News
The number of news found: 23.
12/31/2015 AFRICAN LIONS ARE ADDED TO U.S. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
After the death of Cecil the Lion, the Obama administration is designating the African lion as endangered to help stave off hunters who want to bring lion trophies into the U.S. The Fish and Wildlife Service announced the change on Monday months after the beloved lion Cecil was killed by an American dentist in Zimbabwe in July. Lions in central and West Africa will be listed as endangered, while lions in southern and East Africa will be classified as threatened, with a special decree that urges countries to regulate the hunting of lions in methods that promote conservation. Though trophies aren't being banned outright - they will be "generally prohibited" except in very limited circumstances - the agency said the new designations will help limit the import of live lions and lion parts, like heads, paws or skins.
12/30/2015 QATAR EYES STRICTER PUNISHMENTS FOR ANIMAL ABUSERS
Qatar may impose tougher penalties on those who abuse animals next year, following the passage of a GCC-wide law that protects animal rights, officials have said. The legislation was approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries some two years ago, and was officially adopted by its first signatory country Kuwait earlier this month. According to a veterinarian who works for Qatar's Ministry of Environment, the law marks a renewed effort by Arab countries to protect animals. Animal abuse is a crime in Qatar that is already punishable through fines and jail time, but there is no penalty for abandonment, and enforcement remains lax.
12/29/2015 SWEDISH COURTS TEMPORARILY BAN WOLF HUNTING
Swedish courts on Monday ordered a temporary ban on wolf hunting in parts of the country, favouring animal rights activists in one of Sweden's most hotly disputed environmental issues. The administrative court decisions in the western city of Karlstad, and in Falun, in central Sweden, were a victory for environmental groups including the Swedish World Wildlife Federation, which has been fighting a decision to authorise the culling of 46 wolves. Uncertainty remained on licenses to kill six more wolves, as a third decision was expected Tuesday by the administrative court in Uppsala. The Karlstad and Falun courts ruled that the Supreme Administrative Court must evaluate whether the hunting licences are in conformity with European directives. As a result the next hunting season, which is set to begin on January 2 and end on February 15, is likely to be either shortened or cancelled.
12/28/2015 A POLAR BEAR BEING FED EXPLOSIVE AT A RUSSIAN MILITARY BASE
A cook at a Russian military base construction site in the Arctic has been accused of feeding a polar bear with explosives causing it to writhe in agony. A shocking video of the anguished animal, with blood pouring from its snout, was revealed last week. The female bear was being fed by the male cook, so regularly appeared at the site on remote Wrangel Island, where Vladimir Putin is establishing a military presence. The bear had a cub, which she often brought with her to be fed, although not on this occasion and the young bear is now believed to be orphaned. It is not clear what happened to the mother, but experts said there was very little chance she would have survived.
12/24/2015 2015 FOOD TREND: THE RISE OF THE VEGAN PIZZA
Just a decade ago, only one pizza chain in the U.S. offered vegan cheese for its pizzas. But PETA has been working with businesses to expand their meat- and dairy-free options, and now, there are 37 chains--with more than 1,000 total locations in the U.S. and Canada--that offer vegan-friendly pizzas, complete with savory, protein-rich "meats" and melty, stretchy "cheeses." PETA's motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat," and PETA is still working to help restaurants meet the growing demand for healthy, humane vegan pizzas--so the number of vegan-friendly chains will continue to grow.
12/23/2015 VEGAN CAFE OWNER PREPARES HEALTHY DISHES FOR THE HOMELESS
A local vegan cook stepped up to the plate and decided to donate his services when he saw a need to feed the homeless. iCreate Café owner Ashraf Khalil prepares both vegan and vegetarian dishes at his Pottstown restaurant. The food also has a Mediterranean flavor since he's a native of Syria. Through a customer, Khalil learned that Christ Episcopal Church would provide shelter and food for the homeless this December. He decided to lend a hand by preparing and serving a vegan meal every Tuesday night of the month. "They call it the vegetarian fest," Khalil said. Each week he creates healthy dishes for about 30 people without a home. Khalil said the homeless don't always get an opportunity to eat meals with fresh ingredients. He said people at the shelter are able to experience something different with the plant-based meal he cooks.
