Religion and cruelty. Read on for details.
Article:
Chicken ritual is foul, animal rights groups say
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=
1159193339484&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle
%2FShowFull
NATHAN THRALL, THE JERUSALEM POST Sep. 29, 2006
An ancient ritual that has survived the opprobium of some of the most prominent halachic authorities is facing a modern activist movement, as animal rights groups challenge the pre-Yom Kippur practice of "kapparot."
The practice was being carried out across the country this week, as it has been for years.
On a hot afternoon in a semi-shaded alley of Jerusalem's Mea She'arim open-air market, two jaundiced hens squawked in the clutch of a stooped haredi man as he scuttled after an escaped rooster with his free, outstretched hand.
"He's getting away!" yelled the man's pregnant wife, just before he grasped the rooster.
Clasping the necks of the three fowl with both hands, the man swung them counterclockwise around his wife's head. His faint incantation reflected the hope of devotees who practice kapparot, which is to transfer their sins onto the swinging fowl: "This is my exchange, my substitute, my atonement. This rooster shall go to its death, but I shall go to a good, long life, and to peace."
On the alley's stone walls, high above the tall stacks of plastic cages, most brimming with live fowl and covered in excrement, posters advertised the chickens' price: NIS 50 to donate a chicken to charity; NIS 55 to take a chicken home. Beneath one of these signs was the room to which throngs of haredi men had brought their birds for slaughter. Its ceiling was covered in feathers, and blood leaked from the platinum table behind which the chicken-slayer stood. Children looked on unperturbed as their parents dispassionately delivered flittering fowl to the slaughterer's short blade.
The haredi shohet, his smock slathered in feathers and blood, grabbed the birds in the same manner each time. He first clasped their wings behind their backs, then pulled them supine and yanked their heads further back. He plucked a tuft of hair from their necks, slit the newly bare patches, pinched their beaks shut, and dropped them headfirst into one of the table's 21 open receptacles. Most of the birds continued to jerk and struggle, sometimes for well over a minute, before being placed on a mechanized defeathering rack, declawed, and gutted.
Scenes like these draw protests from critics such as the group Anonymous for Animal Rights, who protest not only the slaughter itself but the manner in which the chickens are raised and held prior to slaughter.
"Sometimes the chickens are held for hours or even for days in crowded cages without food or water," said Reut Horn, a spokesman for Anonymous for Animal Rights.
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger responded to such criticisms in a press release on Wednesday. In his statement, Metzger called on local rabbinates to protect the poultry used in kapparot and underscored the Torah's requirement to treat animals with respect.
Yet animal rights groups like Anonymous and Hakol Chai believe scriptural evidence bolsters their arguments against the kapparot ceremony entirely. Hakol Chai points out that kapparot is not mentioned in either the Torah or the Talmud.
Quoting the Encyclopedia Judaica, Hakol Chai's Web site states, "Several Jewish sages strongly opposed kapparot. Rabbi Solomon ben Abraham Aderet, one of the foremost Jewish scholars during the 13th century, considered it a heathen superstition. This opinion was shared by the Ramban (Nachmanides) and Rabbi Joseph Caro, who called it 'a foolish custom' that Jews should avoid."
Others contend kapparot has deep roots in Jewish scripture.
"Look, the idea of sacrificing an animal in place of yourself - the scapegoat - exists in the Torah," said Rabbi Professor Daniel Sperber of the Department of Talmud at Bar-Ilan University. "The original scapegoat was a national scapegoat.
Kapparot is a personal scapegoat - scapegoat or scapechicken, whatever you wish to call it. But the practice of kapparot as we now know it dates from the Gaonic period, roughly the 7th or 8th century CE."
For Yossi Cohen, visiting with his wife and children from Winnipeg, Canada, and participating in kapparot for the first time, the sacrificial aspects of the practice were less important than the traditional and the philanthropic. "It's something I've always seen in photographs but never in real life," Cohen said. "So how can you not participate in that? It's not as if they're taking the chickens and throwing them in the garbage can. Many people, like us, will give them to charity."
Joe Krauss, a young Orthodox man visiting Mea She'arim from London, said he planned to practice kapparot in the early morning before Yom Kippur.
When asked what he thought about Hakol Chai's claim that the Ramban opposed kapparot, Krauss said: "It's the first time I heard about this. I don't think he thought that. I really doubt it. But there are other ways to do it. You don't have to do it with a chicken."
Hakol Chai spokesman Tali Lavie agreed with that statement. "We don't think you need to kill innocent animals to redeem yourself," he said. "The public can do other things that do not harm animals and still have their religious necessities fulfilled. You can give money, not chickens, to children."
Anonymous for Animal Rights led a protest against kapparot in Tel Aviv's Carmel market on Wednesday. "A lot of people that sell these chickens, they poured water on us," said Anonymous's Horn. "In the end, their violence against animals becomes violence against human beings."
Horn said few of the protesters were secular. "The objection to kapparot is coming from the religious people themselves," he noted. "At Yom Kippur we ask for mercy for ourselves. It's absurd that we behave so unmercifully to these creatures."
Friday, September 29, 2006
Lawmaker May Put Forth Bill to Ban Foie Gras in New Jersey
What is foie gras and why is it bad?
Foie gras (translated literally from French as "fatty liver" and pronounced 'fwah grah') is produced by cruel and inhumane farming practices. At just a few months old, ducks are confined inside dark sheds and force-fed enormous amounts of food several times a day. A farm worker grabs each duck and, one by one, thrusts a metal pipe down their throats so that a mixture of corn can be forced directly into their gullets. In just a matter of weeks, the ducks become grossly overweight and their livers expand up to 10 times their normal size.
As a result, ducks raised for foie gras have difficulty standing, walking, and even breathing. Many of them die before the end of the force-feeding cycle, and the mortality rate for ducks raised on foie gras farms is among the highest in the farming industry. Necropsies performed on foie gras ducks have shown extreme obesity, impaction of undigested food in the esophagus, lacerations in the throat, and a proliferation of bacterial and fungal growth in their upper digestive tracts.
More information on foie gras can be found at:
http://www.nofoiegras.org/
Article:
Bill would ban foie gras in N.J.
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20060929/NEWS01/60929005/1006
Friday, September 29, 2006
By JANET FRANKSTON
Associated Press
Top chefs are squawking over a New Jersey lawmaker's plans to propose legislation that would ban the distribution and sale of foie gras in the Garden State, where a major supplier of the delicacy is based.
Assemblyman Michael Panter said he plans to introduce the bill next week because the production of foie gras is a "barbaric practice that has no place in any civilized society." The legislation also would prohibit the distribution of the fattened fowl livers from New Jersey or into the state.
Panter, a vegetarian, said he is unsure if such a ban could withstand interstate commerce laws.
"I can't say with certainly whether we can ban the distribution beyond New Jersey," said Panter, D-Shrewsbury. "We've put in the bill what we'd like to accomplish."
Foie gras, French for "fat liver," is made by force-feeding geese and ducks to expand their livers up to 10 times their normal size. It has been the subject of legislation from New York to California and its production is already banned in several dozen countries, mostly in Europe.
Chicago in April prohibited restaurants from selling foie gras. City officials there have introduced a bill asking for its repeal.
Even a whiff of the New Jersey bill has already made some top chefs in the New York area nervous because a major supplier of the delicacy, D'Artagnan, is based in Newark.
Anthony Bourdain, a celebrity chef and author, said a ban on the sale of foie gras would be "a bomb in the New York restaurant scene."
"Foie gras is a primary color in the flavor spectrum that we use in the kitchen," Bourdain said. "It simply goes back to Roman times. To ask chefs to cook without that is to ask a painter to not use the color blue."
Panter said he has sympathy for the New Jersey businesses that would be affected, particularly D'Artagnan, but called profiting from the food "blood money."
"At the end of the day, finance and economics should not take precedent over protecting living things. I consider this blood money," he said. "When the greater good comes into play, sometimes it has to trump economics."
Ariane Daguin, D'Artagnan's owner and chief executive officer, said the proposed bill would devastate her 20-year-old business of about 120 employees.
"This is not American," she said. "In the country of immigrants, I find this an injustice."
She said ducks and geese force feed themselves as part of the migratory process and they don't have gag reflexes.
"We did not invent force feeding. This is how they are in nature," Daguin said. "I'm all for humanely raised animals. This is my life. This is my business."
She said foie gras makes up about 30 percent of her business, which does about $45 million in annual sales.
Her customers are a who's who of the country's top chefs, including Thomas Keller, of the French Laundry in northern California and Per Se in New York; Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group in New York; and Daniel Boulud, a French chef with restaurants in New York, Las Vegas and Florida.
Bourdain, a native of Leonia, N.J., said chefs would be devastated at the prospect of losing D'Artagnan and Daguin as a supplier.
"It's like beating up on Julia Child," he said.
In addition to restaurants and shops all over the country, D'Artagnan supplies about 60 restaurants in New Jersey, including Stage Left in New Brunswick.
"She is the premier place from which to get foie gras," said restaurant co-owner Francis Schott. "She sets the standard for sure."
The planned legislation in New Jersey is the second measure concerning the rich food, typically only found at high-end restaurants.
Assemblywoman Joan Voss proposed a bill last month that would "prohibit the force feeding of ducks, geese and other poultry for the production of foie gras."
"I want a more humane way of producing it," said Voss, D-Bergen. "I don't want to ban anything."
The chairman of the state Assembly's Agriculture Committee said, while he "abhors the practice," there are no farms in New Jersey that produce foie gras.
"So at this time, I don't think there's any real pressing need to have the bill move forward," said Douglas Fisher. "Obviously there are lot of issues that need to be ranked higher."
Foie gras (translated literally from French as "fatty liver" and pronounced 'fwah grah') is produced by cruel and inhumane farming practices. At just a few months old, ducks are confined inside dark sheds and force-fed enormous amounts of food several times a day. A farm worker grabs each duck and, one by one, thrusts a metal pipe down their throats so that a mixture of corn can be forced directly into their gullets. In just a matter of weeks, the ducks become grossly overweight and their livers expand up to 10 times their normal size.
As a result, ducks raised for foie gras have difficulty standing, walking, and even breathing. Many of them die before the end of the force-feeding cycle, and the mortality rate for ducks raised on foie gras farms is among the highest in the farming industry. Necropsies performed on foie gras ducks have shown extreme obesity, impaction of undigested food in the esophagus, lacerations in the throat, and a proliferation of bacterial and fungal growth in their upper digestive tracts.
More information on foie gras can be found at:
http://www.nofoiegras.org/
Article:
Bill would ban foie gras in N.J.
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20060929/NEWS01/60929005/1006
Friday, September 29, 2006
By JANET FRANKSTON
Associated Press
Top chefs are squawking over a New Jersey lawmaker's plans to propose legislation that would ban the distribution and sale of foie gras in the Garden State, where a major supplier of the delicacy is based.
Assemblyman Michael Panter said he plans to introduce the bill next week because the production of foie gras is a "barbaric practice that has no place in any civilized society." The legislation also would prohibit the distribution of the fattened fowl livers from New Jersey or into the state.
Panter, a vegetarian, said he is unsure if such a ban could withstand interstate commerce laws.
"I can't say with certainly whether we can ban the distribution beyond New Jersey," said Panter, D-Shrewsbury. "We've put in the bill what we'd like to accomplish."
Foie gras, French for "fat liver," is made by force-feeding geese and ducks to expand their livers up to 10 times their normal size. It has been the subject of legislation from New York to California and its production is already banned in several dozen countries, mostly in Europe.
Chicago in April prohibited restaurants from selling foie gras. City officials there have introduced a bill asking for its repeal.
Even a whiff of the New Jersey bill has already made some top chefs in the New York area nervous because a major supplier of the delicacy, D'Artagnan, is based in Newark.
Anthony Bourdain, a celebrity chef and author, said a ban on the sale of foie gras would be "a bomb in the New York restaurant scene."
"Foie gras is a primary color in the flavor spectrum that we use in the kitchen," Bourdain said. "It simply goes back to Roman times. To ask chefs to cook without that is to ask a painter to not use the color blue."
Panter said he has sympathy for the New Jersey businesses that would be affected, particularly D'Artagnan, but called profiting from the food "blood money."
"At the end of the day, finance and economics should not take precedent over protecting living things. I consider this blood money," he said. "When the greater good comes into play, sometimes it has to trump economics."
Ariane Daguin, D'Artagnan's owner and chief executive officer, said the proposed bill would devastate her 20-year-old business of about 120 employees.
"This is not American," she said. "In the country of immigrants, I find this an injustice."
She said ducks and geese force feed themselves as part of the migratory process and they don't have gag reflexes.
"We did not invent force feeding. This is how they are in nature," Daguin said. "I'm all for humanely raised animals. This is my life. This is my business."
She said foie gras makes up about 30 percent of her business, which does about $45 million in annual sales.
Her customers are a who's who of the country's top chefs, including Thomas Keller, of the French Laundry in northern California and Per Se in New York; Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group in New York; and Daniel Boulud, a French chef with restaurants in New York, Las Vegas and Florida.
Bourdain, a native of Leonia, N.J., said chefs would be devastated at the prospect of losing D'Artagnan and Daguin as a supplier.
"It's like beating up on Julia Child," he said.
In addition to restaurants and shops all over the country, D'Artagnan supplies about 60 restaurants in New Jersey, including Stage Left in New Brunswick.
"She is the premier place from which to get foie gras," said restaurant co-owner Francis Schott. "She sets the standard for sure."
The planned legislation in New Jersey is the second measure concerning the rich food, typically only found at high-end restaurants.
Assemblywoman Joan Voss proposed a bill last month that would "prohibit the force feeding of ducks, geese and other poultry for the production of foie gras."
"I want a more humane way of producing it," said Voss, D-Bergen. "I don't want to ban anything."
The chairman of the state Assembly's Agriculture Committee said, while he "abhors the practice," there are no farms in New Jersey that produce foie gras.
"So at this time, I don't think there's any real pressing need to have the bill move forward," said Douglas Fisher. "Obviously there are lot of issues that need to be ranked higher."
Thursday, September 28, 2006
In Addition to Tethering Law, California Passes Laws Regarding Leaving Animals Unattended in Vehicles and for Causing any Animal to Fight Another
Wow. Amazing. What a precedent. This definitely will lead to more of such laws across the country. Details are below.
Article:
California bans lengthy dog tethering
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?
StoryID=20060927-083853-6138r
Sep. 27, 2006 at 8:54PM
California's governor has signed a new law that makes it illegal to tether a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours.
"This bill helps protect dogs from cruelty, and enhances public safety by preventing aggressive animal behavior that can result from inhumane tethering," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a release.
The offense is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 per dog and/or up to six months in a county jail, the governor's office said.
Schwarzenegger signed two other bills last week to enhance pet safety. One law will make it a crime for pet owners to carelessly leave animals unattended in vehicles during dangerous conditions, and the other increases the penalty for causing any animal to fight with another animal to one year or less in the county jail or up to a $5,000 fine, or both. A second fighting offense may result in prison time or a $25,000 fine, or both.
Article:
California bans lengthy dog tethering
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?
StoryID=20060927-083853-6138r
Sep. 27, 2006 at 8:54PM
California's governor has signed a new law that makes it illegal to tether a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours.
"This bill helps protect dogs from cruelty, and enhances public safety by preventing aggressive animal behavior that can result from inhumane tethering," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a release.
The offense is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 per dog and/or up to six months in a county jail, the governor's office said.
Schwarzenegger signed two other bills last week to enhance pet safety. One law will make it a crime for pet owners to carelessly leave animals unattended in vehicles during dangerous conditions, and the other increases the penalty for causing any animal to fight with another animal to one year or less in the county jail or up to a $5,000 fine, or both. A second fighting offense may result in prison time or a $25,000 fine, or both.
Unique Proposal Would Add Speciesism and Animal Rights to Social Justice Course in 12th Grade at Schools in British Columbia, Canada
Excellent idea. Of course, many are opposed, but it’s great to see these people hold their ground. Speciesism has been defined by many philosophical thinkers. Essential, like any other ism, it’s treating the group – animals – negatively based on its characteristics. So in this case, treating other species as less than because they are not human.
Here are a few quotes from the article below that discuss the initiative:
“A new Grade 12 course on social justice must include animal rights because oppression and exploitation affect more than just humans, an animal activist told an exclusive meeting of educators and social-justice experts recently.
Lesley Fox of the Vancouver Humane Society told the group that "speciesism" is a prejudice like racism and sexism and deserves inclusion in the ground-breaking Social Justice 12 course.
The course is being developed as part of a deal the provincial government signed last spring with gay activists Murray and Peter Corren to settle a human-rights complaint.
Speciesism is a relatively new term that Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, says involves assigning values or rights to beings on the basis of their species. An example, according to Fox, is the special status given to dogs and cats in North America but not to cows, pigs and chickens.”
