solomon Island dollars ($260 US) * Capture method: Rounded up, netted in crude fishing nets, dragged out and dumped into open boats then transported to Gela approx. 2 1/2 hours boat ride* As many as 200 dolphins captured - largest recorded capture.* Scientific note: too many taken, may damage gene pool.* Solomon sea pens holding dolphins are 3 feet deep, 30 meters by 40 meters, guarded by armed militia. Fencing constructed of wire, rope and mango tree posts.* Local fishermen being paid well to get fish for food for captive dolphins, using dynamite to catch fish.* Solomon cops arrested and harassed media trying to film the captured dolphins, one cameraman kicked.* New Zealand TV crew boat driver was beaten for 5 minutes, there was blood coming out if his mouth - He was hired to enable the TV crew to film the captive dolphins in pens.* 1 dolphin who was being trained was killed by a crocodile, 3 others also died in Solomon pens* Permit for 33 dolphins to go to Mexico was negotiated with Solomons Department of Fisheries on oraround July 6, 2003.* Mexico is a CITES signatory.* Mexico no longer allows captures in their waters, but allows "humane" imports.* Mexico claims they have no proof the capture was not humane.* Mexican Co. that purchased dolphins: Parque Nizuc, Manager Mr. Mauricio Martinez de Alba.* Potentially a Canadian Co. was hired to transport the dolphins.* Honiara Airport locked down so no one can film the plane or loading of dolphins.* Shipped 28 dolphins (13 female and 15 males) to Cancun Aquatic Park - unsure if 33 were shipped per info from permit, possibly 5 died on route* Transported via Brazil Air Cargo on a DC 10 to Mexico stopping in Brazil* Heavy security of police and military in Mexico escorting animals to Parque Nizuc* Dolphins shipped in "coffin like" containers, described by Ben White on site in Mexico, as metal boxes without water visible (Canadian National Post article indicated that the crates had "small pools of water"), dolphins in slings* At least 2 died in Mexico, as observed by Ben White, others appear lethargic.

08/07/2003 COMMISSION SUPPORTS OIE GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON ANIMAL WELFARE !

In order to engage stakeholders and explain the International Animal Health Organization's (OIE) new strategy on animal welfare, the OIE will convene the "First Global Conference on Animal Welfare" in Paris, France on February 23-25, 2004. European Commissioner David Byrne, responsible for Health and Consumer Protection, will attend the conference. The Commission is actively involved in the organisation of this conference. In addition to providing logistical support and conference interpretation, the Commission will assist with the publication of the conference proceedings as an educational tool. The best way to achieve the harmonisation of international standards in the field of animal welfare is by basing standards on the best scientific knowledge available.

08/06/2003 NEW STUDY WARNS WHALE POPULATIONS TOO LOW FOR HUNTING !

PALO ALTO, California, July 25, 2003 (ENS) - Scientists have underestimated the number of humpbacks and other great whales that inhabited the North Atlantic Ocean before the advent of whaling, according to geneticists from Stanford and Harvard Universities. The findings, published today in the journal Science, could cast grave doubts on the scientific rationale used by countries that advocate lifting a 17-year moratorium on commercial whaling established by the London-based International Whaling Commission (IWC), the scientists say. The IWC, which is the main organization that regulates whaling, has policies that will allow for the resumption of commercial hunting when populations reach a little more than half of their historic numbers. But the findings of the new study expose a problem with this policy, which relies on historic estimates of unconfirmed whaling records dating back to the mid-1800s, says Stephen Palumbi, a professor of biological sciences at Stanford and co-author of the study. "It is well known that hunting dramatically reduced all baleen whale populations, yet reliable estimates of former whale abundances are elusive," wrote Palumbi and Harvard graduate student Joe Roman, lead author of the study. "Whaling logbooks provide clues, but may be incomplete, intentionally under reported or fail to consider hunting loss." Roman and Palumbi say their study is the first to use genetics rather than whaling records to confirm the number of whales that used to exist The new study casts some doubt on the International Whaling Commission's historical baseline of some whale populations, including humpbacks."The genetics of populations has within it information about the past, Palumbi explained. If you can read the amount of genetic variation ­ the difference in DNA from one individual whale to another ­ and calibrate that, then you can estimate the historic size of the population." The scientists focused on the genetics of North Atlantic humpback, fin and minke whales ­ three species decimated in the mid-19th and early-20th centuries by the demand for whale oil, baleen and meat. "The genetics we have done of whales in the North Atlantic says that, before whaling, there were a total of 800,000 to 900,000 humpback, fin and minke whales ­ far greater numbers than anybody ever thought," Palumbi said. Comparing DNA samples from 188 humpback whales, Roman and Palumbi determined that the historic population in the North Atlantic may have been 240,000, some 12 times greater than the IWC estimate. Using these results, Palumbi estimated that the worldwide humpback population could have been as high as 1.5 million ­ more than 10 times the IWC's global historical estimate of 100,000. After analyzing DNA samples from 87 minke whales, the scientists concluded that the pre-whaling North Atlantic minke population was at least 265,000. This is roughly twice the number of minkes that inhabit the North Atlantic today, according to the IWC. An analysis of the DNA of 253 fin whales yielded similar results ­ Roman and Palumbi concluded that the pre-whaling population was about 360,000, some 10 times higher than the IWC's historical estimate. The IWC estimates that today's fin whale population is about 56,000. Under the current policies of the IWC, which declared a worldwide moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986, a majority of its 51 members could lift the moratorium and allow whale hunting in regions where populations has reached 54 percent of its original carrying capacity. "This is a real conundrum," Palumbi said. "Humpback whales, for example, were thought to have numbered about 20,000 in the North Atlantic, and we are up to about 10,000 now, so at that rate, the IWC could allow countries to start killing humpbacks within the next decade. But if the historic population was really 240,000, as the genetics suggests, then we would not be able to start whaling for another 70 to 100 years." Roman and Palumbi write that in light of their findings, current populations of humpback or fin whales are "far from harvestable."

