Well, what can I say? If this is true, then it just plain sucks.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1938132,00.html
The Sunday Times December 18, 2005
Polar bears drown as ice shelf melts
Will Iredale
SCIENTISTS have for the first time found evidence that polar bears are
drowning because climate change is melting the Arctic ice shelf.
The researchers were startled to find bears having to swim up to 60 miles
across open sea to find food. They are being forced into the long voyages
because the ice floes from which they feed are melting, becoming smaller
and drifting farther apart.
Although polar bears are strong swimmers, they are adapted for swimming
close to the shore. Their sea journeys leave them them vulnerable to
exhaustion, hypothermia or being swamped by waves.
According to the new research, four bear carcases were found floating in
one month in a single patch of sea off the north coast of Alaska, where
average summer temperatures have increased by 2-3C degrees since 1950s.
The scientists believe such drownings are becoming widespread across the
Arctic, an inevitable consequence of the doubling in the past 20 years of
the proportion of polar bears having to swim in open seas.
Mortalities due to offshore swimming may be a relatively important and
unaccounted source of natural mortality given the energetic demands placed
on individual bears engaged in long-distance swimming,
says the research led by Dr Charles Monnett, marine ecologist at the
American government
s Minerals Management Service.
Drowning-related deaths of polar bears may increase in the future if the
observed trend of regression of pack ice continues.
The research, presented to a conference on marine mammals in San Diego,
California, last week, comes amid evidence of a decline in numbers of the
22,000 polar bears that live in about 20 sites across the Arctic circle.
In Hudson Bay, Canada, the site of the most southerly polar bears, a study
by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Canadian Wildlife Service to be
published next year will show the population fell 22% from 1,194 in 1987
to 935 last year.
New evidence from field researchers working for the World Wildlife Fund in
Yakutia, on the northeast coast of Russia, has also shown the region
s first evidence of cannibalism among bears competing for food supplies.
Polar bears live on ice all year round and use it as a platform from which
to hunt food and rear their young. They hunt near the edge, where the ice
is thinnest, catching seals when they make holes in the ice to breath.
They typically eat one seal every four or five days and a single bear can
consume 100lb of blubber at one sitting.
As the ice pack retreats north in the summer between June and October, the
bears must travel between ice floes to continue hunting in areas such as
the shallow water of the continental shelf off the Alaskan coast
one of the most food-rich areas in the Arctic.
However, last summer the ice cap receded about 200 miles further north
than the average of two decades ago, forcing the bears to undertake far
longer voyages between floes.
We know short swims up to 15 miles are no problem, and we know that one or
two may have swum up to 100 miles. But that is the extent of their
ability, and if they are trying to make such a long swim and they
encounter rough seas they could get into trouble,
said Steven Amstrup, a research wildlife biologist with the USGS.
The new study, carried out in part of the Beaufort Sea, shows that between
1986 and 2005 just 4% of the bears spotted off the north coast of Alaska
were swimming in open waters. Not a single drowning had been documented in
the area.
However, last September, when the ice cap had retreated a record 160 miles
north of Alaska, 51 bears were spotted, of which 20% were seen in the open
sea, swimming as far as 60 miles off shore.
The researchers returned to the vicinity a few days later after a fierce
storm and found four dead bears floating in the water.
We estimate that of the order of 40 bears may have been swimming and that
many of those probably drowned as a result of rough seas caused by high
winds,
said the report.
In their search for food, polar bears are also having to roam further
south, rummaging in the dustbins of Canadian homes. Sir Ranulph Fiennes,
the explorer who has been to the North Pole seven times, said he had
noticed a deterioration in the bears
ice habitat since his first expedition in 1975.
Each year there was more water than the time before,
he said.
We used amphibious sledges for the first time in 1986.
His last expedition was in 2002, when he fell through the ice and lost
some of his fingers to frostbite.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Innovative Move by Conservation Society ends Great Bear Rainforest Trophy Hunting by Purchasing One of Largest Hunting Licenses in North America
Now this is the thinking necessary when dealing with these issues. After all, money talks. Hence, who owns something has the perceived right to do what they want. Well, instead of fighting this weird "logic", these groups play with it.
A few things to point out before reading the articles below:
The region, about 150 kilometers long stretching from
The group had to purchase the commercial trophy-hunting license owned by Raincoast Outfitters Ltd. for $1.35 million. Not an easy feat for most groups.
Yet, it isn't a 100% ban. It aims to bar foreign hunters from killing grizzly bears, wolves and other carnivores, but will not stop provincial residents from making trophy kills.