Article:
Activist wants animal rights taught in B.C. schools
'Speciesism' is a prejudice too, says humane society
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?
id=4c543b69-11cf-47af-a069-e0f650151556&k=42231
Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun
Published: Monday, September 25, 2006
A new Grade 12 course on social justice must include animal rights because oppression and exploitation affect more than just humans, an animal activist told an exclusive meeting of educators and social-justice experts recently.
Lesley Fox of the Vancouver Humane Society told the group that "speciesism" is a prejudice like racism and sexism and deserves inclusion in the ground-breaking Social Justice 12 course.
The course is being developed as part of a deal the provincial government signed last spring with gay activists Murray and Peter Corren to settle a human-rights complaint.
Speciesism is a relatively new term that Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, says involves assigning values or rights to beings on the basis of their species. An example, according to Fox, is the special status given to dogs and cats in North America but not to cows, pigs and chickens.
"We aren't trying to make [Social Justice 12] into an animal-rights course," Fox explained Sunday. "[But] it is my opinion that if we are going to discuss social justice concepts such as oppression and exploitation, animals should be included."
Fox was a surprise guest at the invitation-only three-day meeting last week organized by the B.C. Education Ministry to brainstorm about the new course.
Other invited parties included the B.C. Teachers' Federation, the B.C. School Trustees' Association, the B.C. Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association, the Aboriginal Education Association, the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C., Educators Against Racism, the RCMP and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.
In keeping with the deal, the Correns were also invited, as were representatives of the Gay and Lesbian Educators of B.C. The deal calls for development of the optional Social Justice 12 course and a curriculum review intended to make schools more inclusive and gay-friendly.
Fox, who was in the news last year after persuading the Vancouver school board to become the first major school district in Canada to develop a policy allowing students to opt out of animal dissections in science class, said she was thrilled to be invited to such a high-level education meeting and to speak for animals in curriculum development.
She said she was also anxious that her presentation to the group not be perceived as an attempt to dilute the experiences of people who have suffered discrimination.
"It isn't that humans are better than animals, or animals are better than humans," she said in an interview. "When we talk about oppression, we need to look at it as a whole and how it is interlinked. How we treat animals says a lot about how we treat one another."
Brian Roodnick, spokesman for Concerned Citizens of B.C., the group that has been most critical of the Corren deal, said he was surprised but pleased to hear the Education Ministry is considering animal rights as part of the new course.
But he questioned why no one was invited to the meeting to talk about religious discrimination, such as anti-Semitism or prejudices against Muslims, or discrimination based on mental or physical disabilities.
He said lessons about social justice should be based on the equality guarantees in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which prohibit discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. Discrimination of sexual orientation is also prohibited.
Here are a few quotes from the article below that discuss the initiative:
“A new Grade 12 course on social justice must include animal rights because oppression and exploitation affect more than just humans, an animal activist told an exclusive meeting of educators and social-justice experts recently.
Lesley Fox of the Vancouver Humane Society told the group that "speciesism" is a prejudice like racism and sexism and deserves inclusion in the ground-breaking Social Justice 12 course.
The course is being developed as part of a deal the provincial government signed last spring with gay activists Murray and Peter Corren to settle a human-rights complaint.
Speciesism is a relatively new term that Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, says involves assigning values or rights to beings on the basis of their species. An example, according to Fox, is the special status given to dogs and cats in North America but not to cows, pigs and chickens.”
Article:
Activist wants animal rights taught in B.C. schools
'Speciesism' is a prejudice too, says humane society
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?
id=4c543b69-11cf-47af-a069-e0f650151556&k=42231
Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun
Published: Monday, September 25, 2006
A new Grade 12 course on social justice must include animal rights because oppression and exploitation affect more than just humans, an animal activist told an exclusive meeting of educators and social-justice experts recently.
Lesley Fox of the Vancouver Humane Society told the group that "speciesism" is a prejudice like racism and sexism and deserves inclusion in the ground-breaking Social Justice 12 course.
The course is being developed as part of a deal the provincial government signed last spring with gay activists Murray and Peter Corren to settle a human-rights complaint.
Speciesism is a relatively new term that Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, says involves assigning values or rights to beings on the basis of their species. An example, according to Fox, is the special status given to dogs and cats in North America but not to cows, pigs and chickens.
"We aren't trying to make [Social Justice 12] into an animal-rights course," Fox explained Sunday. "[But] it is my opinion that if we are going to discuss social justice concepts such as oppression and exploitation, animals should be included."
Fox was a surprise guest at the invitation-only three-day meeting last week organized by the B.C. Education Ministry to brainstorm about the new course.
Other invited parties included the B.C. Teachers' Federation, the B.C. School Trustees' Association, the B.C. Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association, the Aboriginal Education Association, the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C., Educators Against Racism, the RCMP and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.
In keeping with the deal, the Correns were also invited, as were representatives of the Gay and Lesbian Educators of B.C. The deal calls for development of the optional Social Justice 12 course and a curriculum review intended to make schools more inclusive and gay-friendly.
Fox, who was in the news last year after persuading the Vancouver school board to become the first major school district in Canada to develop a policy allowing students to opt out of animal dissections in science class, said she was thrilled to be invited to such a high-level education meeting and to speak for animals in curriculum development.
She said she was also anxious that her presentation to the group not be perceived as an attempt to dilute the experiences of people who have suffered discrimination.
"It isn't that humans are better than animals, or animals are better than humans," she said in an interview. "When we talk about oppression, we need to look at it as a whole and how it is interlinked. How we treat animals says a lot about how we treat one another."
Brian Roodnick, spokesman for Concerned Citizens of B.C., the group that has been most critical of the Corren deal, said he was surprised but pleased to hear the Education Ministry is considering animal rights as part of the new course.
But he questioned why no one was invited to the meeting to talk about religious discrimination, such as anti-Semitism or prejudices against Muslims, or discrimination based on mental or physical disabilities.
He said lessons about social justice should be based on the equality guarantees in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which prohibit discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. Discrimination of sexual orientation is also prohibited.
Killman Zoo in Canada Again Faces Charges of Animal Abuse
Article:
Animal rights group critical of zoo
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer
?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=11
59135811741&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815
The Hamilton Spectator
(Sep 25, 2006)
Complaints about the conditions at the Killman Zoo have been filed with the province by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).
The animal rights group said the animals are in cages the size of a single-car garage, which provides little room for exercise. The group also said the cages are littered with feces and that animals, who are social and usually live with others, are being housed alone. The WSPA did an audit in 2005 and gave the Caledonia zoo a failing grade. A recent investigation by the group has found little has changed since that audit.
The WSPA recently submitted complaints to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Mark Killman, who owns the zoo with his brother Steve, said the facility was inspected by the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in August and "everything was fine."
The Killman Zoo houses more than 100 animals. In 1989, the zoo was criticized as being ramshackle and decrepit by Zoocheck Canada, a Toronto-based group whose aim is to protect wild animals in captivity.
The Killmans denied the group's charges.
Animal rights group critical of zoo
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer
?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=11
59135811741&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815
The Hamilton Spectator
(Sep 25, 2006)
Complaints about the conditions at the Killman Zoo have been filed with the province by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).
The animal rights group said the animals are in cages the size of a single-car garage, which provides little room for exercise. The group also said the cages are littered with feces and that animals, who are social and usually live with others, are being housed alone. The WSPA did an audit in 2005 and gave the Caledonia zoo a failing grade. A recent investigation by the group has found little has changed since that audit.
The WSPA recently submitted complaints to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Mark Killman, who owns the zoo with his brother Steve, said the facility was inspected by the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in August and "everything was fine."
The Killman Zoo houses more than 100 animals. In 1989, the zoo was criticized as being ramshackle and decrepit by Zoocheck Canada, a Toronto-based group whose aim is to protect wild animals in captivity.
The Killmans denied the group's charges.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Republican Leadership Refuses to Bring Popular Anti Cockfighting and Dogfighting Bill to Vote
Just amazing that these guys will not even bring this up for a vote. I thought this was supposed to be a democracy. How a group or cabal can hold up legislation that 75% (a very clear majority) of representatives co-sponsored is beyond me. Shows how the system really works.
Here’s a few points about the bill:
It is already illegal to ship animals for fighting to the United States and across state lines, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. The proposed legislation would make the violation a felony, with jail time of up to two years.
Green's bill would increase penalties for transporting animals across state lines and from other countries for fighting. It has 324 co-sponsors in the House - nearly 75 percent of the body. But Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has refused to bring the bill up for a vote before his panel.
Article:
Group Urges Vote on Animal Fighting Bill
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6105123,00.html
Tuesday September 26, 2006 1:16 AM
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Lawmakers and an animal rights group are pushing GOP leadership to hold a vote this week on legislation aimed at stemming cockfighting and dogfighting.
The push on Rep. Mark Green's bill comes as his fellow Wisconsin Republican, Jim Sensenbrenner, opposes a vote.
Green's bill would increase penalties for transporting animals across state lines and from other countries for fighting. It has 324 co-sponsors in the House - nearly 75 percent of the body. But Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has refused to bring the bill up for a vote before his panel.
Proponents are now hoping to bypass Sensenbrenner and bring the vote to the House floor this week under ``suspension,'' a procedure that allows bills to come up for limited debate and requires two-thirds vote for passage.
On Monday, the Humane Society of the United States wrote to House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, asking for such a vote.
``Chairman Sensenbrenner is doing the bidding of dogfighting and cockfighting interests, and it shouldn't be tolerated,'' wrote the group's president, Wayne Pacelle.
Last week, two sponsors of the Senate version, Nevada Republican John Ensign and Pennsylvania Republican Rick Santorum, wrote to Boehner with the same request. They cited their concerns about animal cruelty, violence and criminal conduct associated with animal fights, and the spread of bird flu in cockfights as reasons to pass the bill. The Senate passed the legislation last year.
Proponents want a vote this week, before the House adjourns for midterm elections.
In a statement, Sensenbrenner said he opposes animal fighting but that Congress should spend its remaining days on more important issues, such as border security, terrorist tribunals, and updating foreign intelligence surveillance laws.
``Trying to ram-through animal fighting legislation with these issues outstanding would win the prize for 'misplaced priorities,''' he said.
Green, a candidate for governor, declined an interview request but provided brief written answers to questions Monday.
``I am supportive of getting this bill passed as soon as possible,'' he said. ``I've spoken with the chairman and we don't agree on the importance of this issue.''
One of Green's chief co-sponsors, California Republican Elton Gallegly, rejected Sensenbrenner's argument that time was better spent on more pressing needs.
``We'll probably be naming post offices for people 99 percent of us have never heard of,'' he said, referring to bills passed under suspension.
``This issue goes well beyond animal fighting,'' added Gallegly, who said he has urged Boehner to bring the bill up for a vote. ``So much of cockfighting is tied to illegal immigration, money laundering and drug running.''
Boehner's spokesman, Kevin Madden, said no decision has been made yet about scheduling a vote on the bill.
It is already illegal to ship animals for fighting to the United States and across state lines, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. The proposed legislation would make the violation a felony, with jail time of up to two years.
Cockfighting is banned in every state except Louisiana and New Mexico, and dogfighting is banned in every state.
---
On the Net:
Information on the bill, H.R. 817, can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov/
Here’s a few points about the bill:
It is already illegal to ship animals for fighting to the United States and across state lines, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. The proposed legislation would make the violation a felony, with jail time of up to two years.
Green's bill would increase penalties for transporting animals across state lines and from other countries for fighting. It has 324 co-sponsors in the House - nearly 75 percent of the body. But Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has refused to bring the bill up for a vote before his panel.
Article:
Group Urges Vote on Animal Fighting Bill
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6105123,00.html
Tuesday September 26, 2006 1:16 AM
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Lawmakers and an animal rights group are pushing GOP leadership to hold a vote this week on legislation aimed at stemming cockfighting and dogfighting.
The push on Rep. Mark Green's bill comes as his fellow Wisconsin Republican, Jim Sensenbrenner, opposes a vote.
Green's bill would increase penalties for transporting animals across state lines and from other countries for fighting. It has 324 co-sponsors in the House - nearly 75 percent of the body. But Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has refused to bring the bill up for a vote before his panel.
Proponents are now hoping to bypass Sensenbrenner and bring the vote to the House floor this week under ``suspension,'' a procedure that allows bills to come up for limited debate and requires two-thirds vote for passage.
On Monday, the Humane Society of the United States wrote to House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, asking for such a vote.
``Chairman Sensenbrenner is doing the bidding of dogfighting and cockfighting interests, and it shouldn't be tolerated,'' wrote the group's president, Wayne Pacelle.
Last week, two sponsors of the Senate version, Nevada Republican John Ensign and Pennsylvania Republican Rick Santorum, wrote to Boehner with the same request. They cited their concerns about animal cruelty, violence and criminal conduct associated with animal fights, and the spread of bird flu in cockfights as reasons to pass the bill. The Senate passed the legislation last year.
Proponents want a vote this week, before the House adjourns for midterm elections.
In a statement, Sensenbrenner said he opposes animal fighting but that Congress should spend its remaining days on more important issues, such as border security, terrorist tribunals, and updating foreign intelligence surveillance laws.
``Trying to ram-through animal fighting legislation with these issues outstanding would win the prize for 'misplaced priorities,''' he said.
Green, a candidate for governor, declined an interview request but provided brief written answers to questions Monday.
``I am supportive of getting this bill passed as soon as possible,'' he said. ``I've spoken with the chairman and we don't agree on the importance of this issue.''
One of Green's chief co-sponsors, California Republican Elton Gallegly, rejected Sensenbrenner's argument that time was better spent on more pressing needs.
``We'll probably be naming post offices for people 99 percent of us have never heard of,'' he said, referring to bills passed under suspension.
``This issue goes well beyond animal fighting,'' added Gallegly, who said he has urged Boehner to bring the bill up for a vote. ``So much of cockfighting is tied to illegal immigration, money laundering and drug running.''
Boehner's spokesman, Kevin Madden, said no decision has been made yet about scheduling a vote on the bill.
It is already illegal to ship animals for fighting to the United States and across state lines, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. The proposed legislation would make the violation a felony, with jail time of up to two years.
Cockfighting is banned in every state except Louisiana and New Mexico, and dogfighting is banned in every state.
---
On the Net:
Information on the bill, H.R. 817, can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov/
Bill Aimed At Ending the Slaughter of Horses in the United States for Human Consumption Abroad Victim of Politics: Stalled, Vote Unlikely This Year
Yeah, you see, they’re too busy getting together all their money from all their buddies to rig campaigns in November. Much more important to them then the fear and pain the horses will experience during shipping to the slaughterhouses and then the final killings that occur once there.
Article:
Horse slaughter bill stalls in US
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0609/065.shtml
September 24, 2006
A bill aimed at ending the slaughter of horses in the United States for human consumption has stalled, probably until next year.
The Senate will be breaking up earlier this session for elections and is unlikely to get on to the matter until next year.
The proposed law was passed by Congress on September 7. It will not become law until passed by the Senate and then signed off by the President.
It can only pass if both Houses pass identical versions. If the Senate makes changes, it is referred back to Congress for a further vote.
Article:
Horse slaughter bill stalls in US
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0609/065.shtml
September 24, 2006
A bill aimed at ending the slaughter of horses in the United States for human consumption has stalled, probably until next year.
The Senate will be breaking up earlier this session for elections and is unlikely to get on to the matter until next year.
The proposed law was passed by Congress on September 7. It will not become law until passed by the Senate and then signed off by the President.
It can only pass if both Houses pass identical versions. If the Senate makes changes, it is referred back to Congress for a further vote.
Working Horses Around World Worked to Death and Abused Along the Way
Unfortunately, I assumed this to be true. It’s always baffled me how humans rely on these animals but then abuse them.
Article:
Working horses often mistreated, worked to death
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0609/070.shtml
September 25, 2006
A working horse fully laden and clearly exhausted.
Many of the world's millions of working equines in developing countries are in need of help and the World Society for the Protection of Animals believes the issue needs immediate attention.
Dr Elly Hiby, Companion Animals Director for WSPA, hopes to raise the profile of the issue with a speaking tour of nine US cities.
Situations in some developing countries are dire, as the very animals families depend on for survival are dying due to extreme working conditions and poor care. It is commonplace for working equines to carry massive amounts of bricks for new construction, heavy loads of food to market in addition to a rider, or pull a cart, rider and a tremendous amount of cargo over difficult terrain.
The weary equines often work 18 hour days in hot and difficult environmental conditions while experiencing a lack of proper care that leads to health problems including: parasites, disease, lameness, severe harness sores and heat stress. A scarcity of water and malnutrition further adds to the poor health of the equines. Basic care such as proper grooming, shoeing, vaccinations and routine worming are either unavailable or unknown to many equine owners. Equine owners have little place to turn for help.