12/22/2015 COFFEE SHOP OPENS ITS DOORS EVERY NIGHT TO STRAY DOGS
While it may not be possible to open your home to every stray animal in need, an open heart can be just as accommodating. A photo has been making the rounds on social media showing a group of stray dogs napping comfortably on a bench of cushions as a result of one business's act of kindness. The image was reportedly snapped at a café in Greece, where management sees fit to offer refuge to homeless pups after closing up each evening. The cafeteria Hot Spot in Mytilene, Lesbos, once customers leave, opens its doors to local stray dogs so they can use the sofas and "sleep without being cold," writes Greek blog Zoosos.
12/21/2015 PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS ON BABY MONKEYS SET TO END AT CONTROVERSIAL LAB
A US government scientist whose studies on the physical and psychological effects of separating baby monkeys from their mums sparked outrage will no longer be working with live animals. For the last 30 years, Stephen Suomi has been carrying out the experiments, which backers claim helped increase knowledge of how genetic and environmental factors interact in childhood development. But animal rights group PETA campaigned against it after obtaining footage of the experiments, which activists said showed the animals in intense distress. The decision to shut the program, BuzzFeed reports, was made on financial ground though. The lab was located at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
12/18/2015 MAKING PLANT-BASED DIETS THE NEW NORMAL
A Nutritional Update for Physicians was published in the official journal of Kaiser Permanente, the largest managed care organization in the United States. It told physicians that healthy eating may best be achieved with a plant-based diet, defined as a regimen that "encourages whole, plant-based foods and discourages meats, dairy and eggs as well as all refined and processed junk." The major downside described is that it may work a little too well. The report continues that "despite the strong body of evidence favoring plant-based diets, many physicians are not stressing the importance of plant-based diets as a first-line treatment for chronic illnesses. This could be because of a lack of physician awareness or a lack of patient education resources." Kaiser offers tips to get started, such as meal plan ideas, and a list of online resources.
12/17/2015 QANTAS WILL NO LONGER CARRY RACING GREYHOUNDS ON FLIGHTS TO ASIA
Qantas will no longer carry racing greyhounds on flights to Asia in what animal activists say is a "win for gentle dogs facing certain death". The move follows revelations that greyhounds were being exported to Hong Kong and Macau. As many as 800 dogs were being kept in prison-like cells in Macau to replace those that had been culled and incinerated. It means Australia's two major carriers to Asia, Qantas and Cathay Pacific, will no longer carry racing greyhounds as freight. The change of heart followed coverage last week by the ABC of an investigation by Animals Australia into the export of dogs to Hong Kong and Macau. The practice is not illegal but, without the required passports, it is against rules set out by Greyhounds Australasia.
12/16/2015 EDINBURGH NAMED THE UK'S MOST VEGAN-FRIENDLY CITY
Edinburgh has been named the UK's most vegan-friendly city by animal rights group PETA. The Capital is home to more than 20 vegan-friendly cafes and restaurants. And Lord Provost Donald Wilson received a sculpture of Edinburgh Castle made entirely from vegetables when he accepted the award at the City Chambers. Edinburgh-born PETA spokeswoman Yvonne Taylor said: "Vegan eating can help reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, which affect Scottish citizens at a high rate. With so many delicious, plant-based options available throughout the city, it's never been easier to cut animal-derived foods out of our diets." The Capital also held its first-ever vegan festival in August.
12/15/2015 IDF GETS MORE VEGAN-FRIENDLY
Veganism is on the rise in Israel. More and more soldiers reporting for duty adhere to a plant-based diet. Now, thanks to the efforts of one reserve duty soldier, even on closed bases, vegan soldiers will have their fill. In the summer of 2014, Omer Yuval was called into active service. For the next seven weeks, he remained on a closed base, where he found his vegan choices limited. After going back home, Yuval soon realized that he is not alone. Approximately 5 percent of all IDF soldiers are now vegan and while vegan soldiers do have access to wool-free berets, leather-free boots and a food allowance, Yuval thought the army could make a few simple changes to help improve the lives of those vegans serving their country. So he composed a letter to IDF leadership making it clear he did not want vegans to have special privileges, just access to a more balanced diet and less red tape when it comes to identifying themselves as vegan. As it turned out the IDF was eager to help out their vegan soldiers get the food they need to stay healthy.