And on the issue of trophy hunting: "Trophy hunting is sacrilegious to First Nations," said Art Sterritt, executive director of the Coastal First Nations. "We don't hunt for fun. We don't go out and measure what we hunt. We hunt out of necessity." This just makes sense. Some kill to survive, others kill for pleasure. Hummm, which one do you think has a more legitimate claim? Which one do you think needs to be locked up and observed? Definitely not the one who simply wants to survive.
Conservationists buy up hunting rights
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2005/12/13/
1351470-cp.html
CNW Group
Christmas Comes Early for Bears of the Great Bear Rainforest
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2005/
13/c6365.html
Cnews
Purchase protects bears
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/2005/12/14/
1351776-sun.html
National Post
Trophy animals get protection
B.C. anti-hunting group buys rights of guide-outfitting
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/story.html?id=
41c6339d-d567-4b71-a791-fe3f165bf517&k=86049
Vancouver Sun
Group pays to end killing on central coast Conservationists buy rights to
big-game hunt
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=
22d00f9d-f7be-4969-ac47-c8a4b850db8e&k=64645
CBC BC
Conservationists pay more than $1 million to end bear hunt
http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_bear-hunt20051213.html
Friday, December 16, 2005
N.W.T. bison herd to be killed ... simple as that....no other solutions....hummm
That's always the solution isn't it? Something goes wrong, just kill them. Come on...can't they do any better? Would we kill a bunch of sick humans? NO, we'd look for other solutions.
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2005/12/16/bison-nwt051215
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2005/12/16/bison-nwt051215
PETA vs. WickedWildlifeFund AKA World WildLife Fund (WWF). The World WildLife Fund (WWF) Now Supports Animal Testing.
Very disturbing article (see below). If this is true, the World Wild Life Fund truly is as evil as I suspected. To actually endorse animal testing is beyond confusing given the World Wild Life Funds supposed mission. As I wrote before they actually support killing elephants and other animals for a variety of reasons: http://geari.blogspot.com/2005/11/world-
wide-fund-aka-world-wildlife.html
PETA backs up it's claims against the World Wildlife Fund on it's site WickedWildlifeFund.com at http://wickedwildlifefund.com/
In this site they call the World Wildlife Fund "an organization founded by trophy hunters" that has been lobbying for "the largest animal-testing programs of all time."
And that the WWF "has been actively pressuring government agencies in the U.S., Europe and Canada to increase the amount of testing that they require for pesticides and other chemicals," and the result "has been the establishment of what threaten to be the largest animal-testing programs of all time."
And also that ... "the WWF-backed endocrine testing program will kill up to 1.2 million animals for every 1,000 chemicals tested ..."
Very disturbing. I encourage all people concerned with the truth and with the issues within animal rights to stop supporting the World Wildlife Fund. If all PETA says is true, they truly are a wicked organization.
Animal Rights Groups Engage in 'Catfight' Over Testing
By Randy Hall
Dec 15, 2005
(CNSNews.com) - Two of the largest animal rights organizations in the world are involved in what one observer called a "catfight" over the use of animals in chemical testing and in such activities as hunting, trapping and whaling.
On its WickedWildlifeFund.com website, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) criticize the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as "an organization founded by trophy hunters" that has been lobbying for "the largest animal-testing programs of all time."
According to the site, the WWF "has been actively pressuring government agencies in the U.S., Europe and Canada to increase the amount of testing that they require for pesticides and other chemicals," and the result "has been the establishment of what threaten to be the largest animal-testing programs of all time."
PETA -- which claims to be the largest animal rights organization in the world with more than 850,000 members and supporters -- states that the WWF has "been heavily involved in establishing the framework for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) massive chemical-testing program now under development."
For its part, the World Wildlife Fund website notes that the WWF "leads international efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats" and has nearly 1.2 million members in the U.S. and another 4 million worldwide.
"The entire WWF family is committed to providing the most up-to-date and scientifically accurate information possible for the long-term protection of wildlife," the organization's website states. "Once that information is in hand, we can take the necessary follow-up steps to save wildlife and habitat around the world."
But PETA cites scientific estimates to back up its charge that "the WWF-backed endocrine testing program will kill up to 1.2 million animals for every 1,000 chemicals tested ...
"... [W]ith environmental organizations pressing for tens of thousands of chemicals to be retested under this program, the toll in animal suffering and death will be staggering," according to PETA.
The World Wildlife Fund is pressuring government agencies in Canada and Europe to "embark on a similar animal-testing program," PETA charges. "If the WWF is truly committed to safeguarding human and animal welfare, it should be working to reduce chemical emissions and exposures, instead of calling for more cruel and useless animal testing."