"To change this situation requires a change in both the knowledge and behavior of owners and their ability to provide a better standard of care for their equines. This can be done through both teaching and demonstrating good husbandry and providing resources such as affordable and accessible veterinary services and community health workers trained in equine health," says Dr Hiby.
Dr Hiby will discuss this desperate situation and WSPA's mission, working with 700 Member Societies in 140 countries, to educate and offer services to equine owners, radically improving the conditions of the animals and the families who depend on them to survive.
Article:
Working horses often mistreated, worked to death
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0609/070.shtml
September 25, 2006
A working horse fully laden and clearly exhausted.
Many of the world's millions of working equines in developing countries are in need of help and the World Society for the Protection of Animals believes the issue needs immediate attention.
Dr Elly Hiby, Companion Animals Director for WSPA, hopes to raise the profile of the issue with a speaking tour of nine US cities.
Situations in some developing countries are dire, as the very animals families depend on for survival are dying due to extreme working conditions and poor care. It is commonplace for working equines to carry massive amounts of bricks for new construction, heavy loads of food to market in addition to a rider, or pull a cart, rider and a tremendous amount of cargo over difficult terrain.
The weary equines often work 18 hour days in hot and difficult environmental conditions while experiencing a lack of proper care that leads to health problems including: parasites, disease, lameness, severe harness sores and heat stress. A scarcity of water and malnutrition further adds to the poor health of the equines. Basic care such as proper grooming, shoeing, vaccinations and routine worming are either unavailable or unknown to many equine owners. Equine owners have little place to turn for help.
"To change this situation requires a change in both the knowledge and behavior of owners and their ability to provide a better standard of care for their equines. This can be done through both teaching and demonstrating good husbandry and providing resources such as affordable and accessible veterinary services and community health workers trained in equine health," says Dr Hiby.
Dr Hiby will discuss this desperate situation and WSPA's mission, working with 700 Member Societies in 140 countries, to educate and offer services to equine owners, radically improving the conditions of the animals and the families who depend on them to survive.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Pet Stores and Puppy Mills: Why the HSUS Is Encouraging People Not To Buy From Them
Quite simply, pet stores = puppy mills = animal cruelty.
Here are a few facts from the article below. I’ve also listed links for more information.
“The Humane Society of the United States is encouraging people not to buy from pet stores.
It says that pet store dogs frequently come from puppy mills, or mass breeding facilities, where dogs are kept in poor condition and bred merely for profit.
The agency also warns that breeders who advertise on the Internet often operate puppy mills, despite insisting that they run reputable, humane kennels.
And when someone buys one of the puppies, they’re likely to find that it has health or behavioral problems, due to inbreeding, neglect, genetic disorders and other factors associated with puppy mills.”
For more information on puppy mills and pet stores and tips on finding and buying dogs, cats, etc. from reputable sources other than pet stores and puppy mills see the following links:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/
get_the_facts_on_puppy_mills/index.html
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/
zbuying_a_puppy/
Stoppuppymills.com
Article:
‘Puppy mills’ group’s pet peeve; Society says most store dogs from mass breeders
By Jenny Maher, Delaware State Newsjk
DOVER — Few things are more irresistible than puppies in pet store windows.
With big, sad eyes, pouty faces and unconditional love, it’s no wonder that so many animal lovers shell out big bucks to provide the caged canines with a caring home.
But the Humane Society of the United States is encouraging people not to buy from pet stores.
It says that pet store dogs frequently come from puppy mills, or mass breeding facilities, where dogs are kept in poor condition and bred merely for profit.
The agency also warns that breeders who advertise on the Internet often operate puppy mills, despite insisting that they run reputable, humane kennels.
Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Humane Society of the United States, has one simple warning for people who are looking to buy a puppy.
“Stay away from situations where you don’t know where the puppy was raised,” she said.
While she admits that not all pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills, she said the majority do.
And when someone buys one of the puppies, they’re likely to find that it has health or behavioral problems, due to inbreeding, neglect, genetic disorders and other factors associated with puppy mills.
Ms. Shain said it’s impossible for people to tell by looking at a puppy in a pet store window or on a Web site where it was born.
“You can ask questions, but you can’t trust those answers,” she said. “I’ve had people who were told that (certain) pet stores don’t deal with puppy mills, but they found out that wasn’t true because their puppy got sick or died.”
Ed Wagner, manager of the Seaford Pet Emporium, said he doesn’t think people should associate all pet stores will puppy mills.
He admitted that the Seaford Pet Emporium used to buy from puppy mills, but said it stopped after a puppy came in with a disease that spread to a lot of other dogs in the store and killed them.
He said the store now buys from local breeders, where he and other employees can visit with the puppies’ parents and make sure they receive proper veterinary care.
Terrie Lawson, manager of CR Pets in Camden, said the store does not buy from puppy mills, but from a company in the Midwest called Lambriar, which touts itself as “the nation’s leading supplier of companion animals” on its Web site.
Ms. Lawson said Lambriar works with private, reputable breeders that provide puppies and parent dogs with quality care.
The Lambriar Web site claims that the company “is very active in state and federal legislation that supports regulations to keep the pet industry safe and comfortable for the animals involved.”
It also says the company in no way supports illegal kennels and that it provides happy and healthy animals to responsible pet retailers.
Ms. Shain, however, did not express much confidence in Lambriar.
She described the company as a “classic middleman” that buys dogs from puppy mills and sells them to pet stores.
Ms. Lawson maintained that Lambriar does not buy from puppy mills.
And although she’s never visited the company or any of its breeders, she said CR Pets has a broker that makes sure the puppies are treated properly.
“We know our puppies are not coming from puppy mills,” she said, noting that the dogs at CR Pets rarely come down with anything more serious than a cold.
Ms. Shain said she does not think any responsible breeder would sell dogs to a pet store, because they want to make sure that the person who buys the puppy knows the breed.
“They don’t just sell to the first person that walks in with a credit card in their pocket,” she said.
She encourages people to get their dogs from shelters, rescue organizations or quality breeders.
Laurie Baker, owner of the Black Tower Kennel in Milton, said there are a few things people should look for to make sure they’re buying from a responsible breeder and not a puppy mill.
She said reputable breeders usually stick to one or two breeds of dogs, while puppy mills have five or more breeds.
Good breeders have the parent dogs on the premises, she said, and they are kept in the house or in large outdoor kennels, not crammed into tiny cages.
They also have up-to-date health certificates and have tested the parent dogs for genetic diseases and share all pertinent health information with buyers, Ms. Baker said.
Responsible breeders also breed their dogs less frequently than puppy mills, because they “breed for quality, not quantity,” she said.
Ms. Shain said puppy mills keep the parent dogs in cages 24 hours a day and provide them with minimal care.
They receive low quality food and their water isn’t fresh, she said, and they get little to no veterinary treatment and are often kept outside in extreme heat and cold.
“The (dogs) are looked at as machines to produce puppies,” Ms. Shain said.
While such actions would be illegal for most pet owners, she said commercial kennels, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, tend to get away with inhumane treatment.
The Web site Stoppuppymills.com says the USDA licenses and inspects puppy mills for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, but the mills “successfully navigate around” laws by selling directly to consumers and avoiding licensing requirements or because there are not enough inspectors to crack down on all of them.
Ms. Shain said puppy mills were historically in rural states, but now they’re being found everywhere.
She said the best way to put puppy mills out of business is to stop buying from places that could be dealing with them.
Ms. Shain said people often want to rescue puppies from pet store cages, but she said what they consider a good deed is actually a bad move.
“That $700 you spend just opens up the cage for another puppy mill puppy to come in,” she said. “If people didn’t buy these puppies, then puppy mills wouldn’t exist.”
Visit the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org for tips on finding a reputable breeder.
Here are a few facts from the article below. I’ve also listed links for more information.
“The Humane Society of the United States is encouraging people not to buy from pet stores.
It says that pet store dogs frequently come from puppy mills, or mass breeding facilities, where dogs are kept in poor condition and bred merely for profit.
The agency also warns that breeders who advertise on the Internet often operate puppy mills, despite insisting that they run reputable, humane kennels.
And when someone buys one of the puppies, they’re likely to find that it has health or behavioral problems, due to inbreeding, neglect, genetic disorders and other factors associated with puppy mills.”
For more information on puppy mills and pet stores and tips on finding and buying dogs, cats, etc. from reputable sources other than pet stores and puppy mills see the following links:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/
get_the_facts_on_puppy_mills/index.html
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/
zbuying_a_puppy/
Stoppuppymills.com
Article:
‘Puppy mills’ group’s pet peeve; Society says most store dogs from mass breeders
By Jenny Maher, Delaware State Newsjk
DOVER — Few things are more irresistible than puppies in pet store windows.
With big, sad eyes, pouty faces and unconditional love, it’s no wonder that so many animal lovers shell out big bucks to provide the caged canines with a caring home.
But the Humane Society of the United States is encouraging people not to buy from pet stores.
It says that pet store dogs frequently come from puppy mills, or mass breeding facilities, where dogs are kept in poor condition and bred merely for profit.
The agency also warns that breeders who advertise on the Internet often operate puppy mills, despite insisting that they run reputable, humane kennels.
Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Humane Society of the United States, has one simple warning for people who are looking to buy a puppy.
“Stay away from situations where you don’t know where the puppy was raised,” she said.
While she admits that not all pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills, she said the majority do.
And when someone buys one of the puppies, they’re likely to find that it has health or behavioral problems, due to inbreeding, neglect, genetic disorders and other factors associated with puppy mills.
Ms. Shain said it’s impossible for people to tell by looking at a puppy in a pet store window or on a Web site where it was born.
“You can ask questions, but you can’t trust those answers,” she said. “I’ve had people who were told that (certain) pet stores don’t deal with puppy mills, but they found out that wasn’t true because their puppy got sick or died.”
Ed Wagner, manager of the Seaford Pet Emporium, said he doesn’t think people should associate all pet stores will puppy mills.
He admitted that the Seaford Pet Emporium used to buy from puppy mills, but said it stopped after a puppy came in with a disease that spread to a lot of other dogs in the store and killed them.
He said the store now buys from local breeders, where he and other employees can visit with the puppies’ parents and make sure they receive proper veterinary care.
Terrie Lawson, manager of CR Pets in Camden, said the store does not buy from puppy mills, but from a company in the Midwest called Lambriar, which touts itself as “the nation’s leading supplier of companion animals” on its Web site.
Ms. Lawson said Lambriar works with private, reputable breeders that provide puppies and parent dogs with quality care.
The Lambriar Web site claims that the company “is very active in state and federal legislation that supports regulations to keep the pet industry safe and comfortable for the animals involved.”
It also says the company in no way supports illegal kennels and that it provides happy and healthy animals to responsible pet retailers.
Ms. Shain, however, did not express much confidence in Lambriar.
She described the company as a “classic middleman” that buys dogs from puppy mills and sells them to pet stores.
Ms. Lawson maintained that Lambriar does not buy from puppy mills.
And although she’s never visited the company or any of its breeders, she said CR Pets has a broker that makes sure the puppies are treated properly.
“We know our puppies are not coming from puppy mills,” she said, noting that the dogs at CR Pets rarely come down with anything more serious than a cold.
Ms. Shain said she does not think any responsible breeder would sell dogs to a pet store, because they want to make sure that the person who buys the puppy knows the breed.
“They don’t just sell to the first person that walks in with a credit card in their pocket,” she said.
She encourages people to get their dogs from shelters, rescue organizations or quality breeders.
Laurie Baker, owner of the Black Tower Kennel in Milton, said there are a few things people should look for to make sure they’re buying from a responsible breeder and not a puppy mill.
She said reputable breeders usually stick to one or two breeds of dogs, while puppy mills have five or more breeds.
Good breeders have the parent dogs on the premises, she said, and they are kept in the house or in large outdoor kennels, not crammed into tiny cages.
They also have up-to-date health certificates and have tested the parent dogs for genetic diseases and share all pertinent health information with buyers, Ms. Baker said.
Responsible breeders also breed their dogs less frequently than puppy mills, because they “breed for quality, not quantity,” she said.
Ms. Shain said puppy mills keep the parent dogs in cages 24 hours a day and provide them with minimal care.
They receive low quality food and their water isn’t fresh, she said, and they get little to no veterinary treatment and are often kept outside in extreme heat and cold.
“The (dogs) are looked at as machines to produce puppies,” Ms. Shain said.
While such actions would be illegal for most pet owners, she said commercial kennels, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, tend to get away with inhumane treatment.
The Web site Stoppuppymills.com says the USDA licenses and inspects puppy mills for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, but the mills “successfully navigate around” laws by selling directly to consumers and avoiding licensing requirements or because there are not enough inspectors to crack down on all of them.
Ms. Shain said puppy mills were historically in rural states, but now they’re being found everywhere.
She said the best way to put puppy mills out of business is to stop buying from places that could be dealing with them.
Ms. Shain said people often want to rescue puppies from pet store cages, but she said what they consider a good deed is actually a bad move.
“That $700 you spend just opens up the cage for another puppy mill puppy to come in,” she said. “If people didn’t buy these puppies, then puppy mills wouldn’t exist.”
Visit the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org for tips on finding a reputable breeder.
Group Points out The Horses Have No Places on Busy City Streets: Asks to Have Carriage Horses Banned from Central Par
Of course Bloomberg won’t act upon this, but it serves to educate people as to the unnatural and dangerous nature of having horses on busy city streets. MANY horses have died doing this unnatural work. For more information on carriage horses including a list of injuries and deaths to carriage horses see http://www.equineadvocates.com/carriage.html
The article points out the following points:
“The protest follows the death last week of a horse named Juliet, who had pulled horses through the park for 17 years. She collapsed and tests are being conducted to establish the reason, although the owner has reportedly said that colic is the most likely cause.
Juliet is the second horse to have died this year, the first death occurring in January when a horse spooked and ran into traffic.”
Article:
Animal rights group protests over carriage horses
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0609/064.shtml
September 24, 2006
Protesters have demonstrated outside New York's City Hall in a bid to have carriage horses banned from Central Park.
They argue that allowing horses to operate amid the fumes and traffic is cruel.
The protest follows the death last week of a horse named Juliet, who had pulled horses through the park for 17 years. She collapsed and tests are being conducted to establish the reason, although the owner has reportedly said that colic is the most likely cause.
The protest, organised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), drew several dozen people.
Juliet is the second horse to have died this year, the first death occurring in January when a horse spooked and ran into traffic.
The protests seem unlikely to succeed, with the New York mayor Michael Bloomberg already on record in support of them.
Animal welfare agencies have already checked the operations and found nothing amiss.
The article points out the following points:
“The protest follows the death last week of a horse named Juliet, who had pulled horses through the park for 17 years. She collapsed and tests are being conducted to establish the reason, although the owner has reportedly said that colic is the most likely cause.
Juliet is the second horse to have died this year, the first death occurring in January when a horse spooked and ran into traffic.”
Article:
Animal rights group protests over carriage horses
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0609/064.shtml
September 24, 2006
Protesters have demonstrated outside New York's City Hall in a bid to have carriage horses banned from Central Park.
They argue that allowing horses to operate amid the fumes and traffic is cruel.
The protest follows the death last week of a horse named Juliet, who had pulled horses through the park for 17 years. She collapsed and tests are being conducted to establish the reason, although the owner has reportedly said that colic is the most likely cause.
The protest, organised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), drew several dozen people.
Juliet is the second horse to have died this year, the first death occurring in January when a horse spooked and ran into traffic.
The protests seem unlikely to succeed, with the New York mayor Michael Bloomberg already on record in support of them.
Animal welfare agencies have already checked the operations and found nothing amiss.
Extreme Inbreeding of Racehorses Leads to Claims That Thoroughbreds Too Inbred To Race: Injuries Cause Healthy Racehorses to Be Slaughtered For Meat
A good, analytical article that backs up the following disturbing truths:
Healthy racehorses are being slaughtered for meat because of extreme inbreeding.
Thoroughbreds are being drawn from such a narrow gene pool that two-thirds are too fragile to start racing, and a large number of those that do race die of injuries, the report states.
One recent study found that all the world’s estimated half-million racehorses are descended from just 28 stallions imported to Britain three centuries ago.
Three of these horses, Darley Arabian, Byerley Turk and Godolphin Barb, contributed more than 80% of the gene pool of modern thoroughbreds.
Article:
Horses 'too inbred' to race
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2372448,00.html
Jonathan Leake and Jon Kirk
HEALTHY racehorses are being slaughtered for meat because of extreme inbreeding, according to Animal Aid, a campaigning group.
Thoroughbreds are being drawn from such a narrow gene pool that two-thirds are too fragile to start racing, and a large number of those that do race die of injuries, the report states.
Independent evidence of the high attrition rate has been found in a Cambridge University study, which shows that of 1,022 thoroughbred foals born around Newmarket in 1999, only 347 were ever entered for a race.
The study, by the university’s equine fertility unit found that of those, only 78 (17%) earned more than £10,000 in prize money, indicating a serious oversupply.