08/06/2003 EXPANDING THE HARP SEAL HUNT !!!

In early spring, four of the world's great wildlife migrations mark the annual cycle of birth and renewal: wildebeest in East Africa's Serengeti, caribou on Alaska's Arctic plain, gray whales from Baja California to the Bering Sea, harp seals from Greenland to Canada's Atlantic Coast. The first three remain magnificent spectacles of nature at its most sublime. The fourth is an ugly orgy of human cruelty at its very worst. The infamously inhumane Canadian seal hunt, scaled way back in recent years after decades of international protest, has returned bigger and bloodier than ever.Last February, the Canadian government set a new three-year quota of almost 1 million animals, the biggest in its 30-year history. During the hunt that ended June 15, sealers "harvested" more than 286,000 baby seals between 12 days and 12 weeks old. They were killed for their fur sold in Scandinavia, Russia and the Far East for clothing, boots, and garment-trim, and for their penises used as an aphrodisiac in traditional Chinese medicine. The lucky ones died quickly after being clubbed or shot. The wounded were skinned alive or escaped to die later beneath the ice.Recent polls by the Humane Society of the United States and an animal protection coalition in the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands and France found an identical 79 percent opposition to killing seals for their fur. In Canada, 81 percent of those surveyed opposed killing seals under 1 year of age, and 41 percent weren't even aware the hunt was still held.Ottawa's continuing disdain for public opinion is reflected in the much quoted sentiments of Member of Parliament John Efford. "I would like to see the 6 million seals, or whatever number is out there, killed and sold, or destroyed and burned," Mr. Efford told Newfoundland's House of Assembly in 1998 when he was provincial fisheries minister. "The more they kill, the better I will love it."

08/05/2003 VETS SOUGHT TO TREAT WOUNDED ELEPHANT !

The Forest Conservation Division of the Liberation Tigers appealed for veterinarian experts to help treat an elephant which had been seriously injured after triggering a landmine, officials said. The tusker trampled on a landmine in the thick jungles of Odduchuddan in Mullaitivu district. The area had been occupied by Sri Lankan troops during Operation Jaya Sikirui in the late nineties and the area has not been demined after it was recaptured by the LTTE in November 1999. Forest Conservation sources said that hundreds of wild animals have been killed in these jungle areas by landmines. Forest Conservation Officials are urgently seeking the assistance of experts and wild life conservation organizations to help treat the wounded pachyderm, which is said to be in distress.

08/05/2003 JUDGE UPHOLDS ELEPHANT SUIT AGAINST RINGLING BROS !

LOS ANGELES - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus must defend itself against allegations that it mistreats elephants. Without ruling on the issues, a federal judge declined to dismiss a 3-year-old lawsuit by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute and the Fund for Animals claiming that the nation's largest circus has abused Asian elephants in violation of the Endangered Species Act.

08/04/2003 CANNED LIONS !