WickedWildlifeFund.com adds that the WWF, "founded in 1961 by a group of wealthy trophy hunters, apparently believes that conserving animals means keeping them around long enough for well-heeled 'sportsmen' to blast them out of the woods, oceans, skies, plains of Africa and jungles of Asia."
The website condemns the WWF for supporting "sustainable" seal hunts in Canada, whaling by native tribes, hunting for sport as a means of bringing income to poor nations, the culling -- or "killing" -- of elephants for population control and the use of steel-jaw leg-hold traps to capture animals.
Visitors to the WickedWildlifeFund.com website are invited to "write to the WWF and ask for its written commitment to stop supporting animal tests and the EPA's massive chemical-testing programs.
"Non-animal test methods are not only more humane, they are generally more rapid and economical, often producing results that are more reliable and relevant to humans than the results of tests on animals," WickedWildlifeFund.com states.
As Cybercast News Service previously reported, PETA has been critical of scientific breakthroughs obtained through animal testing, including a development in treating breast cancer that experts hailed as "stunning" and "very exciting."
However, Joseph de Feo, editor of Foundation Watch and Organization Trends for the Capital Research Center, called the conflict between the two groups a "catfight."
"PETA opposes the tests because they're worried about the animals when the benefits to humans outweigh any costs as far as animal testing goes," de Feo told Cybercast News Service. "But that doesn't mean that what the WWF is proposing is at all necessary.
"It's a situation where one side is right for the wrong reasons and the other side is just plain wrong," he added.
Calls to the World Wildlife Fund seeking comment for this article were not returned by press time.
wide-fund-aka-world-wildlife.html
PETA backs up it's claims against the World Wildlife Fund on it's site WickedWildlifeFund.com at http://wickedwildlifefund.com/
In this site they call the World Wildlife Fund "an organization founded by trophy hunters" that has been lobbying for "the largest animal-testing programs of all time."
And that the WWF "has been actively pressuring government agencies in the U.S., Europe and Canada to increase the amount of testing that they require for pesticides and other chemicals," and the result "has been the establishment of what threaten to be the largest animal-testing programs of all time."
And also that ... "the WWF-backed endocrine testing program will kill up to 1.2 million animals for every 1,000 chemicals tested ..."
Very disturbing. I encourage all people concerned with the truth and with the issues within animal rights to stop supporting the World Wildlife Fund. If all PETA says is true, they truly are a wicked organization.
Animal Rights Groups Engage in 'Catfight' Over Testing
By Randy Hall
Dec 15, 2005
(CNSNews.com) - Two of the largest animal rights organizations in the world are involved in what one observer called a "catfight" over the use of animals in chemical testing and in such activities as hunting, trapping and whaling.
On its WickedWildlifeFund.com website, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) criticize the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as "an organization founded by trophy hunters" that has been lobbying for "the largest animal-testing programs of all time."
According to the site, the WWF "has been actively pressuring government agencies in the U.S., Europe and Canada to increase the amount of testing that they require for pesticides and other chemicals," and the result "has been the establishment of what threaten to be the largest animal-testing programs of all time."
PETA -- which claims to be the largest animal rights organization in the world with more than 850,000 members and supporters -- states that the WWF has "been heavily involved in establishing the framework for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) massive chemical-testing program now under development."
For its part, the World Wildlife Fund website notes that the WWF "leads international efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats" and has nearly 1.2 million members in the U.S. and another 4 million worldwide.
"The entire WWF family is committed to providing the most up-to-date and scientifically accurate information possible for the long-term protection of wildlife," the organization's website states. "Once that information is in hand, we can take the necessary follow-up steps to save wildlife and habitat around the world."
But PETA cites scientific estimates to back up its charge that "the WWF-backed endocrine testing program will kill up to 1.2 million animals for every 1,000 chemicals tested ...
"... [W]ith environmental organizations pressing for tens of thousands of chemicals to be retested under this program, the toll in animal suffering and death will be staggering," according to PETA.
The World Wildlife Fund is pressuring government agencies in Canada and Europe to "embark on a similar animal-testing program," PETA charges. "If the WWF is truly committed to safeguarding human and animal welfare, it should be working to reduce chemical emissions and exposures, instead of calling for more cruel and useless animal testing."
WickedWildlifeFund.com adds that the WWF, "founded in 1961 by a group of wealthy trophy hunters, apparently believes that conserving animals means keeping them around long enough for well-heeled 'sportsmen' to blast them out of the woods, oceans, skies, plains of Africa and jungles of Asia."