Such findings underline long-standing warnings within the industry that racehorses may have reached their physiological peak or even be declining. Critics point out that the times taken to complete classic races have barely improved in 80 years.
The Animal Aid study suggests the rate of inbreeding is accelerating. Research by Patrick Cunningham, professor of animal genetics at Trinity College, Dublin, shows that the proportion of genes shared by any two thoroughbreds has risen from 31% two centuries ago to about 47% now — a level far higher than in other horse breeds.
One recent study found that all the world’s estimated half-million racehorses are descended from just 28 stallions imported to Britain three centuries ago.
Three of these horses, Darley Arabian, Byerley Turk and Godolphin Barb, contributed more than 80% of the gene pool of modern thoroughbreds.
Among current breeding stock, Northern Dancer, a North American flat racing champion in the 1960s, has been particularly influential. He produced more than 120 sons, and his grandson, Storm Cat, is the world’s most expensive sire, with a mating fee of around £300,000. The Green Monkey, a great-grandson, sold for £10m earlier this year.
Dene Stansall, author of the Animal Aid report, claims that jump racing has begun to switch from using robust horses bred for the discipline, to cast-offs from flat racing and this was a factor in the death of nine horses at the Cheltenham festival, held last March.
Another study, by the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, which is due for publication shortly, will show a strong association between certain genes found in many racehorses, and the risk of limb fractures.
Ernie Bailey, of the Gluck Equine Research Center at Kentucky University said: “There is a concern that selection for speed has caused an inadvertent selection for fragility.”
However, he played down suggestions that the industry had reached a crisis point. “Thoroughbred breeders are not producing inbred monsters. These horses still have considerable genetic diversity.”
According to James Gray, president of the Association of British Riding Schools, most of the 4,000-5,000 horses withdrawn from racing because of injury or failure on the track are slaughtered to be sold as horsemeat in France and Belgium.
Peter Webbon, chief executive of the Horseracing Regulatory Authority, said he did not accept the Animal Aid report. “No one wants to lose horses or see injuries,” he said.
Healthy racehorses are being slaughtered for meat because of extreme inbreeding.
Thoroughbreds are being drawn from such a narrow gene pool that two-thirds are too fragile to start racing, and a large number of those that do race die of injuries, the report states.
One recent study found that all the world’s estimated half-million racehorses are descended from just 28 stallions imported to Britain three centuries ago.
Three of these horses, Darley Arabian, Byerley Turk and Godolphin Barb, contributed more than 80% of the gene pool of modern thoroughbreds.
Article:
Horses 'too inbred' to race
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2372448,00.html
Jonathan Leake and Jon Kirk
HEALTHY racehorses are being slaughtered for meat because of extreme inbreeding, according to Animal Aid, a campaigning group.
Thoroughbreds are being drawn from such a narrow gene pool that two-thirds are too fragile to start racing, and a large number of those that do race die of injuries, the report states.
Independent evidence of the high attrition rate has been found in a Cambridge University study, which shows that of 1,022 thoroughbred foals born around Newmarket in 1999, only 347 were ever entered for a race.
The study, by the university’s equine fertility unit found that of those, only 78 (17%) earned more than £10,000 in prize money, indicating a serious oversupply.
Such findings underline long-standing warnings within the industry that racehorses may have reached their physiological peak or even be declining. Critics point out that the times taken to complete classic races have barely improved in 80 years.
The Animal Aid study suggests the rate of inbreeding is accelerating. Research by Patrick Cunningham, professor of animal genetics at Trinity College, Dublin, shows that the proportion of genes shared by any two thoroughbreds has risen from 31% two centuries ago to about 47% now — a level far higher than in other horse breeds.
One recent study found that all the world’s estimated half-million racehorses are descended from just 28 stallions imported to Britain three centuries ago.
Three of these horses, Darley Arabian, Byerley Turk and Godolphin Barb, contributed more than 80% of the gene pool of modern thoroughbreds.
Among current breeding stock, Northern Dancer, a North American flat racing champion in the 1960s, has been particularly influential. He produced more than 120 sons, and his grandson, Storm Cat, is the world’s most expensive sire, with a mating fee of around £300,000. The Green Monkey, a great-grandson, sold for £10m earlier this year.
Dene Stansall, author of the Animal Aid report, claims that jump racing has begun to switch from using robust horses bred for the discipline, to cast-offs from flat racing and this was a factor in the death of nine horses at the Cheltenham festival, held last March.
Another study, by the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, which is due for publication shortly, will show a strong association between certain genes found in many racehorses, and the risk of limb fractures.
Ernie Bailey, of the Gluck Equine Research Center at Kentucky University said: “There is a concern that selection for speed has caused an inadvertent selection for fragility.”
However, he played down suggestions that the industry had reached a crisis point. “Thoroughbred breeders are not producing inbred monsters. These horses still have considerable genetic diversity.”
According to James Gray, president of the Association of British Riding Schools, most of the 4,000-5,000 horses withdrawn from racing because of injury or failure on the track are slaughtered to be sold as horsemeat in France and Belgium.
Peter Webbon, chief executive of the Horseracing Regulatory Authority, said he did not accept the Animal Aid report. “No one wants to lose horses or see injuries,” he said.
Australia Rejects Plans to Launch a Crocodile Safari Industry That Would Give Tourists the Chance to Hunt Them for Sport
Good choice, but unfortunately they do already do an “official” killing as it is. But, not letting a bunch of yahoos have open season on crocodiles is a logical idea.
Article:
Australia nixes plan for crocodile hunting safaris
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060923/od_afp/
australiawildlifecrocodileoffbeat_060923052612
Sat Sep 23, 1:26 AM ET
SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia will block plans to launch a crocodile safari industry that would give tourists the chance to hunt crocs for sport in the remote Northern Territory, a minister said.
Environment Minister Ian Campbell described the proposal to allow domestic holidaymakers to annually cull 25 of the deadly reptiles -- which are rife in the area -- as "stupid" and inhumane.
"Getting amateurs in to take a pot shot at a croc is not a modern, sensible or humane approach and the Australian Government won't be having a bar of it," Campbell told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
"The 600 (crocodiles) that are culled under a license are culled using professional techniques that ensure there is a humane culling process," he said, branding the plan to allow tourists to join the culling as "stupid".
Campbell said he had turned down a similar proposal last year and had no intention of approving the latest plan submitted by Northern Territory entrepreneur Mick Pitman.
Pitman accused the minister of making an uninformed decision on the issue.
"I find it a bit ludicrous and a definite sign of him being uninformed because he didn't even look at our proposal before he made a decision," he told the ABC
Article:
Australia nixes plan for crocodile hunting safaris
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060923/od_afp/
australiawildlifecrocodileoffbeat_060923052612
Sat Sep 23, 1:26 AM ET
SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia will block plans to launch a crocodile safari industry that would give tourists the chance to hunt crocs for sport in the remote Northern Territory, a minister said.
Environment Minister Ian Campbell described the proposal to allow domestic holidaymakers to annually cull 25 of the deadly reptiles -- which are rife in the area -- as "stupid" and inhumane.
"Getting amateurs in to take a pot shot at a croc is not a modern, sensible or humane approach and the Australian Government won't be having a bar of it," Campbell told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
"The 600 (crocodiles) that are culled under a license are culled using professional techniques that ensure there is a humane culling process," he said, branding the plan to allow tourists to join the culling as "stupid".
Campbell said he had turned down a similar proposal last year and had no intention of approving the latest plan submitted by Northern Territory entrepreneur Mick Pitman.
Pitman accused the minister of making an uninformed decision on the issue.
"I find it a bit ludicrous and a definite sign of him being uninformed because he didn't even look at our proposal before he made a decision," he told the ABC
Friday, September 22, 2006
More on Annual Japanese Dolphin Slaughter: Consortium of Scientists and Wildlife Officials Today Called On the Japanese Government to End the Practice
Very promising to see a group of scientists officially protesting this horrible event. There has been a website set up to help at www.actfordolphins.com
Here is a synopsis of the brutality that occurs:
Each September a months-long ritual starts up again in the Japanese villages of Taiji and Futo. Fishermen herd hundreds of dolphins into shallow bays by banging on partially submerged rods. Researchers say the dolphins are corralled into nets and then speared, hooked, hoisted by their tails [image -
http://www.livescience.com/php/multimedia/imagedisplay/img_
display.php?pic=060920_futo_02.jpg∩=Slaughtered+dolphins+
in+Futo%2C+Japan.+Credit%3A+Hardy+Jones%2FELSA+Nature+
Conservancy+], and finally eviscerated alive.
And, to make it worse, some of the species of victims are on the threatened species list:
“The hunts kill bottlenose, striped, spotted and Risso's dolphins, as well as false killer whales and short-finned pilot whales. Most of these species are included on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species.”
Article:
Scientists Protest Dolphin Slaughter
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20060921/
sc_space/scientistsprotestdolphinslaughter
LiveScience Staff
LiveScience.com Thu Sep 21, 10:45 AM ET
Each September a months-long ritual starts up again in the Japanese villages of Taiji and Futo. Fishermen herd hundreds of dolphins into shallow bays by banging on partially submerged rods. Researchers say the dolphins are corralled into nets and then speared, hooked, hoisted by their tails [image -
http://www.livescience.com/php/multimedia/imagedisplay/
img_display.php?pic=060920_futo_02.jpg∩=Slaughtered+
dolphins+in+Futo%2C+Japan.+Credit%3A+Hardy+Jones%2
FELSA+Nature+Conservancy+], and finally eviscerated alive.
A new consortium of scientists and wildlife officials today called on the Japanese goverment to end the practice.
The “Act for Dolphins” campaign includes members from the New York Aquarium, Emory University, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The group called the annual hunt "inhumane by any ethical standard" and said it "should be discontinued immediately."
“The Japanese dolphin drive hunts are an abominable violation of any standard of animal welfare, and these hunts inflict measurable pain and suffering on animals that are intelligent, sentient, and socially complex,” said Diana Reiss, Senior Research Scientist and Director of the New York Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Research Program.
According to the researchers, the Japanese government claims that the dolphins compete with local fishermen for limited supplies of fish and that the drives are a type of pest control. Act for Dolphins officials say the Japanese government encourages the public to consume more dolphin meat, and it is also used for pet food and fertilizer.
At the group's website, (www.actfordolphins.com) more than 23,000 signatures have been gathered in an effort to convince the Japanese government to end the hunts.
“The Japanese dolphin hunts are an assault on intelligent, sentient, and emotional beings with brains that should make us all stop and think” said Lori Marino, Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology at Emory University.
The hunts kill bottlenose, striped, spotted and Risso's dolphins, as well as false killer whales and short-finned pilot whales. Most of these species are included on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species.
Here is a synopsis of the brutality that occurs:
Each September a months-long ritual starts up again in the Japanese villages of Taiji and Futo. Fishermen herd hundreds of dolphins into shallow bays by banging on partially submerged rods. Researchers say the dolphins are corralled into nets and then speared, hooked, hoisted by their tails [image -
http://www.livescience.com/php/multimedia/imagedisplay/img_
display.php?pic=060920_futo_02.jpg∩=Slaughtered+dolphins+
in+Futo%2C+Japan.+Credit%3A+Hardy+Jones%2FELSA+Nature+
Conservancy+], and finally eviscerated alive.
And, to make it worse, some of the species of victims are on the threatened species list:
“The hunts kill bottlenose, striped, spotted and Risso's dolphins, as well as false killer whales and short-finned pilot whales. Most of these species are included on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species.”
Article:
Scientists Protest Dolphin Slaughter
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20060921/
sc_space/scientistsprotestdolphinslaughter
LiveScience Staff
LiveScience.com Thu Sep 21, 10:45 AM ET
Each September a months-long ritual starts up again in the Japanese villages of Taiji and Futo. Fishermen herd hundreds of dolphins into shallow bays by banging on partially submerged rods. Researchers say the dolphins are corralled into nets and then speared, hooked, hoisted by their tails [image -
http://www.livescience.com/php/multimedia/imagedisplay/
img_display.php?pic=060920_futo_02.jpg∩=Slaughtered+
dolphins+in+Futo%2C+Japan.+Credit%3A+Hardy+Jones%2
FELSA+Nature+Conservancy+], and finally eviscerated alive.
A new consortium of scientists and wildlife officials today called on the Japanese goverment to end the practice.
The “Act for Dolphins” campaign includes members from the New York Aquarium, Emory University, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The group called the annual hunt "inhumane by any ethical standard" and said it "should be discontinued immediately."
“The Japanese dolphin drive hunts are an abominable violation of any standard of animal welfare, and these hunts inflict measurable pain and suffering on animals that are intelligent, sentient, and socially complex,” said Diana Reiss, Senior Research Scientist and Director of the New York Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Research Program.
According to the researchers, the Japanese government claims that the dolphins compete with local fishermen for limited supplies of fish and that the drives are a type of pest control. Act for Dolphins officials say the Japanese government encourages the public to consume more dolphin meat, and it is also used for pet food and fertilizer.
At the group's website, (www.actfordolphins.com) more than 23,000 signatures have been gathered in an effort to convince the Japanese government to end the hunts.
“The Japanese dolphin hunts are an assault on intelligent, sentient, and emotional beings with brains that should make us all stop and think” said Lori Marino, Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology at Emory University.
The hunts kill bottlenose, striped, spotted and Risso's dolphins, as well as false killer whales and short-finned pilot whales. Most of these species are included on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species.
Government of Rajasthan Plans to Relocate 15 Villages Situated Inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve to Save the Dwindling Tiger Population
Good sign to see a government acting in this way.
Article:
Rajasthan steps up efforts to save tigers
http://www.teluguportal.net/modules/news/
article.php?storyid=14597
Posted by admin on 2006/9/22 1:11:13
Jaipur, Sep 22 (IANS) Rajasthan plans to relocate 15 villages situated inside the Sariska tiger reserve in a bid to save the dwindling tiger population.
The government has identified 22,267 hectares in Nangal Rundh village near Bheror in Alwar district for resettling the villagers.
The 807-sq km park, situated 107 km from here, was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.
"In the first phase we plan to shift Kakvadi and Baghani villages to an area near Behror on the Jaipur-Delhi national highway," Forest Minister L.N. Dave told IANS.
As many as 130 families in Kakvadi and Baghani villages, who are into cattle rearing, are likely to be shifted in a span of three months.
Each family is likely to be offered a package of two hectares, a constructed house and Rs.100,000 as compensation. However, villagers are not happy with the compensation.
"We are holding talks with them on a regular basis to hear their grievances. We are confident of an amicable solution," a forest department official said.
After relocating villagers, the government proposes to undertake a project to rehabilitate and conserve tigers. Sariska has been in the news due to the mysterious disappearance of tigers.
According to a census conducted in 2004, there were 16 to 18 tigers in the reserve. But a March 2005 report by the Wildlife Institute of India confirmed there were no tigers in the reserve.
Apart from tigers, there are leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, spotted deer, blue bulls and wild boars.
Poachers have been blamed for the dwindling population of tigers at Sariska and Ranthambore, another national park in Rajasthan. Other animals such as leopards have also been targeted.
Article:
Rajasthan steps up efforts to save tigers
http://www.teluguportal.net/modules/news/
article.php?storyid=14597
Posted by admin on 2006/9/22 1:11:13
Jaipur, Sep 22 (IANS) Rajasthan plans to relocate 15 villages situated inside the Sariska tiger reserve in a bid to save the dwindling tiger population.
The government has identified 22,267 hectares in Nangal Rundh village near Bheror in Alwar district for resettling the villagers.
The 807-sq km park, situated 107 km from here, was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.
"In the first phase we plan to shift Kakvadi and Baghani villages to an area near Behror on the Jaipur-Delhi national highway," Forest Minister L.N. Dave told IANS.
As many as 130 families in Kakvadi and Baghani villages, who are into cattle rearing, are likely to be shifted in a span of three months.
Each family is likely to be offered a package of two hectares, a constructed house and Rs.100,000 as compensation. However, villagers are not happy with the compensation.
"We are holding talks with them on a regular basis to hear their grievances. We are confident of an amicable solution," a forest department official said.
After relocating villagers, the government proposes to undertake a project to rehabilitate and conserve tigers. Sariska has been in the news due to the mysterious disappearance of tigers.
According to a census conducted in 2004, there were 16 to 18 tigers in the reserve. But a March 2005 report by the Wildlife Institute of India confirmed there were no tigers in the reserve.
Apart from tigers, there are leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, spotted deer, blue bulls and wild boars.
Poachers have been blamed for the dwindling population of tigers at Sariska and Ranthambore, another national park in Rajasthan. Other animals such as leopards have also been targeted.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Bill to Help Evacuate Pets / Companion Animals During Times of Disasters Sent to Bush to Sign
Great news. Well, it’s not perfect of course, but it at least provides a start in realizing the important need to make emergency preparedness plans for families to also evacuate pets/companion animals. And, Bush does hate animals, so we’ll see if he even signs it.