12/14/2015 GERMANY AS A WORLD LEADER IN VEGANISM
Veganism, which can be called a religion rather than a trend, in strength and speed of its spread is comparable with a storm. Paradoxically, the country that has become an epicenter of wild global changes is a rational Germany. Veganism is one of the most passionate and ideological tendencies in the world that highly outstrips general public and statistics. But thanks to outstanding social and network activity (in this case Instagram) of its members it's easy to make an objective ranking of most vegan countries in the world. Here is a set of key facts about Germany as a world leader in veganism: 1) In Berlin there is the first and only vegan street in the world – Schivelbeiner Strasse, what means that it includes only restaurants and shops which support the vegan ethic. 2) In 2011 the first and again the only vegan supermarket Veganz was opened in Berlin. 3) Everything that concerns the vegan lifestyle, events, brands and products is represented not only in Berlin but also throughout the country very well.
12/11/2015 TERMINATOR STAR SAID PEOPLE SHOULD CUT DOWN ON MEAT CONSUMPTION
Arnold Schwarzenegger has slammed climate change deniers, saying he "doesn't give a damn" if they believe in it or not. The bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician posted an epic rant on his Facebook page, where said he doesn't care who is right or wrong on climate change - green energy is an investment. The Terminator star, who is in Paris for the UN climate conference, also urged people to seek alternative sources of protein and avoid eating meat in order to save the planet. Schwarzenegger told the BBC: "Twenty-eight per cent of the greenhouse gasses come from eating meat and from raising cattle, so we can do a much better job."
12/10/2015 PAMELA ANDERSON PUSHING FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS IN KREMLIN
Baywatch star and animal rights activist Pamela Anderson went right to "the top" in Russia, participating in a round-table discussion in the Kremlin on Monday. The meeting, which focused on the protection of nature, was hosted by President Putin's head of office, Sergey Ivanov. Speaking about why she had chosen Russia to head up an international animal rights movement, Anderson told RT that she feels "that in Russia things get done." Representing the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the Kremlin discussions, the 48-year-old actress and activist said she was "inspired by the attention both the government and Russian businesses are giving to wildlife conservation." Talking about environmental issues which fall within her specific personal concern, Anderson said that welfare of seals is on her agenda. She said that she is campaigning in Russia for "a legal ban on killing baby seals" to be introduced.
12/09/2015 COLUMBIAN NEW LAW CLASSIFIES ANIMALS AS SENTIENT BEINGS
They may not be able to speak for themselves, but Colombia's animals just won a major legal victory. On Wednesday, Colombia's Senate unanimously approved a bill that changes the way animals are defined under the law. From now on, animals must be considered "sentient beings." Previously, the law had treated them as personal property. The bill now goes before President Juan Manuel Santos. Classifying animals as sentient beings provides them greater protections against cruel treatment, and the law establishes strict legal penalties for mistreating or abandoning animals. Animal abuse carries a penalty of 60 minimum monthly salaries and up to three years in prison, while abandoning a pet carries a fine of 20 minimum monthly salaries.
12/08/2015 FBI BEEFING UP ANIMAL CRUELTY TRACKING
The FBI wants to keep closer tabs on cases of animal cruelty. Starting January 1, the agency says all police departments must report animal cruelty cases separate from other crimes. Law enforcement officers hope the information will help them keep better tabs on offenders. "There are some people who continue to move from place to place, and we're going to keep a closer check on these people," said Major Joey Cole, of the Madison County Sheriff's Office. The information the FBI collects will begin being publicly available in 2017.
12/07/2015 337 WHALES DEAD IN CHILE IN ONE OF HISTORY'S BIGGEST BEACHINGS
The coast of southern Chile has become a grave for 337 sei whales that were found beached in what scientists say is one of the biggest whale strandings ever recorded. Biologist Vreni Haussermann told the Associated Press that she made the discovery along with other scientists in June during an observation flight over fjords in Chile's southern Patagonia region. The team has been collecting samples since then. She declined to disclose the conclusions, which will be published by a scientific journal later this year. The cause of death of the whales is unknown, although human intervention has been ruled out. The scientific expedition counted 305 bodies and 32 skeletons of whales through aerial and satellite photography in an area between the Gulf of Penas and Puerto Natales.