The website condemns the WWF for supporting "sustainable" seal hunts in Canada, whaling by native tribes, hunting for sport as a means of bringing income to poor nations, the culling -- or "killing" -- of elephants for population control and the use of steel-jaw leg-hold traps to capture animals.
Visitors to the WickedWildlifeFund.com website are invited to "write to the WWF and ask for its written commitment to stop supporting animal tests and the EPA's massive chemical-testing programs.
"Non-animal test methods are not only more humane, they are generally more rapid and economical, often producing results that are more reliable and relevant to humans than the results of tests on animals," WickedWildlifeFund.com states.
As Cybercast News Service previously reported, PETA has been critical of scientific breakthroughs obtained through animal testing, including a development in treating breast cancer that experts hailed as "stunning" and "very exciting."
However, Joseph de Feo, editor of Foundation Watch and Organization Trends for the Capital Research Center, called the conflict between the two groups a "catfight."
"PETA opposes the tests because they're worried about the animals when the benefits to humans outweigh any costs as far as animal testing goes," de Feo told Cybercast News Service. "But that doesn't mean that what the WWF is proposing is at all necessary.
"It's a situation where one side is right for the wrong reasons and the other side is just plain wrong," he added.
Calls to the World Wildlife Fund seeking comment for this article were not returned by press time.
In Detroit, or Know Anyone in Detroit? STOP DETROIT'S Shelter ANIMAL SLAUGHTER
Forwarded to me (hence the > signs)
....Pass on to those you know in Detroit or MI, or respond if you are in the area.
>
STOP DETROIT'S ANIMAL SLAUGHTER
>
> Urgent bulletin to all animal lovers everywhere: According to Amy
> Wettlaufer of the Michigan Animal Adoption Network, the Detroit Animal
> Control Department plans to euthanize all animals in its custody
> beginning December 17.
>
> Faced with fiscal crisis, the Detroit City Government has elected to cut
> all "non-essential" services. In City Government-speak, this means
> killing all animals and closing the shelters, without any provision
> being made for accelerated adoption programs, placing animals in no-kill
> shelters or other facilities, or other humane solutions. While City
> Council and the Mayor collect their salaries and benefits as usual, ride
> around in chauffeur-driven and city-paid vehicles, and enjoy the
> benefits of lavish expense accounts and expensive personal security
> details, those who are least able to defend themselves - namely, the
> poor, the homeless, and now animals - are expected to suffer for the
> city government's decades of mismanagement and misdeeds.
>
> What we need:
>
> - A good lawyer willing to file for an injunction to stop the slaughter
> - As much publicity afforded to this barbarous decision as it is
> possible to muster
> - TONS of phone calls, letters, faxes, and emails sent to the Mayor's
> office and City Council Members' offices demanding that this sickening,
> inhumane decision be immediately rescinded.
>
> DON'T let them attempt to "solve" this city's problems - the problems
> THEY created - on the backs of Detroit's animal population. DO call,
> write, fax, email, and spread this message around as far and wide as
> humanly possible, and encourage your friends to do the same. We CAN put
> a halt to this senseless, cruel city-sponsored killing spree - IF each
> of us will take the time to act, NOW.
>
> Contact information for Detroit's city "leadership" follows below.
>
>
> *OFFICE OF THE MAYOR *
>
> *Please contact Mayor Kilpatrick at:*
>
> City of Detroit
> Executive Office
> Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave., Ste. 1126
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-3400
>
>
> Council President Pro Tem
> *Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr.*
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-4505 (office)
> (313) 224-0367 (fax)
> E-mail: CockrelK.CNCL.Council@kcockrel.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: John C. Clark
>
>
> Council Member
> *Sharon McPhail*
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-4530 (office)
> (313) 224- 2011 (fax)
> E-mail: SMcPhail_MB@cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: Calvin T. Hughes, Jr.
>
> Council Member
> *Sheila M. Cockrel*1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
>
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-1337 (office)
> (313) 224-0369 (fax)
> E-mail: S-Cockrel_mb@ckrl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: JoAnn Abdenour
>
> Council Member
> *Alberta Tinsley-Talabi*
>
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-1645 (office)
> (313) 224-1787 (fax)
> E-mail: A_Talabi_mb@atwpo.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: Dorotha Hannah
>
> Council Member
> *Barbara-Rose Collins*
>
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-1298(office)
> (313) 224-0372(fax)
> E-mail: Collins_MB@cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: Renee Baker
>
> Council Member
> *Alonzo W. Bates*
>
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-1245(office)
> (313) 224- 4095(fax)
> E-mail: Bates_MB@cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
>
> *Council Member
> JoAnn Watson*
>
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-4535 (office)
> (313) 224-1524 (fax)
> E-mail: WatsonJ@cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: Sandra Epps
>
>
> <
>
>
http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/legislative/CityCouncil/Members/McPhail/one_night_>
s
>
> elter_initiative_off.htm>
>
....Pass on to those you know in Detroit or MI, or respond if you are in the area.