As most know, the government not only abandoned many people in the Katrina disaster, but also their pets. A horrible situation arose and this bill came from it. Here’s a posting on Katrina and pet rescues -
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/07/
dark-water-rising-truth-about.html
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to touch on evacuation in war zones. And, as we saw in Lebanon, the US was the one entity to not help with pet evacuations. I’d say as the world goes these days, we will see more war and the military needs to address pet evacuation as well. Here is a posting on pet evacuations and war -
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/07/
follow-up-from-post-on-us-military.html
Here are a few points of the legislation. I’ll post more as I know more:
The bill calls for state and local emergency preparedness plans to make provisions for families with pets and individuals with service animals.
It grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to help state and local governments develop emergency and evacuation plans that take pets and service animals into account.
It also authorizes some federal financial help for states establishing emergency shelters for people and their pets, and it permits FEMA to assist individuals with pets and service animals after a major disaster.
Article:
Pet Protection Bill Sent to Bush
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/
PET_EVACUATION?SITE=CAACS&SECTION
=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
By MARY DALRYMPLE , 09.20.2006, 07:33 PM
Congress called for emergency preparedness plans that include helping individuals and families with pets, under legislation sent Wednesday to President Bush.
It was during Hurricane Katrina that people saw the images of anguished pet owners asked to abandon their animals to gain shelter or be rescued.
"It became evident during Hurricane Katrina, when asked to choose between abandoning their pets (and) their own personal safety, many pet owners chose to risk their lives and remain with their pets, and some of them perished," said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio Democrat who has two beagles and a cocker spaniel, said the bill is about "compassion and the recognition of the importance of compassion in the life of this nation."
The bill calls for state and local emergency preparedness plans to make provisions for families with pets and individuals with service animals.
It grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to help state and local governments develop emergency and evacuation plans that take pets and service animals into account.
It also authorizes some federal financial help for states establishing emergency shelters for people and their pets, and it permits FEMA to assist individuals with pets and service animals after a major disaster.
Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle said the change recognizes the fact that two-thirds of U.S. households have pets.
"The legislation reflects the reality that if you do not care for animals and recognize the human-animal bond, you're going to undermine the effectiveness of any disaster preparedness or response plan," he said.
The House passed the bill by voice vote. The Senate had passed it August.
"If we treat pets like family during our daily lives, we've got to treat them like family during emergencies," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., one of the sponsors of Senate's version of the bill. "Better emergency planning will mean more family members - including the family pet - will be able to get out of harm's way."
As most know, the government not only abandoned many people in the Katrina disaster, but also their pets. A horrible situation arose and this bill came from it. Here’s a posting on Katrina and pet rescues -
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/07/
dark-water-rising-truth-about.html
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to touch on evacuation in war zones. And, as we saw in Lebanon, the US was the one entity to not help with pet evacuations. I’d say as the world goes these days, we will see more war and the military needs to address pet evacuation as well. Here is a posting on pet evacuations and war -
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/07/
follow-up-from-post-on-us-military.html
Here are a few points of the legislation. I’ll post more as I know more:
The bill calls for state and local emergency preparedness plans to make provisions for families with pets and individuals with service animals.
It grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to help state and local governments develop emergency and evacuation plans that take pets and service animals into account.
It also authorizes some federal financial help for states establishing emergency shelters for people and their pets, and it permits FEMA to assist individuals with pets and service animals after a major disaster.
Article:
Pet Protection Bill Sent to Bush
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/
PET_EVACUATION?SITE=CAACS&SECTION
=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
By MARY DALRYMPLE , 09.20.2006, 07:33 PM
Congress called for emergency preparedness plans that include helping individuals and families with pets, under legislation sent Wednesday to President Bush.
It was during Hurricane Katrina that people saw the images of anguished pet owners asked to abandon their animals to gain shelter or be rescued.
"It became evident during Hurricane Katrina, when asked to choose between abandoning their pets (and) their own personal safety, many pet owners chose to risk their lives and remain with their pets, and some of them perished," said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio Democrat who has two beagles and a cocker spaniel, said the bill is about "compassion and the recognition of the importance of compassion in the life of this nation."
The bill calls for state and local emergency preparedness plans to make provisions for families with pets and individuals with service animals.
It grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to help state and local governments develop emergency and evacuation plans that take pets and service animals into account.
It also authorizes some federal financial help for states establishing emergency shelters for people and their pets, and it permits FEMA to assist individuals with pets and service animals after a major disaster.
Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle said the change recognizes the fact that two-thirds of U.S. households have pets.
"The legislation reflects the reality that if you do not care for animals and recognize the human-animal bond, you're going to undermine the effectiveness of any disaster preparedness or response plan," he said.
The House passed the bill by voice vote. The Senate had passed it August.
"If we treat pets like family during our daily lives, we've got to treat them like family during emergencies," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., one of the sponsors of Senate's version of the bill. "Better emergency planning will mean more family members - including the family pet - will be able to get out of harm's way."
Cancer Scientist in England Pleads Guilty To Sabotaging Companies Related To Animal Testing
A very interesting story. Seems he as headed for animal testing and refused to do so. He is the first person to be convicted under the Serious and Organized Crime Act, developed by the British Government last July. Really, a copy cat legislative effort to mirror The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act in the US (which strengthened the Animal Enterprise Protection Act) - http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/06/
national-lawyers-guild-condemns-fbis.html
Article:
'Brilliant' cancer scientist had double life as animal rights sab
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2367291.html
By Jenny Booth and agencies
A cancer research specialist described as "brilliant" was today jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to leading a double life as an animal rights saboteur.
Joseph Harris, 26, a doctor of molecular biology who has been working on a treatment for pancreatic cancer at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, waged a campaign of vandalism against three companies which carried out work for Huntingdon Life Sciences, an animal testing firm.
His girlfriend had threatened to dump him because his research was leading him to the point where he was going to have to test his findings on animals, his defence lawyer claimed.
Jailing Harris today, Judge Ian Alexander said: "I am sorry that your conviction and the sentence I impose will seriously damage what was a very promising career.
"It may well be that your future inability to continue your research into gastro-intestinal cancer will be a great loss to those who suffer that disease. The seriousness and objective of your offences must be marked both as a punishment and deterrent to others."
The judge added: "It causes me great discomfort in seeing you before the court having thrown so much away."
Harris, a published author in the field of gastro-intestinal cancer, is the first person to be convicted under the Serious and Organised Crime Act, which was brought in by the Government last July to tackle harassment and threats from animal rights activists. He was being sentenced today after pleading guilty to three charges.
Northampton Crown Court heard that he broke into the premises of three companies which supplied building materials, refrigeration servicing and testing equipment, and glued locks, slashed tyres and put hoses through letter boxes. He also daubed the Animal Liberation Front initials on walls, vans and windows.
The offences took place at companies in Northampton, Nottingham and Bicester in December and January last year. Harris carried out his first attack, on York Refrigeration, a Nottingham company which maintained fridge equipment for HLS, on December 16 - the day he was awarded his PhD.
Rebecca Trowler, defending, told the court: "In that field, of course, there are experiments on animals. Inevitably over time as his career progressed he was coming under pressure to participate in these experiments."
The Nottingham University graduate had recently split up with his girlfriend, who could not accept his work and its tests on animals.
Miss Trowler added: "The girlfriend who he was involved with had ended the relationship because of his continued work in the field of medical research, because she disapproved of this activity.
"This put him in an increasing moral dilemma. Essentially he came to a crisis point and he took a very, very stupid decision.
"He has a genuine concern for the world - in particular his belief that the experimenation on animals which causes suffering is never justified - notwithstanding the progress it can produce for the human race."
Harris, who was said not to belong to any specific animal rights group, caused more than £25,000 worth of damage at the three companies, none of which played an active part in animal testing. He apparently found details of his victims on the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) website.
All three companies have since ceased trading with HLS, Northampton Crown Court heard today.
He was arrested at the scene of his third attack on January 15, at a builders merchants in Northampton, but he was caught for the earlier two through DNA tests and chemical analysis of spray paint cans found on him.
He caused more than £15,000 worth of damage at York Refridgeration, where he broke into the yard and daubed graffiti on the company’s vans and walls, including the initials "ALF" and the words "Now you will pay for your crimes".
An intercom system and air conditioning units had been attacked and an out-building holding gas canisters was broken into and sabotaged.
A month later Harris caused more than £11,000 damage to the Bicester-based Atlas Material Testing Solutions, daubing the slogan "this company kills babies", gluing locks shut, damaging the intercom system damaged and putting a hose pipe through the letterbox causing the office to flood.
Later on the same day he attacked Bullimore’s Plant and Machinery in Northampton, which rented machinery to a builder constructing an extension for HLS, where he had again glued locks and vandalised vehicles, causing £2,000 of damage.
When he was arrested, the court heard, Harris was carrying bolt cutters, a hammer, a torch, gloves and cans of spray paint. Analysis of the paint showed it was the same as that used in the Bicester attack. Analysis of DNA found on a rubber glove at the Nottingham scene was linked to Harris.
national-lawyers-guild-condemns-fbis.html
Article:
'Brilliant' cancer scientist had double life as animal rights sab
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2367291.html
By Jenny Booth and agencies
A cancer research specialist described as "brilliant" was today jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to leading a double life as an animal rights saboteur.
Joseph Harris, 26, a doctor of molecular biology who has been working on a treatment for pancreatic cancer at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, waged a campaign of vandalism against three companies which carried out work for Huntingdon Life Sciences, an animal testing firm.
His girlfriend had threatened to dump him because his research was leading him to the point where he was going to have to test his findings on animals, his defence lawyer claimed.
Jailing Harris today, Judge Ian Alexander said: "I am sorry that your conviction and the sentence I impose will seriously damage what was a very promising career.
"It may well be that your future inability to continue your research into gastro-intestinal cancer will be a great loss to those who suffer that disease. The seriousness and objective of your offences must be marked both as a punishment and deterrent to others."
The judge added: "It causes me great discomfort in seeing you before the court having thrown so much away."
Harris, a published author in the field of gastro-intestinal cancer, is the first person to be convicted under the Serious and Organised Crime Act, which was brought in by the Government last July to tackle harassment and threats from animal rights activists. He was being sentenced today after pleading guilty to three charges.
Northampton Crown Court heard that he broke into the premises of three companies which supplied building materials, refrigeration servicing and testing equipment, and glued locks, slashed tyres and put hoses through letter boxes. He also daubed the Animal Liberation Front initials on walls, vans and windows.
The offences took place at companies in Northampton, Nottingham and Bicester in December and January last year. Harris carried out his first attack, on York Refrigeration, a Nottingham company which maintained fridge equipment for HLS, on December 16 - the day he was awarded his PhD.
Rebecca Trowler, defending, told the court: "In that field, of course, there are experiments on animals. Inevitably over time as his career progressed he was coming under pressure to participate in these experiments."
The Nottingham University graduate had recently split up with his girlfriend, who could not accept his work and its tests on animals.
Miss Trowler added: "The girlfriend who he was involved with had ended the relationship because of his continued work in the field of medical research, because she disapproved of this activity.
"This put him in an increasing moral dilemma. Essentially he came to a crisis point and he took a very, very stupid decision.
"He has a genuine concern for the world - in particular his belief that the experimenation on animals which causes suffering is never justified - notwithstanding the progress it can produce for the human race."
Harris, who was said not to belong to any specific animal rights group, caused more than £25,000 worth of damage at the three companies, none of which played an active part in animal testing. He apparently found details of his victims on the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) website.
All three companies have since ceased trading with HLS, Northampton Crown Court heard today.
He was arrested at the scene of his third attack on January 15, at a builders merchants in Northampton, but he was caught for the earlier two through DNA tests and chemical analysis of spray paint cans found on him.
He caused more than £15,000 worth of damage at York Refridgeration, where he broke into the yard and daubed graffiti on the company’s vans and walls, including the initials "ALF" and the words "Now you will pay for your crimes".
An intercom system and air conditioning units had been attacked and an out-building holding gas canisters was broken into and sabotaged.
A month later Harris caused more than £11,000 damage to the Bicester-based Atlas Material Testing Solutions, daubing the slogan "this company kills babies", gluing locks shut, damaging the intercom system damaged and putting a hose pipe through the letterbox causing the office to flood.
Later on the same day he attacked Bullimore’s Plant and Machinery in Northampton, which rented machinery to a builder constructing an extension for HLS, where he had again glued locks and vandalised vehicles, causing £2,000 of damage.
When he was arrested, the court heard, Harris was carrying bolt cutters, a hammer, a torch, gloves and cans of spray paint. Analysis of the paint showed it was the same as that used in the Bicester attack. Analysis of DNA found on a rubber glove at the Nottingham scene was linked to Harris.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Japan At It Again: This Time, Beginning Annual Savage, Bloody Dolphin Slaughter
Yep, not only do they love to kill whales -
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/02/
even-with-falling-consumer-demand.html - , the Japanese also love to slash up dolphins. And, it is literally, slashing.
The dolphin hunting season starts in October and continues through to March. The dolphins are driven into shallow bays and slashed to death then sold for meat. They kill about 20,000 dolphins every year.
"The water literally turns red with blood for a long time after the dolphins are killed – it's a blood bath that the whole world should be ashamed of."
Article:
Protests urge end to dolphin slaughter
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,
20445444-1702,00.html?from=public_rss
September 20, 2006 02:54pm
Article from: AAP
Font size: + -
Send this article: Print Email
ANIMAL liberationists in Melbourne today joined protesters around the world in demanding the Japanese Government put an end to the slaughter of dolphins.
Two dozen protesters demonstrated outside the Japanese Consulate in Melbourne to bring public attention to the practice, which they say kills about 20,000 dolphins every year.
The demonstration was accompanied by protests around the world, including in London, New York, Paris, Mexico and Rome.
"The aim is to send a message to the Japanese Government that they can't hide the brutal and gruesome slaughter of dolphins that they sanction each year," said Animal Liberation Victoria spokesman Noah Hannibal.
Some of the protesters today wore white industrial bodysuits smeared in fake blood, while holding up posters condemning the brutal slaughter of dolphins and urging members of the public to sign a petition.
The dolphin hunting season starts in October and continues through to March where the dolphins are driven into shallow bays and slashed to death then sold for meat, Mr Hannibal said.
"It's a horrendous death for these animals," he said.
"The water literally turns red with blood for a long time after the dolphins are killed – it's a blood bath that the whole world should be ashamed of."
Mr Hannibal said the aim of the protest was to raise public awareness of dolphin slaughtering and prompt people to object to the Japanese Consulate.
"The Japanese Government is ashamed of this and they actually keep it hidden from the Japanese people," he said.
"They put tarps up all around the slaughter so no one can see it.
"(But) the world is watching and the fact that they give permits to kill in horrendously cruel ways 20,000 dolphins a year, they're going to be held accountable," he said.
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/02/
even-with-falling-consumer-demand.html - , the Japanese also love to slash up dolphins. And, it is literally, slashing.
The dolphin hunting season starts in October and continues through to March. The dolphins are driven into shallow bays and slashed to death then sold for meat. They kill about 20,000 dolphins every year.
"The water literally turns red with blood for a long time after the dolphins are killed – it's a blood bath that the whole world should be ashamed of."
Article:
Protests urge end to dolphin slaughter
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,
20445444-1702,00.html?from=public_rss
September 20, 2006 02:54pm
Article from: AAP
Font size: + -
Send this article: Print Email
ANIMAL liberationists in Melbourne today joined protesters around the world in demanding the Japanese Government put an end to the slaughter of dolphins.
Two dozen protesters demonstrated outside the Japanese Consulate in Melbourne to bring public attention to the practice, which they say kills about 20,000 dolphins every year.
The demonstration was accompanied by protests around the world, including in London, New York, Paris, Mexico and Rome.
"The aim is to send a message to the Japanese Government that they can't hide the brutal and gruesome slaughter of dolphins that they sanction each year," said Animal Liberation Victoria spokesman Noah Hannibal.
Some of the protesters today wore white industrial bodysuits smeared in fake blood, while holding up posters condemning the brutal slaughter of dolphins and urging members of the public to sign a petition.
The dolphin hunting season starts in October and continues through to March where the dolphins are driven into shallow bays and slashed to death then sold for meat, Mr Hannibal said.
"It's a horrendous death for these animals," he said.
"The water literally turns red with blood for a long time after the dolphins are killed – it's a blood bath that the whole world should be ashamed of."
Mr Hannibal said the aim of the protest was to raise public awareness of dolphin slaughtering and prompt people to object to the Japanese Consulate.
"The Japanese Government is ashamed of this and they actually keep it hidden from the Japanese people," he said.
"They put tarps up all around the slaughter so no one can see it.
"(But) the world is watching and the fact that they give permits to kill in horrendously cruel ways 20,000 dolphins a year, they're going to be held accountable," he said.