12/05/2015 MEAT TAX FAVOURED BY PUBLIC, REPORT FINDS
Global appetite for meat could be in danger as many consumers believe a tax on beef, chicken and poultry is a sure-fire way to reduce climate change. The research, conducted by Chatham House, claims the public have shown an appetite for a tax on meat if it helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and promotes a healthier, leaner lifestyle. The report by international affairs think-tank Chatham House and Dr Catherine Happer from Glasgow University, underlines the importance of tackling meat production. Globally, the meat industry accounts for 15% of all GHGs – more than all the world's vehicles combined. Research involved extensive surveys and focus groups spread over 12 countries and the report, published on November 24, said consumers feared climate change would not be addressed if the insatiable demand for meat were not tackled head-on. It is imperative to reduce global meat consumption in order to keep global warming below the "danger level of 2°C", the report said.
12/04/2015 AUGUST TRIAL FOR WOMAN WHO GAVE PIGS WATER
A woman who gave water to pigs on their way to a slaughterhouse will have her day in court in August. Anita Krajnc had a preliminary hearing on Monday. She is charged with mischief and faces a $5,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison. The Crown will decide later this year whether they are proceeding by summary conviction or indictment. Krajnc has been unapologetic about what she has called an act of compassion. On June 22, Krajnc was on a roadway median giving water to pigs as trucks hauling the animals stopped at an intersection in Burlington. One of the trucks' drivers took exception. An argument ensued, which was captured on video, that shows Krajnc feeding water to some of the pigs via a water bottle she pushed through the slats of the truck's trailer as the driver demanded she stop. The truck driver reported Krajnc to his boss.
12/03/2015 DAIRY INDUSTRY SCRAMBLING AFTER ANIMAL ABUSE CLAIMS
Animal rights group SAFE has released footage of calves allegedly being abused and left to die on New Zealand farms. It claims the dairy industry and MPI officials knew the abuse was going on. Executive director Hans Kriek said he even made a complaint to MPI about the site where the footage was filmed. "They allowed the slaughtermen to continue abusing those animals. If we can't even go to the authorities with evidence of serious abuse, where do we go?" MPI's deputy director general regulation and assurance Scott Gallacher said they're disgusted in the footage. "To have anyone in New Zealand thinking they can treat animals in the way which we have seen on this footage is just appalling." He's confirmed they're investigating the footage.
12/02/2015 JAPAN GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO COMMENCE WHALING IN THE ANTARCTIC
Japan has finally confirmed it will commence whaling in the Antarctic this summer, despite the weight of court decisions and scientific opinion against it. The Japanese government's confirmation of its plan to begin killing nearly 4000 minke whales over 12 years came in letters to the International Whaling Commission published on Saturday. This follows months of wrangling over Japan's new "scientific research" plan, after the previous program was ruled illegal by the International Court of Justice in a case brought by Australia. Since then, Japan has faced trouble trying to fit the new plan, called NEWREP-A, within the terms of the international court's ruling.
12/01/2015 CHINESE MAN BUYS DOG SLAUGHTERHOUSE AND SETS UP SHELTER
Wang Yan used his fortune to buy out a dog slaughterhouse so he could set up a shelter for strays dogs instead, saving 2,000 canines in the process. This extraordinary story begins tragically. Yan, who is from the Jilin province of China, lost his dog in 2012. "I went looking everywhere, but all to no avail," he told the Shanghaiist. "Finally someone let me go into (a local slaughterhouse) to try my luck there." Unfortunately, Yan didn't find his dog at the slaughterhouse, but what he did find was just as heartbreaking: horrific scenes of dogs suffering needlessly and being brutally killed. Yan knew he needed to do something to help the poor pooches. Yan, who made a significant amount of money from a steel manufacturing business, bought the slaughterhouse for $400K. Not only did he buy the slaughterhouse, but he also established a shelter for stray dogs. Since its inception a few years ago, Yan has saved the lives of over 2,000 canines.
The number of news found: 23.