The Nature Conservation authorities in South Africa have finally after considerable pressure from the animal welfare community published in the Government Gazette 25090, Notice 874 of June 13, 2003 the "Norms and standards for the sustainable use for large predators." This ex post facto concession to democracy is welcomed but the fact remains that the policy was prepared in secret, adopted at the September MINMEC meeting last year and is already being implemented in the provinces. Canned hunting as understood by the general public is the hunting of tame, captive bred animals. The pretence of fair chase and skill is abandoned, and the "hunt" is reduced to a mere execution. What the South African public wants is to see this despicable form of hunting banned. This policy does not ban canned lion hunting. Nor does it even restrict the practice. Instead, the policy legitimizes it - and extends it to other predators. This policy on canned lion hunting is an eloquent testimonial to everything that is wrong with conservation in South Africa and proves beyond doubt that the South African nature conservation authorities are nothing more or less than a hunting club. Misjudging the public mood completely, (because of the failure to consult with the public openly and transparently) the draftsmen of the policy have sought to impose a few restrictions on the size of predator hunting camps and how long the animal should have been there before the hunt takes place. However, fiddling about with hectares and introduction times fails dismally to meet public concerns. Five years ago there were thought to be 300 lions in captivity. Now there are more than 2,500. Conservation used to mean preservation. How can the same word be used to encompass commercial exploitation of the cruelest imaginable kind? Those who see animals only through the cross hairs of a telescopic sight seek to create in South Africa a nightmare parody of conservation where the natural world is smashed up and factory farms breed wildlife in cages like battery chickens or like pigs in crates, to be grown out into living targets.South Africa is a hunter's paradise. But for the animals, South Africa is Hell on Earth.

08/04/2003 A MOMENT IN TIME !

Today, the Canadian Voice For Animals, in collaboration with Welfare for Animals in Greece (WAG-New York, a Lobby Group) has dedicated a specific day for the citizens of the world to devote a "Moment In Time" in contemplation, reflection and prayer for the homeless, the lost, the helpless, the suffering, the hungry and frightened... the abandoned and forgotten animals of this globe we call Earth. Please join hearts, minds and energy with CVFA and WAG at 8:00 PM-Greenwich Mean Time for a moment of contemplation and prayer for those innocent souls with whom we share this planet. This milestone event will occur on August 4 of each and every year. If you wish to join the CVFA and WAG in this monumental effort, please contact CVFA at: eheb@telus.net or visit the web site www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/MomentInTime.html.

08/03/2003 URGE THE USDA TO INVESTIGATE THE TRAGIC DEATH OF A KANGAROO IN UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS !

In early July, a seriously ill kangaroo who was used by UniverSoul Circus died in Nashville, Tennessee. The kangaroo was reportedly suffering from a deadly bacterial disease, called "lumpy jaw," which may be caused by overcrowding, poor hygiene, or poor diet. The circus was aware of this kangaroo's delicate condition yet continued to use him in performances in which he was harassed into defending himself in a boxing routine and subjected him to the rigors of travel and constant confinement. This kangaroo should have been taken off the road immediately after he was diagnosed with this usually fatal illness and provided with medical care by a qualified veterinarian with experience in treating kangaroos. UniverSoul Circus continues to exploit two other kangaroos who were exposed to this highly contagious disease. It is imperative that the remaining kangaroos be taken off the road and provided with appropriate veterinary treatment. Fortunately, the Detroit Zoo has offered to provide expert medical treatment and a safe, nurturing home for the surviving kangaroos if authorities seize them. PETA first reported this kangaroo's condition to the USDA in June, before he died. The USDA issupposed to enforce the minimum standards of care established in the federal Animal Welfare Act. To date, there has been no response from the USDA to these complaints. Please contact USDA officials and urge them to seize the circus's two surviving kangaroos immediately and launch an investigation into the death of the third kangaroo: Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyre USDA-APHIS Animal Care Ste. 200920 Main Campus Dr. Raleigh, NC 27606-5210919-716-5532919-716-5696 (fax)

08/03/2003 EU PLAN TO ALLOW BRITISH HORSES TO BE EXPORTED FOR SLAUGHTER !

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) reveals evidence which proves that the EU is planning to allow horses to be exported from the UK for slaughter. For around 30 years, the export of horses, ponies and donkeys from the UK for slaughter abroad has been banned. The proposed new Regulation on the transport of animals recently published by the European Commission will force the UK to drop its current ban on the export of horses for slaughter. Horses and ponies from the New Forest and Dartmoor will be exported to the continent where they will be slaughtered for meat. Peter Stevenson, CIWF Political and Legal Director said, "Horses are poor travellers and suffer immensely if they are sent on long journeys to continental abattoirs. The British Government must act quickly to insist that Brussels reinstates the derogation which allows Britain to ban the export of these animals for slaughter, and which is in danger of being removed by the EU." There is already a huge trade in horses sent from Eastern Europe to Italy for slaughter. CIWF has extensive video footage and still images which reveal the great suffering inflicted on horses sent on these long journeys. They become increasingly exhausted during transport. Many get injured, and some simply fail to survive the long journeys, dying en route.