Government-Sanctioned Deer Killings in Parks in Pennsylvania Will Again Occur
I think this quote sums up why the argument is incorrect that overpopulation is the reason for the hunt:
"If hunting is so effective, why do they keep having them?" Feldscher questioned.
Also, this is a bow-and-arrow hunt. The obvious cruelty is pointed out in this quote: "To me, that's even worse than the shotgun because it's very hard to get a quick kill, as they call it," she said. "It's the cruelest way to kill deer."
Article:
Animal rights activist perturbed by return of hunts to area parks
http://www.timesherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=
17210509&BRD=1672&PAG=461&dept_id=33380&r
By: KELLY DEVINE, Times Herald Staff
09/18/2006
PLYMOUTH - The announcement of more deer hunts at two county parks is again attracting criticism from local animal rights activists.
Gloria Feldscher, who arranged the hunt protests last year, said she plans to demonstrate at every hunt again this year.
"I was sad, but I wasn't surprised," Feldscher said of the news about more hunts this year.
The county recently announced the sixth one-day controlled bow-and-arrow hunt to control whitetail deer at Lorimer Park in Abington on Oct. 30.
A gun hunt is also being planned for the Norristown Farm Park in Norristown, West Norriton and East Norriton later in the season. Last year was the first year hunts were allowed in the farm park, and they took place over three days.
"If hunting is so effective, why do they keep having them?" Feldscher questioned.
"Once you pierce a park with hunting, it just goes on. It's opening this bloody floodgate, and that's it."
Feldscher said she views the bow-and-arrow hunts as especially heinous.
"To me, that's even worse than the shotgun because it's very hard to get a quick kill, as they call it," she said. "It's the cruelest way to kill deer."
According to Feldscher, gunshots can at least be heard unlike the "silent killers" known as bow-and-arrows.
"With a gun, you know it's happening," said Feldscher. "It's dangerous for kids and other animals."
Feldscher said local groups, such as Mobilization for Animals, are likely to attend the protests again this year.
She said People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals also send out alerts when such events are planned.
"We try to make our presence known. There really isn't too much you can do," Feldscher said.
"When the hunters are going in, we're shouting at them, but that's all we can do."
"If hunting is so effective, why do they keep having them?" Feldscher questioned.
Also, this is a bow-and-arrow hunt. The obvious cruelty is pointed out in this quote: "To me, that's even worse than the shotgun because it's very hard to get a quick kill, as they call it," she said. "It's the cruelest way to kill deer."
Article:
Animal rights activist perturbed by return of hunts to area parks
http://www.timesherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=
17210509&BRD=1672&PAG=461&dept_id=33380&r
By: KELLY DEVINE, Times Herald Staff
09/18/2006
PLYMOUTH - The announcement of more deer hunts at two county parks is again attracting criticism from local animal rights activists.
Gloria Feldscher, who arranged the hunt protests last year, said she plans to demonstrate at every hunt again this year.
"I was sad, but I wasn't surprised," Feldscher said of the news about more hunts this year.
The county recently announced the sixth one-day controlled bow-and-arrow hunt to control whitetail deer at Lorimer Park in Abington on Oct. 30.
A gun hunt is also being planned for the Norristown Farm Park in Norristown, West Norriton and East Norriton later in the season. Last year was the first year hunts were allowed in the farm park, and they took place over three days.
"If hunting is so effective, why do they keep having them?" Feldscher questioned.
"Once you pierce a park with hunting, it just goes on. It's opening this bloody floodgate, and that's it."
Feldscher said she views the bow-and-arrow hunts as especially heinous.
"To me, that's even worse than the shotgun because it's very hard to get a quick kill, as they call it," she said. "It's the cruelest way to kill deer."
According to Feldscher, gunshots can at least be heard unlike the "silent killers" known as bow-and-arrows.
"With a gun, you know it's happening," said Feldscher. "It's dangerous for kids and other animals."
Feldscher said local groups, such as Mobilization for Animals, are likely to attend the protests again this year.
She said People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals also send out alerts when such events are planned.
"We try to make our presence known. There really isn't too much you can do," Feldscher said.
"When the hunters are going in, we're shouting at them, but that's all we can do."
Wackos Shoot Pregnant Seals Dead in Scotland
What would possess someone to actually shoot a seal, much less a pregnant seal? This wasn’t just the shooting of one seal though, the slaughter included one juvenile and four pregnant females looking for a safe place to have their pups.
Article:
Slaughter of five seals sparks demands for tougher laws
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm
JOHN ROSS
WELFARE groups have called for tougher laws to protect seals after five were found shot dead on a beach in Orkney.
The slaughter included one juvenile and four pregnant females looking for a safe place to have their pups.
Ross Flett, of Orkney Seal Rescue, described the discovery, at the Point of Vastray, as "sickening". His group has joined forces with 12 other animal organisations to demand better legal protection for seals.
He said: "Once again, seals have been slaughtered indiscriminately. I have seen many incidents similar to this and, sadly, they are on the increase.
"There were four pregnant females - so that's four more grey seals that were killed because the pups didn't even get the chance to be born. In the pupping season, they come into the shallow waters and it just makes them easy targets. It's horrible."
Mr Flett said each of the seals had obvious gunshot wounds to the head.
The Conservation of Seals Act came into force in 1970, but it has led to only one successful prosecution. Under the act, seals can be shot under licence or if they are seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although there are restrictions during their moulting or breeding periods.
The islands and skerries around Orkney are among Britain's main breeding grounds, and in the winter thousands of grey seals haul themselves ashore to give birth.
Mr Flett said the females which had been shot would have been preparing to give birth from October onwards and were particularly vulnerable at this time of the year.
Tony Woodley, a director of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: "The law is being abused and desperately needs to be tightened up."
Article:
Slaughter of five seals sparks demands for tougher laws
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm
JOHN ROSS
WELFARE groups have called for tougher laws to protect seals after five were found shot dead on a beach in Orkney.
The slaughter included one juvenile and four pregnant females looking for a safe place to have their pups.
Ross Flett, of Orkney Seal Rescue, described the discovery, at the Point of Vastray, as "sickening". His group has joined forces with 12 other animal organisations to demand better legal protection for seals.
He said: "Once again, seals have been slaughtered indiscriminately. I have seen many incidents similar to this and, sadly, they are on the increase.
"There were four pregnant females - so that's four more grey seals that were killed because the pups didn't even get the chance to be born. In the pupping season, they come into the shallow waters and it just makes them easy targets. It's horrible."
Mr Flett said each of the seals had obvious gunshot wounds to the head.
The Conservation of Seals Act came into force in 1970, but it has led to only one successful prosecution. Under the act, seals can be shot under licence or if they are seen in the vicinity of fishing gear, although there are restrictions during their moulting or breeding periods.
The islands and skerries around Orkney are among Britain's main breeding grounds, and in the winter thousands of grey seals haul themselves ashore to give birth.
Mr Flett said the females which had been shot would have been preparing to give birth from October onwards and were particularly vulnerable at this time of the year.
Tony Woodley, a director of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: "The law is being abused and desperately needs to be tightened up."
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
US Serviceman Living in England Savagely Rips Dog's Throat Apart With Military Knife: Sentenced to 18 Weeks in Prison and Banned from Keeping Animals
What can I say here? I mean this is so horrible and disgusting that words don’t come close. As you’ll read, this was premeditated and just horribly cruel. The pain inflicted and the savagery of this wackos actions show that he needs serious help.
Remember, this type of activity signifies that something is wrong with them. Abuse of humans will quickly follow. Their maliciousness and callousness predict that.
It’s well documented that those who abuse animals will very soon move on to human victims.
Here are a few articles on the connection between animal abuse, mental problems and future abuse of humans.
http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/abuse_connection.php
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/pets/article10.html
http://www2.webmagic.com/abuse.com/index7.html
Article:
Jail for serviceman who cut dog's throat
http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/news/story.aspx?brand=
EADOnline&category=News&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=
znews&itemid=IPED19%20Sep%202006%2000%3A00%3A21%3A320
LISA CLEVERDON
AN AMERICAN serviceman who savagely ripped his dog's throat apart with a military knife has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and banned from keeping animals for life.
Dustin Yandell, from RAF Lakenheath, put his golden retriever, Goldie, in the bath tub before slitting its throat from one side to the other, causing the animal to suffer “severe pain and distress” in the moments leading up to its death.
Speaking after the hearing at Bury St Edmunds Magistrates' Court yesterday, RSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Thompson said it was one of the worst cases of animal abuse he had ever seen.
“This was a very, very serious act of premeditated, wanton cruelty,” he said.
“Mr Yandell knew what he was going to do. He took the dog upstairs on a lead, put it into the bath, sat with it for a moment and then slashed its throat.
“The animal's suffering would have been untold in the few minutes while it was dying.”
Yandell, 21, who served in the Iraq war as a combat medic, initially denied the offence, but later admitted killing the animal at his home in Mill Reef Close, Newmarket, in March this year.
He said in a police interview: “I do not know what was going through my mind at the time. I put the knife in the dog's throat, and it went from right to left.
“The next thing I remember was cleaning the bath and putting the dog in the trash bin.”
The bin containing the golden retriever was found by a Forest Heath District Council refuse collector, who was left “extremely upset and distressed” by the gruesome discovery, which he made on March 28.
Yandell, originally from Maryland in the US, admitted the killing could possibly have been carried out to get back at his wife, who had called him from America to say she would not be returning home and that he would not see their son again.
Defence solicitor, Jeremy Kendall, told the court Yandell had suffered a number of traumas, including the stillbirth of his second child in April last year.
“This was a one-off offence,” he said. “He is still a very young man who has out-of-the-blue committed this savage act.”
Mr Kendall said Yandell would undoubtedly be discharged from the USAF as a result of his conviction.
Chairman of the bench, Colin Reeve, said: “We are dealing with one very serious matter of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
“We consider this matter is so serious that no other sentencing is appropriate.”
RAF Lakenheath spokesman, First Lt Aaron Henninger, said an investigation would now be launched to determine Yandell's future at the airbase.
He said: “Any incident of animal abuse, whether it is claimed or proven, is taken seriously, and every serviceman is held accountable for what they do.
“We will now take a look at the situation and an administrative decision will be taken.”
Remember, this type of activity signifies that something is wrong with them. Abuse of humans will quickly follow. Their maliciousness and callousness predict that.
It’s well documented that those who abuse animals will very soon move on to human victims.
Here are a few articles on the connection between animal abuse, mental problems and future abuse of humans.
http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/abuse_connection.php
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/pets/article10.html
http://www2.webmagic.com/abuse.com/index7.html
Article:
Jail for serviceman who cut dog's throat
http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/news/story.aspx?brand=
EADOnline&category=News&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=
znews&itemid=IPED19%20Sep%202006%2000%3A00%3A21%3A320
LISA CLEVERDON
AN AMERICAN serviceman who savagely ripped his dog's throat apart with a military knife has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and banned from keeping animals for life.
Dustin Yandell, from RAF Lakenheath, put his golden retriever, Goldie, in the bath tub before slitting its throat from one side to the other, causing the animal to suffer “severe pain and distress” in the moments leading up to its death.
Speaking after the hearing at Bury St Edmunds Magistrates' Court yesterday, RSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Thompson said it was one of the worst cases of animal abuse he had ever seen.
“This was a very, very serious act of premeditated, wanton cruelty,” he said.
“Mr Yandell knew what he was going to do. He took the dog upstairs on a lead, put it into the bath, sat with it for a moment and then slashed its throat.
“The animal's suffering would have been untold in the few minutes while it was dying.”
Yandell, 21, who served in the Iraq war as a combat medic, initially denied the offence, but later admitted killing the animal at his home in Mill Reef Close, Newmarket, in March this year.
He said in a police interview: “I do not know what was going through my mind at the time. I put the knife in the dog's throat, and it went from right to left.
“The next thing I remember was cleaning the bath and putting the dog in the trash bin.”
The bin containing the golden retriever was found by a Forest Heath District Council refuse collector, who was left “extremely upset and distressed” by the gruesome discovery, which he made on March 28.
Yandell, originally from Maryland in the US, admitted the killing could possibly have been carried out to get back at his wife, who had called him from America to say she would not be returning home and that he would not see their son again.
Defence solicitor, Jeremy Kendall, told the court Yandell had suffered a number of traumas, including the stillbirth of his second child in April last year.
“This was a one-off offence,” he said. “He is still a very young man who has out-of-the-blue committed this savage act.”
Mr Kendall said Yandell would undoubtedly be discharged from the USAF as a result of his conviction.
Chairman of the bench, Colin Reeve, said: “We are dealing with one very serious matter of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
“We consider this matter is so serious that no other sentencing is appropriate.”
RAF Lakenheath spokesman, First Lt Aaron Henninger, said an investigation would now be launched to determine Yandell's future at the airbase.
He said: “Any incident of animal abuse, whether it is claimed or proven, is taken seriously, and every serviceman is held accountable for what they do.
“We will now take a look at the situation and an administrative decision will be taken.”
Suit Claiming Woodland Park Zoo and the City Of Seattle Violated Federal Endangered Species Act with Treatment of Elephants at the Zoo Dismissed
Obviously an unfortunate decision. We actually wrote about this issue in the past. You can see it at - http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/07/group-in-seattle-makes-reasonable.html
Various claims existed, but the main one concerns he zoo's oldest elephant, Bamboo. Essentially, documented charges of improper care and lack of space are the main concerns. The group also sought to get Bamboo moved to the elephant sanctuary in Tennessee, where she could roam more than 2,000 acres. Of course, callousness and desire for money from exhibit rendered that a non-option.
Article:
Judge dismisses suit about zoo elephants
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/
vortex/display?slug=dige19m&date=20060919&query=Judge+
dismisses+suit+about+zoo+elephants
King County Superior Court Judge Julie Spector dismissed a lawsuit Monday brought by local animal-rights activists against Woodland Park Zoo and the city of Seattle.
The Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN) and two private citizens sued in June, accusing the zoo of violating the federal Endangered Species Act and the State Environmental Policy Act with its treatment of elephants at the zoo.
Valerie Bittner, NARN's attorney, said the zoo's oldest elephant, Bamboo, was experiencing "elephant psychological breakdown" because of improper care and lack of space in its one-acre yard. NARN sought to get Bamboo moved to an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee, where she could roam more than 2,000 acres.
Spector dismissed all the claims against the city, the zoo, its directors and staff, saying they had no merit — except for the claim filed under the Endangered Species Act, which the judge ruled belongs under the jurisdiction of federal court.
Bittner said NARN will consider pursuing its case in federal court if it can raise the funds.
In a press release, the zoo said Bamboo and its three other elephants were healthy and thriving.
Various claims existed, but the main one concerns he zoo's oldest elephant, Bamboo. Essentially, documented charges of improper care and lack of space are the main concerns. The group also sought to get Bamboo moved to the elephant sanctuary in Tennessee, where she could roam more than 2,000 acres. Of course, callousness and desire for money from exhibit rendered that a non-option.
Article:
Judge dismisses suit about zoo elephants
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/
vortex/display?slug=dige19m&date=20060919&query=Judge+
dismisses+suit+about+zoo+elephants
King County Superior Court Judge Julie Spector dismissed a lawsuit Monday brought by local animal-rights activists against Woodland Park Zoo and the city of Seattle.
The Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN) and two private citizens sued in June, accusing the zoo of violating the federal Endangered Species Act and the State Environmental Policy Act with its treatment of elephants at the zoo.
Valerie Bittner, NARN's attorney, said the zoo's oldest elephant, Bamboo, was experiencing "elephant psychological breakdown" because of improper care and lack of space in its one-acre yard. NARN sought to get Bamboo moved to an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee, where she could roam more than 2,000 acres.
Spector dismissed all the claims against the city, the zoo, its directors and staff, saying they had no merit — except for the claim filed under the Endangered Species Act, which the judge ruled belongs under the jurisdiction of federal court.
Bittner said NARN will consider pursuing its case in federal court if it can raise the funds.
In a press release, the zoo said Bamboo and its three other elephants were healthy and thriving.
Unnecessary Pigeon Shoot Scheduled in Pennsylvania
Seems the group North American Flyers actually exists to plan live pigeon shoots. The motive – to raise money.
Article:
Pigeon Shoot Scheduled
http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=5426071&nav=5ka4
Tuesday, September 19, 6:25 a.m.
By Bianca Barr
A live pigeon shoot will take place at the Moscow Sportsmen's Association in Lackawanna County later this week.
The president of the club told Newswatch 16 he is renting out the land so that the sportsmen's association can make some money. The Moscow Sportsmen's Association holds clay pigeon shoots at least once a week in the summer, but will host a three-day live pigeon shoot starting on Friday.
Tony Konasavage is the president of the club. He said he is leasing the land to the North American Flyers, a group that plans live pigeon shoots. Konsavage said he is doing it for the club's financial gain. Konasavage also said he doesn't know how many people or birds are coming, but he is anticipating a protest.
"(If) they cross the line, they are going to get arrested. If it's in my power that they are getting arrested, then they are getting arrested. This is a public road. The state police and Covington Township will be notified," said Konsavage.
Opinions varied at a nearby shopping plaza.
"I don't agree with shooting the birds. If they don't harm nobody and I guess it's just a sport but I don't agree with it because they're pretty and they're God's animals. They shouldn't be shot," said Christine Lutz of Gouldsboro.
Jim Brier of Clifton disagreed. "I think it's a good sport. I don't see anything wrong with it. I mean, the pigeons have a chance to get away. Some of them get shot and some of them don't."
The annual pigeon shoot in Hegins, Schuylkill County was ended in 1999 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court gave animal control officers the power to write citations for animal cruelty.
Heidi Prescott is with the Humane Society of the United States and protested in Hegins. She talked to Newswatch 16 over the phone.
"This is a practice that could be so easily replaced by clay pigeon machines. There is no reason in this day and age to support this type of torture of animals," said Prescott.
The sportsmen's club president also mentioned that there are members of the club who are against the event.
He stressed that no member would be assisting in the event, only that the club would lease its land to the private group for a private, invitation-only event.
Article:
Pigeon Shoot Scheduled
http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=5426071&nav=5ka4
Tuesday, September 19, 6:25 a.m.
By Bianca Barr
A live pigeon shoot will take place at the Moscow Sportsmen's Association in Lackawanna County later this week.
The president of the club told Newswatch 16 he is renting out the land so that the sportsmen's association can make some money. The Moscow Sportsmen's Association holds clay pigeon shoots at least once a week in the summer, but will host a three-day live pigeon shoot starting on Friday.
Tony Konasavage is the president of the club. He said he is leasing the land to the North American Flyers, a group that plans live pigeon shoots. Konsavage said he is doing it for the club's financial gain. Konasavage also said he doesn't know how many people or birds are coming, but he is anticipating a protest.
"(If) they cross the line, they are going to get arrested. If it's in my power that they are getting arrested, then they are getting arrested. This is a public road. The state police and Covington Township will be notified," said Konsavage.
Opinions varied at a nearby shopping plaza.
"I don't agree with shooting the birds. If they don't harm nobody and I guess it's just a sport but I don't agree with it because they're pretty and they're God's animals. They shouldn't be shot," said Christine Lutz of Gouldsboro.
Jim Brier of Clifton disagreed. "I think it's a good sport. I don't see anything wrong with it. I mean, the pigeons have a chance to get away. Some of them get shot and some of them don't."
The annual pigeon shoot in Hegins, Schuylkill County was ended in 1999 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court gave animal control officers the power to write citations for animal cruelty.
Heidi Prescott is with the Humane Society of the United States and protested in Hegins. She talked to Newswatch 16 over the phone.
"This is a practice that could be so easily replaced by clay pigeon machines. There is no reason in this day and age to support this type of torture of animals," said Prescott.
The sportsmen's club president also mentioned that there are members of the club who are against the event.
He stressed that no member would be assisting in the event, only that the club would lease its land to the private group for a private, invitation-only event.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Cross-Breeding Experiment in Zoo in India Between Captive Asiatic Lions and Pair of African Circus Animals Leads to Diseased, Sick Animals: 21 Dying
What fools. Did they not at least do their homework? Now these beings are left to suffer and die due to idiocy and the thirst for money.
Article:
Lions dying in Indian zoo after failed experiment
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060917/wl_nm/
environment_india_lions_dc_1
By Palash Kumar Sun Sep 17, 3:30 AM ET
CHANDIGARH, India (Reuters) - Twenty-one lions are dying in a zoo in north India after a cross-breeding experiment to boost the park's attractions went disastrously wrong.
In the 1980s officials at the Chhatbir Zoo in the northern city of Chandigarh, bred captive Asiatic lions with a pair of African circus animals, resulting in a hybrid species.
Within a few years it became obvious it had not worked.
The offspring found it hard to walk, let alone run, because their hind legs were weak. And by the mid 1990s the big cats -- which live for up to 20 years in captivity -- showed symptoms of failing immune systems.
But it wasn't until 2000 that the breeding program was ended, and the male lions given vasectomies, by which time the zoo had 70 to 80 such lions.
Their number dwindled slowly, with disease killing some and some dying of wounds inflicted by other lions.
Authorities say they are waiting for the population to "phase out" before they can start breeding pure Asiatic lions.
"But the effort here is to help them die with dignity," said Dharminder Sharma, a senior zoo official. "We give them all the facilities to live a happy life in their last years. Some of the old lions are even given boneless meat."
Last year the zoo opened a special enclosure, away from the main exhibit area, where it keeps lions who have become too feeble to defend themselves.
It has been dubbed an "old age home" for lions.
Ailing Lakshmi and Lajwanti now live in these sheds, which have a small caged courtyard.
Both are hybrid and are extremely weak. They can barely stand up or walk. Their only activity is a small but painful walk to eat their meals. However, if challenged, they can still muster a spine-chilling roar.
In August, Lakshmi stopped eating. Doctors at the zoo put her on a drip and fed her glucose through water.
"Those were nervous times for us," said Sharma.
"We tried very hard to keep her alive and eventually succeeded when she slowly started to eat ... Even if they are meant to die, it doesn't meant we kill them by not treating them," he added.
Asiatic lions are found only in India and, at present, there are about 300 of them in the Gir national park in the western state of Gujarat.
In the mid-20th century, their numbers were less then 15 as they were vigorously hunted by the Maharajas and princes for whom the majestic animal was the most coveted game. The population recovered after a breeding program launched in the Gir sanctuary in the 1960s.
Article:
Lions dying in Indian zoo after failed experiment
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060917/wl_nm/
environment_india_lions_dc_1
By Palash Kumar Sun Sep 17, 3:30 AM ET
CHANDIGARH, India (Reuters) - Twenty-one lions are dying in a zoo in north India after a cross-breeding experiment to boost the park's attractions went disastrously wrong.
In the 1980s officials at the Chhatbir Zoo in the northern city of Chandigarh, bred captive Asiatic lions with a pair of African circus animals, resulting in a hybrid species.
Within a few years it became obvious it had not worked.
The offspring found it hard to walk, let alone run, because their hind legs were weak. And by the mid 1990s the big cats -- which live for up to 20 years in captivity -- showed symptoms of failing immune systems.
But it wasn't until 2000 that the breeding program was ended, and the male lions given vasectomies, by which time the zoo had 70 to 80 such lions.
Their number dwindled slowly, with disease killing some and some dying of wounds inflicted by other lions.
Authorities say they are waiting for the population to "phase out" before they can start breeding pure Asiatic lions.
"But the effort here is to help them die with dignity," said Dharminder Sharma, a senior zoo official. "We give them all the facilities to live a happy life in their last years. Some of the old lions are even given boneless meat."
Last year the zoo opened a special enclosure, away from the main exhibit area, where it keeps lions who have become too feeble to defend themselves.
It has been dubbed an "old age home" for lions.
Ailing Lakshmi and Lajwanti now live in these sheds, which have a small caged courtyard.
Both are hybrid and are extremely weak. They can barely stand up or walk. Their only activity is a small but painful walk to eat their meals. However, if challenged, they can still muster a spine-chilling roar.
In August, Lakshmi stopped eating. Doctors at the zoo put her on a drip and fed her glucose through water.
"Those were nervous times for us," said Sharma.
"We tried very hard to keep her alive and eventually succeeded when she slowly started to eat ... Even if they are meant to die, it doesn't meant we kill them by not treating them," he added.
Asiatic lions are found only in India and, at present, there are about 300 of them in the Gir national park in the western state of Gujarat.
In the mid-20th century, their numbers were less then 15 as they were vigorously hunted by the Maharajas and princes for whom the majestic animal was the most coveted game. The population recovered after a breeding program launched in the Gir sanctuary in the 1960s.
Group in Britain Falsely Claim Sanctuary for Greyhounds: Behind Scene, Killing Healthy Dogs for Money
The disgusting truth of Greyhound racing has no geographic boundaries. This is common place in every country that carries out Greyhound racing.
For more on the truth behind Greyhound racing see http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/running_
for_their_lives_the_realities_of_greyhound_racing/greyhound_
racing_facts.html
Article:
Greyhound sanctuary 'targeted by activists'
http://www.stv.tv/
Bosses at an animal sanctuary accused of killing healthy greyhounds have revealed they were the victims of animal rights activists.
Staff at the Leigh Animal Sanctuary in Greater Manchester, said they had been threatened at home and at work and received abusive phone calls and letters.
The claims came after a newspaper report alleged workers had offered to destroy two healthy young greyhounds by lethal injection for £70.
Unnamed greyhound trainers told the paper the sanctuary was well-known within the sport and had been offering the service for many years.
But in a statement bosses at the sanctuary, which was set up in 1975, said they only put animals to sleep when there was "no viable alternative".
They also announced they would no longer be accepting unwanted greyhounds due to the "extreme" threats from animal rights activists.
A spokesman for the centre said: "The most hurtful allegation made against us is that this act is carried out on a whim.
"As people who have dedicated our lives to animal welfare, I can categorically state that ending an animal's life has only ever been undertaken by Leigh Animal Sanctuary when every other avenue has been explored and there is no viable alternative."
The spokesman claimed activists had launched a "cowardly and malicious" campaign against the centre.
He added: "This has been happening for some time now and is perpetrated by people claiming to be animal rights activists, who conveniently ignore the fact that literally thousands of animals have been saved and re-homed as a direct result of the work we do."
RSPCA veterinary spokesman Steve Cheetham said the greyhound industry needed to "clean up its act".
He said: "This is totally unnecessary slaughter. There is no justification for killing these animals simply because they can't do their job.
"Animals should be their owner's responsibility for life, not just until they reach the end of their usefulness.
"This is a sad reflection on the greyhound racing industry which should be cleaning up its act."
The National Greyhound Racing Club has launched an investigation into the problem following the newspaper revelations.
NGRC Senior Steward, Edward Bentall said: "The rules of racing are very clear for all to see that every effort must be made to re-home and avoid the euthanasia of greyhounds, which in any case must be carried out by a registered veterinary surgeon.
"Any person who is unable to abide by the basic rules for greyhound welfare is not welcome in NGRC racing".
For more on the truth behind Greyhound racing see http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/running_
for_their_lives_the_realities_of_greyhound_racing/greyhound_
racing_facts.html
Article:
Greyhound sanctuary 'targeted by activists'
http://www.stv.tv/
Bosses at an animal sanctuary accused of killing healthy greyhounds have revealed they were the victims of animal rights activists.
Staff at the Leigh Animal Sanctuary in Greater Manchester, said they had been threatened at home and at work and received abusive phone calls and letters.
The claims came after a newspaper report alleged workers had offered to destroy two healthy young greyhounds by lethal injection for £70.
Unnamed greyhound trainers told the paper the sanctuary was well-known within the sport and had been offering the service for many years.
But in a statement bosses at the sanctuary, which was set up in 1975, said they only put animals to sleep when there was "no viable alternative".
They also announced they would no longer be accepting unwanted greyhounds due to the "extreme" threats from animal rights activists.
A spokesman for the centre said: "The most hurtful allegation made against us is that this act is carried out on a whim.
"As people who have dedicated our lives to animal welfare, I can categorically state that ending an animal's life has only ever been undertaken by Leigh Animal Sanctuary when every other avenue has been explored and there is no viable alternative."
The spokesman claimed activists had launched a "cowardly and malicious" campaign against the centre.
He added: "This has been happening for some time now and is perpetrated by people claiming to be animal rights activists, who conveniently ignore the fact that literally thousands of animals have been saved and re-homed as a direct result of the work we do."
RSPCA veterinary spokesman Steve Cheetham said the greyhound industry needed to "clean up its act".
He said: "This is totally unnecessary slaughter. There is no justification for killing these animals simply because they can't do their job.
"Animals should be their owner's responsibility for life, not just until they reach the end of their usefulness.
"This is a sad reflection on the greyhound racing industry which should be cleaning up its act."
The National Greyhound Racing Club has launched an investigation into the problem following the newspaper revelations.
NGRC Senior Steward, Edward Bentall said: "The rules of racing are very clear for all to see that every effort must be made to re-home and avoid the euthanasia of greyhounds, which in any case must be carried out by a registered veterinary surgeon.
"Any person who is unable to abide by the basic rules for greyhound welfare is not welcome in NGRC racing".
Self-Obsessed Artist Spray Paints Abused Elephant for Exhibit: Calls of Abuse Follow
The worst part of this is that this elephant was actually abused in the past and is captive and forced to perform. Then she gets spray painted. Need I say more?
I’ll let these quotes speak to this idiocy:
I think it sends a very wrong message that abusing animals is not only OK, it's an art form," Boks said. "We find it no longer acceptable to dye baby chicks at Easter, but it's OK to dye an elephant."
Animal rights activist Les Schobert, a former L.A. Zoo curator, said the exhibit "degrades" the animal.
"Here we have an endangered species," Schobert said. "And we're taking it and moving it into a warehouse and painting it. It's a mockery. There's no reason. This isn't a religious ceremony in India."
Article:
Painted elephant causes stir in L.A.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060917/
ap_en_ot/painted_pachyderm_6
Sat Sep 16, 11:43 PM ET
LOS ANGELES - A city agency that allowed a spray-painted elephant to appear at an art exhibit is now saying it will not issue permits for such events in the future.
The elephant, named Tai, was given a nontoxic paint job for the Thursday opening of the "Barely Legal" exhibit by British artist Banksy near downtown.
Cards handed out at the opening, which included such guests as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, read: "There's an elephant in the room. There's a problem we never talk about." The statement went on to say that many people live below the poverty line.
Ed Boks, head of the city's Animal Services Department, said that his agency issued permits for the elephant to appear — to his chagrin — and that he tried to have them revoked Friday on public safety grounds. But the exhibit was to end Sunday, and the revocation would have taken five days.
"I think it sends a very wrong message that abusing animals is not only OK, it's an art form," Boks said. "We find it no longer acceptable to dye baby chicks at Easter, but it's OK to dye an elephant."
Animal rights activist Les Schobert, a former L.A. Zoo curator, said the exhibit "degrades" the animal.
"Here we have an endangered species," Schobert said. "And we're taking it and moving it into a warehouse and painting it. It's a mockery. There's no reason. This isn't a religious ceremony in India."
Tai's owner denied that the 38-year-old Indian elephant, who lives on a ranch, had been abused.
"Tai has done many, many movies," Kari Johnson said. "She's used to makeup."
I’ll let these quotes speak to this idiocy:
I think it sends a very wrong message that abusing animals is not only OK, it's an art form," Boks said. "We find it no longer acceptable to dye baby chicks at Easter, but it's OK to dye an elephant."
Animal rights activist Les Schobert, a former L.A. Zoo curator, said the exhibit "degrades" the animal.
"Here we have an endangered species," Schobert said. "And we're taking it and moving it into a warehouse and painting it. It's a mockery. There's no reason. This isn't a religious ceremony in India."
Article:
Painted elephant causes stir in L.A.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060917/
ap_en_ot/painted_pachyderm_6
Sat Sep 16, 11:43 PM ET
LOS ANGELES - A city agency that allowed a spray-painted elephant to appear at an art exhibit is now saying it will not issue permits for such events in the future.
The elephant, named Tai, was given a nontoxic paint job for the Thursday opening of the "Barely Legal" exhibit by British artist Banksy near downtown.
Cards handed out at the opening, which included such guests as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, read: "There's an elephant in the room. There's a problem we never talk about." The statement went on to say that many people live below the poverty line.
Ed Boks, head of the city's Animal Services Department, said that his agency issued permits for the elephant to appear — to his chagrin — and that he tried to have them revoked Friday on public safety grounds. But the exhibit was to end Sunday, and the revocation would have taken five days.
"I think it sends a very wrong message that abusing animals is not only OK, it's an art form," Boks said. "We find it no longer acceptable to dye baby chicks at Easter, but it's OK to dye an elephant."
Animal rights activist Les Schobert, a former L.A. Zoo curator, said the exhibit "degrades" the animal.
"Here we have an endangered species," Schobert said. "And we're taking it and moving it into a warehouse and painting it. It's a mockery. There's no reason. This isn't a religious ceremony in India."
Tai's owner denied that the 38-year-old Indian elephant, who lives on a ranch, had been abused.
"Tai has done many, many movies," Kari Johnson said. "She's used to makeup."
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Poisoned, Dead Pigeons Fall to Pavement During City Festival: What Non-Lethal and Humane Methods Exist for Pigeon and Bird Control?
Just horrible. As the article points out, what do you tell the kids? It also points out how hypocritical it is to say it’s ok to poison one species and lead it to a horrible death.