08/02/2003 PLEASE HELP NOAH - A SQUIRREL MONKEY KEPTIN PETMANIA PET SHOP !

Please take a moment to help Noah, a squirrel monkey who is presently imprisoned in Petmania pet shop in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland. Noah is 15 years old and lives alone in a barren cage in the back of the shop. MonkeyWorld have offered to collect Noah and re-home him at their sanctuary. MonkeyWorld are world experts in rehabilitating and caring for primates such as Noah.Orkney Islands Council and the Scottish SPCA believe that Noah's tiny barren cage is "satisfactory." Clearly their knowledge of squirrel monkeys is totally inadequate. Imagine what they would consider to be an unsatisfactory enclosure! Orkney Islands Council is claiming that they are unable to do anything as Noah falls into a legal loop-hole because he is kept in a pet shop but is not for sale. We believe that the Council has created this loop-hole by misinterpreting the law. PLEASE E-MAIL: Valerie Cameron, Principal Environmental Health Officer of Orkney Islands Council: env.health@orkney.gov.uk Politely inform her that Orkney Islands Council appears to have misinterpreted the law and created the legal loop-hole as Noah should be covered by the Pet Animals Act 1951. Ask her what she will do to ensure that Noah is removed him from the pet shop and re-homed at MonkeyWorld sanctuary.

08/02/2003 CROW CULLING: POLCE PROBE ALLEGED SCAM !

For more than a year, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has been paying professionals to cull crows. Now, three of these men are being investigated by police for allegedly producing the downed birds to collect the $5 bounty, then retrieving the carcasses to make a second claim. This allegedly took place over several months. The men formed one of the teams of three engaged by Cisco, under a contract with the NEA, to cull the birds. Though the amount of money involved is not known, a person familiar with the process pointed out that at $5 a bird - each team shoots an average of 50 to 70 crows a day - over a period of months, the illegal bounty could amount to thousands of dollars. When contacted, an NEA spokesman would only say: "We are unable to comment further as the case is currently being investigated by the police. Crow culling by Cisco, under a contract with NEA, continues in the meantime."

08/02/2003 ANIMAL SENTINENCE WEB SITE !

Compassion in World Farming, a UK charity, has developed a new web site all about animal consciousness - it's at www.animalsentience.com. The idea is to get people to appreciate that animals have feelings and thoughts, and care about the way they feel. They hope, over time, that this will cause people to think differently about the way they treat animals for farming, entertainment, sport and at home.

08/01/2003 CRUELTY SUSTAINS AUSTRALIA'S LIVE EXPORT TRADE !

Sydney - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was cited as accusing Australian authorities Monday of sustaining their 1.0 billion dollar (650 million US) a year live animal export trade by institutionalized cruelty and inaction. RSPCA Australian president Dr Hugh Wirth stated that the mortality rates within the industry had increased since the government effectively deregulated the trade. His comment followed an investigation screened by the Channel Nine television network on Sunday claiming that veterinary surgeons overseeing the shipment of sheep and cattle had been forced to lie over the number of animals dying while being moved. The report was further cited as saying that members of the board of Livecorp, the private company which controls live exports, had kept their trading licences despite high mortality rates. Wirth said Livecorp was trying to claim there were no problems in the industry while thousands of animals were dying aboard ships to Middle Eastern ports. He said since the live export trade was deregulated, and Livecorp made responsible for the industry, the situation had worsened.

08/01/2003 US FDA UNLIKELY TO LABERL CLONED ANIMAL MEAT AND MILK !

WASHINGTON - U.S. consumers will most likely not know when they buy hamburgers, bacon and milk products from cloned animals, a technology that could be available by next year, government and industry officials said. John Matheson, regulatory review scientist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, said the agency would not require labels on cloned animal products if they are considered as safe as traditional food. "If we find no problems with the products, we have no legal basis to require labels or have companies differentiate between them," he said at an annual biotech industry conference. Cloned animals, such as cattle, sheep and poultry, can be farmed to provide more milk or eggs than their counterparts.

08/01/2003 GOING VEGETARIAN CAN BE HEALTHIER !

Think that vegetarian diets are risky or just a passing phase? Not so! According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and Dietitians of Canada (DC), a well-planned vegetarian diet can be a healthy alternative to standard meat-based eating styles for all age groups. In a joint statement, published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, and DC say: It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

The number of news found: 64.

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