Non-lethal and humane alternatives to pigeon and bird control exist. Read more about them at http://www.picas.org.uk/
Article:
Falling, dead pigeons mar city festival
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060913/ap_on_fe_st/
dead_pigeons_1
Wed Sep 13, 9:03 AM ET
TEXARKANA, Texas - Poisoned pigeons began nose-diving into pavement and dying on downtown sidewalks, marring the city's annual festival.
ADVERTISEMENT
Authorities cleaned up more than 25 sick or dead birds that apparently had eaten poisoned corn from the roof of a nearby bank branch.
"The death of these pigeons was more than an unfortunate accident," local CapitalOne Bank President Lacy McMillen said in Tuesday's online edition of Texarkana Gazette. "It was not the intention of the bank to harm any of these birds."
McMillen said the bank hired an exterminator to handle its pigeon problem after a bird entered the bank and defecated on a customer.
The company hired, Anti-Pest Co. Inc. of Shreveport, La., said its goal with the treated corn was to sicken pigeons so they would leave the rooftop. Death was sometimes an unfortunate side effect, company president Jarrod Horton said.
A similar pigeon control effort at a hospital in Schenectady, N.Y., led to a hazardous materials incident in July. Emergency workers spent hours searching the hospital grounds and putting dead birds in red hazardous-waste bags after an exterminator use a pesticide to get rid of pigeons on the roof. Fire Chief Robert Farstad had described the scene as birds "coming down like dive bombers."
Vera Martin, working at Texarkana's weekend Quadrangle Festival, said the poisoning in the Texas-Arkansas border city sends a bad message to children.
"I think it's cruelty to animals," she said. "What other animals could be killed in the process of doing this?"
Non-lethal and humane alternatives to pigeon and bird control exist. Read more about them at http://www.picas.org.uk/
Article:
Falling, dead pigeons mar city festival
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060913/ap_on_fe_st/
dead_pigeons_1
Wed Sep 13, 9:03 AM ET
TEXARKANA, Texas - Poisoned pigeons began nose-diving into pavement and dying on downtown sidewalks, marring the city's annual festival.
ADVERTISEMENT
Authorities cleaned up more than 25 sick or dead birds that apparently had eaten poisoned corn from the roof of a nearby bank branch.
"The death of these pigeons was more than an unfortunate accident," local CapitalOne Bank President Lacy McMillen said in Tuesday's online edition of Texarkana Gazette. "It was not the intention of the bank to harm any of these birds."
McMillen said the bank hired an exterminator to handle its pigeon problem after a bird entered the bank and defecated on a customer.
The company hired, Anti-Pest Co. Inc. of Shreveport, La., said its goal with the treated corn was to sicken pigeons so they would leave the rooftop. Death was sometimes an unfortunate side effect, company president Jarrod Horton said.
A similar pigeon control effort at a hospital in Schenectady, N.Y., led to a hazardous materials incident in July. Emergency workers spent hours searching the hospital grounds and putting dead birds in red hazardous-waste bags after an exterminator use a pesticide to get rid of pigeons on the roof. Fire Chief Robert Farstad had described the scene as birds "coming down like dive bombers."
Vera Martin, working at Texarkana's weekend Quadrangle Festival, said the poisoning in the Texas-Arkansas border city sends a bad message to children.
"I think it's cruelty to animals," she said. "What other animals could be killed in the process of doing this?"
A Guide To Parents And Others Who Have A Family Member Who Recently Announced Turn To Vegetarian
First rule, don’t freak out. There are lots of resources to help you. One mentioned is the group Vegetarian Resource Group. You can find them and an excellent page to start with at http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/services.htm
This article does an excellent job of showing how one mother used creativity to tackle the new issues. In fact, most find it a much easier and cleaner route to cook. I do find the article a little overboard though in it's push for multi vitamins. They miss the point - it isn't vegetarians who need vitamins (obviously); it's meat eaters or those who eat strickly meat who need to consider vitamins.
Article
Juggling act
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/
oregonian/index.ssf?/base/living/11577
45318309680.xml&coll=7
Instead of becoming a short-order cook when a family member goes vegetarian, some home cooks come up with creative ways to satisfy everyone's appetite -- making flexible meals and flavorful meatless dishes, or bending the definition of dinner
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
LESLIE COLE
The Oregonian
The words out of her teenage daughter's mouth triggered an instant eye roll: I'm becoming a vegetarian, said 16-year-old Molly Morgan.
Her mom, an adventurous cook and omnivore, remembered her own teenage declaration of independence from meat years earlier, an experiment that ended with a diagnosis of anemia.
But the family cook kept her lips sealed. "I put some duct tape on my mouth and listened," Diane Morgan says. "I couldn't give her a hard time about it." Nor was she willing, Morgan says, to become a short-order cook for her family of four.
Such is the conundrum among growing numbers of families.
With an estimated 1.4 million teens and preteens nationwide declaring themselves vegetarian -- 3 percent of those 8 to 18, says the nonprofit Vegetarian Research Group -- and many more eating meat only rarely, many home cooks wonder how to feed a family, fast, when differing diets collide.
Portlanders who routinely perform this juggling act swear by several approaches.
They plan two-in-one main dishes where protein, if desired, gets slipped on the plate at the end. They work up a reliable repertoire of "stealth" vegetarian dishes -- meals so flavorful and hearty, meat eaters happily dive in. And often, they relax about what constitutes dinner.
Morgan, the author or co-author of a dozen cookbooks, was fine with her daughter's food politics. (Molly gave up meat after interviewing vegans for a high school journalism project.) But she didn't want to double her work at the dinner hour.
Her first move was buying Molly a copy of "The Big Book of Vegetarian Meals," with basic nutrition information and a slew of simple recipes. She took her daughter shopping to stock the fridge with nutritious foods she had a hand in choosing. And the house rule became, "If you were going to choose not to eat the family dinner, you were going to have to come down early and cook something," Morgan says.
For her part, Morgan mastered dual-purpose dinners where the main dish could be split and adapted to everyone's needs. Pastas and stir-fries easily go in two directions, with portions set aside for vegetarians before meat goes in the dish. Soups are the same, Morgan says: You start with the same base of sauteed vegetables and split it into two pots, one with chicken or beef broth, the other with vegetable stock or water.
A full-size lasagna can be assembled in two small pans, one with ground sausage or beef tucked between pasta layers, the other with chewy tempeh, which has a more appealing texture than tofu in the dish, Morgan says.
Build-your-own dishes also work great at a mixed table. Think taco bar, with shredded rotisserie chicken and tomatillo salsa for the meaties, and black beans and pico de gallo for the veggies.
Morgan's family likes Asian lettuce cups, delicate packets of carrot shards, bean sprouts and shrimp, ground chicken or minced tempeh with a dollop of bottled peanut sauce.
Tofu, Morgan says, holds its own on the grill, provided it's the extra-firm type, sliced thick, drained well and doused with a zippy marinade. Smeared with a bright-tasting chile-laced lemon grass paste and cooked over an open flame, it was good enough to make it into her forthcoming grilling book. Crusty on the outside, creamy inside, the recipe passed muster not just with her finicky vegetarian daughter, but with her trusted carnivore tasters. "I had originally made (the paste) for a pork dish," she says, "but I put it on the tofu, and it was fabulous."
With deep flavors, no one
will miss the meat
Fall vegetables are the perfect springboard for meatless meals that satisfy one and all: Think roasted squash soups or minestrone swirled with pesto, served with chewy bread and a salad.
Now's the time to find Italian borlottos and other dried heirloom beans at farmers markets, and any bean "is a beautiful blank canvas" for flavors, says personal chef and registered dietitian Carrie Peacock. "You can cook them up in a tomato-rich sauce with oregano, thyme and basil and have that be your protein source."
Mushrooms also can pinch hit for meat: Toss fall chanterelles or any wild mushrooms in a skillet with butter or olive oil, add wine or broth, and fold into cooked whole-wheat soba noodles with some braised bok choy or another hearty green. Or grill marinated portobellos, and stuff them with strips of roasted pepper into your favorite sandwich roll or a yeasty bun, spread with gorgonzola mixed with a little mayonnaise. Call it a burger, and even the meat eaters won't feel deprived.
But what about protein? Most of us get more than enough without trying, and the recommendations on complete proteins -- that magic amino acid combination found in meat, or when you match beans with grains -- have changed. "They used to say, get them in the same meal or within 24 hours," says registered dietitian Lila Ojeda. "Now they're saying, as long as you get them within a week, that's fine. But it's good to have a big variety of (beans, nuts and grains), so you get your amino acids covered."
Many pediatricians recommend taking a multivitamin with iron as well.
Nutrition needs must also square with the demands on working parents.
The Geenen family has two full-time careers and three types of eaters: Mom Sarah recently gave up red meat but still enjoys fish and chicken, while Shanti, 8, wouldn't dream of eating an animal product. "His name means peace, and he's definitely living up to his namesake," Sarah says. "He's very concerned about animals." Dad Prashant grew up vegetarian but now eats pork freely, and 41/2-year-old Narain, Sarah says, likes nothing better than a big sausage on Saturday at the farmers market.
So Sarah, the family cook, writes her own definition of what makes dinner.
The family sometimes eats the same meal, say curried vegetables with rice and some chicken or fish on the side. Some nights Shanti might instead have cheese and crackers, a peanut butter sandwich or a scoop of dal made by his grandma, who lives nearby.
And Sarah, an assistant professor at Portland State, is fine with that, especially after consulting with Shanti's pediatrician.
"Once I figured out that he's really getting the protein he needs, I put less pressure on myself to put something together that's unique and creative that everyone would enjoy. I shoot for the middle ground -- I put my energy on fresh vegetables and whole grains."
That, and on making quick meals showcasing Indian flavors. "I will confess that I cheat," Geenen says. Many nights, she'll saute potatoes and peas or eggplant she's brought home from the farmers market with a dab of Indian simmer sauce from a jar. She sets out whole wheat roti and a bowl of plain nonfat yogurt, and calls it dinner. "Prashant thinks he's come home to a home-cooked Indian meal, and everyone's happy."
In other parts of the world, dinner isn't a production, she says. "In India, they'll eat dal and rice all day long. There's really not pressure to come up with something new every evening. So I just really try to keep it simple."
That's kitchen advice we all can happily swallow.
This article does an excellent job of showing how one mother used creativity to tackle the new issues. In fact, most find it a much easier and cleaner route to cook. I do find the article a little overboard though in it's push for multi vitamins. They miss the point - it isn't vegetarians who need vitamins (obviously); it's meat eaters or those who eat strickly meat who need to consider vitamins.
Article
Juggling act
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/
oregonian/index.ssf?/base/living/11577
45318309680.xml&coll=7
Instead of becoming a short-order cook when a family member goes vegetarian, some home cooks come up with creative ways to satisfy everyone's appetite -- making flexible meals and flavorful meatless dishes, or bending the definition of dinner
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
LESLIE COLE
The Oregonian
The words out of her teenage daughter's mouth triggered an instant eye roll: I'm becoming a vegetarian, said 16-year-old Molly Morgan.
Her mom, an adventurous cook and omnivore, remembered her own teenage declaration of independence from meat years earlier, an experiment that ended with a diagnosis of anemia.
But the family cook kept her lips sealed. "I put some duct tape on my mouth and listened," Diane Morgan says. "I couldn't give her a hard time about it." Nor was she willing, Morgan says, to become a short-order cook for her family of four.
Such is the conundrum among growing numbers of families.
With an estimated 1.4 million teens and preteens nationwide declaring themselves vegetarian -- 3 percent of those 8 to 18, says the nonprofit Vegetarian Research Group -- and many more eating meat only rarely, many home cooks wonder how to feed a family, fast, when differing diets collide.
Portlanders who routinely perform this juggling act swear by several approaches.
They plan two-in-one main dishes where protein, if desired, gets slipped on the plate at the end. They work up a reliable repertoire of "stealth" vegetarian dishes -- meals so flavorful and hearty, meat eaters happily dive in. And often, they relax about what constitutes dinner.
Morgan, the author or co-author of a dozen cookbooks, was fine with her daughter's food politics. (Molly gave up meat after interviewing vegans for a high school journalism project.) But she didn't want to double her work at the dinner hour.
Her first move was buying Molly a copy of "The Big Book of Vegetarian Meals," with basic nutrition information and a slew of simple recipes. She took her daughter shopping to stock the fridge with nutritious foods she had a hand in choosing. And the house rule became, "If you were going to choose not to eat the family dinner, you were going to have to come down early and cook something," Morgan says.
For her part, Morgan mastered dual-purpose dinners where the main dish could be split and adapted to everyone's needs. Pastas and stir-fries easily go in two directions, with portions set aside for vegetarians before meat goes in the dish. Soups are the same, Morgan says: You start with the same base of sauteed vegetables and split it into two pots, one with chicken or beef broth, the other with vegetable stock or water.
A full-size lasagna can be assembled in two small pans, one with ground sausage or beef tucked between pasta layers, the other with chewy tempeh, which has a more appealing texture than tofu in the dish, Morgan says.
Build-your-own dishes also work great at a mixed table. Think taco bar, with shredded rotisserie chicken and tomatillo salsa for the meaties, and black beans and pico de gallo for the veggies.
Morgan's family likes Asian lettuce cups, delicate packets of carrot shards, bean sprouts and shrimp, ground chicken or minced tempeh with a dollop of bottled peanut sauce.
Tofu, Morgan says, holds its own on the grill, provided it's the extra-firm type, sliced thick, drained well and doused with a zippy marinade. Smeared with a bright-tasting chile-laced lemon grass paste and cooked over an open flame, it was good enough to make it into her forthcoming grilling book. Crusty on the outside, creamy inside, the recipe passed muster not just with her finicky vegetarian daughter, but with her trusted carnivore tasters. "I had originally made (the paste) for a pork dish," she says, "but I put it on the tofu, and it was fabulous."
With deep flavors, no one
will miss the meat
Fall vegetables are the perfect springboard for meatless meals that satisfy one and all: Think roasted squash soups or minestrone swirled with pesto, served with chewy bread and a salad.
Now's the time to find Italian borlottos and other dried heirloom beans at farmers markets, and any bean "is a beautiful blank canvas" for flavors, says personal chef and registered dietitian Carrie Peacock. "You can cook them up in a tomato-rich sauce with oregano, thyme and basil and have that be your protein source."
Mushrooms also can pinch hit for meat: Toss fall chanterelles or any wild mushrooms in a skillet with butter or olive oil, add wine or broth, and fold into cooked whole-wheat soba noodles with some braised bok choy or another hearty green. Or grill marinated portobellos, and stuff them with strips of roasted pepper into your favorite sandwich roll or a yeasty bun, spread with gorgonzola mixed with a little mayonnaise. Call it a burger, and even the meat eaters won't feel deprived.
But what about protein? Most of us get more than enough without trying, and the recommendations on complete proteins -- that magic amino acid combination found in meat, or when you match beans with grains -- have changed. "They used to say, get them in the same meal or within 24 hours," says registered dietitian Lila Ojeda. "Now they're saying, as long as you get them within a week, that's fine. But it's good to have a big variety of (beans, nuts and grains), so you get your amino acids covered."
Many pediatricians recommend taking a multivitamin with iron as well.
Nutrition needs must also square with the demands on working parents.
The Geenen family has two full-time careers and three types of eaters: Mom Sarah recently gave up red meat but still enjoys fish and chicken, while Shanti, 8, wouldn't dream of eating an animal product. "His name means peace, and he's definitely living up to his namesake," Sarah says. "He's very concerned about animals." Dad Prashant grew up vegetarian but now eats pork freely, and 41/2-year-old Narain, Sarah says, likes nothing better than a big sausage on Saturday at the farmers market.
So Sarah, the family cook, writes her own definition of what makes dinner.
The family sometimes eats the same meal, say curried vegetables with rice and some chicken or fish on the side. Some nights Shanti might instead have cheese and crackers, a peanut butter sandwich or a scoop of dal made by his grandma, who lives nearby.
And Sarah, an assistant professor at Portland State, is fine with that, especially after consulting with Shanti's pediatrician.
"Once I figured out that he's really getting the protein he needs, I put less pressure on myself to put something together that's unique and creative that everyone would enjoy. I shoot for the middle ground -- I put my energy on fresh vegetables and whole grains."
That, and on making quick meals showcasing Indian flavors. "I will confess that I cheat," Geenen says. Many nights, she'll saute potatoes and peas or eggplant she's brought home from the farmers market with a dab of Indian simmer sauce from a jar. She sets out whole wheat roti and a bowl of plain nonfat yogurt, and calls it dinner. "Prashant thinks he's come home to a home-cooked Indian meal, and everyone's happy."
In other parts of the world, dinner isn't a production, she says. "In India, they'll eat dal and rice all day long. There's really not pressure to come up with something new every evening. So I just really try to keep it simple."
That's kitchen advice we all can happily swallow.
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