>
STOP DETROIT'S ANIMAL SLAUGHTER
>
> Urgent bulletin to all animal lovers everywhere: According to Amy
> Wettlaufer of the Michigan Animal Adoption Network, the Detroit Animal
> Control Department plans to euthanize all animals in its custody
> beginning December 17.
>
> Faced with fiscal crisis, the Detroit City Government has elected to cut
> all "non-essential" services. In City Government-speak, this means
> killing all animals and closing the shelters, without any provision
> being made for accelerated adoption programs, placing animals in no-kill
> shelters or other facilities, or other humane solutions. While City
> Council and the Mayor collect their salaries and benefits as usual, ride
> around in chauffeur-driven and city-paid vehicles, and enjoy the
> benefits of lavish expense accounts and expensive personal security
> details, those who are least able to defend themselves - namely, the
> poor, the homeless, and now animals - are expected to suffer for the
> city government's decades of mismanagement and misdeeds.
>
> What we need:
>
> - A good lawyer willing to file for an injunction to stop the slaughter
> - As much publicity afforded to this barbarous decision as it is
> possible to muster
> - TONS of phone calls, letters, faxes, and emails sent to the Mayor's
> office and City Council Members' offices demanding that this sickening,
> inhumane decision be immediately rescinded.
>
> DON'T let them attempt to "solve" this city's problems - the problems
> THEY created - on the backs of Detroit's animal population. DO call,
> write, fax, email, and spread this message around as far and wide as
> humanly possible, and encourage your friends to do the same. We CAN put
> a halt to this senseless, cruel city-sponsored killing spree - IF each
> of us will take the time to act, NOW.
>
> Contact information for Detroit's city "leadership" follows below.
>
>
> *OFFICE OF THE MAYOR *
>
> *Please contact Mayor Kilpatrick at:*
>
> City of Detroit
> Executive Office
> Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave., Ste. 1126
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-3400
>
>
> Council President Pro Tem
> *Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr.*
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-4505 (office)
> (313) 224-0367 (fax)
> E-mail: CockrelK.CNCL.Council@kcockrel.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: John C. Clark
>
>
> Council Member
> *Sharon McPhail*
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-4530 (office)
> (313) 224- 2011 (fax)
> E-mail: SMcPhail_MB@cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: Calvin T. Hughes, Jr.
>
> Council Member
> *Sheila M. Cockrel*1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
>
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-1337 (office)
> (313) 224-0369 (fax)
> E-mail: S-Cockrel_mb@ckrl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: JoAnn Abdenour
>
> Council Member
> *Alberta Tinsley-Talabi*
>
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-1645 (office)
> (313) 224-1787 (fax)
> E-mail: A_Talabi_mb@atwpo.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: Dorotha Hannah
>
> Council Member
> *Barbara-Rose Collins*
>
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-1298(office)
> (313) 224-0372(fax)
> E-mail: Collins_MB@cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: Renee Baker
>
> Council Member
> *Alonzo W. Bates*
>
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-1245(office)
> (313) 224- 4095(fax)
> E-mail: Bates_MB@cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
>
> *Council Member
> JoAnn Watson*
>
> 1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
> 2 Woodward Ave
> Detroit, MI 48226
> (313) 224-4535 (office)
> (313) 224-1524 (fax)
> E-mail: WatsonJ@cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us
>
> Contact Person: Sandra Epps
>
>
> <
>
>
http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/legislative/CityCouncil/Members/McPhail/one_night_>
s
>
> elter_initiative_off.htm>
>
The Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute Summer Apprentice Program Announcement: Currently Taking Applications for 10-week Summer Apprentice
This is from:
Dr. Marc Bekoff
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334 USA
Homepage: http://literati.net/Bekoff
Marc Bekoff and Jane Goodall (EETA): www.ethologicalethics.org
Marc is a well known professor and scientist who works along side Jane Goodall. So, this message comes with legitimacy and authority. Unfortunately, these chimps cannot be released due to being brought up in a human environment. A great opportunity for anyone interested.
The Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute (CHCI) is currently taking
applications for our 10-week Summer Apprentice Program. Graduates,
undergraduates, and post-graduates from any nation and from various academic
backgrounds (e.g. Anthropology, Biology, Psychology, Linguistics,
Philosophy, etc.) are encouraged to apply. This program is open to students
from all universities and post-graduates. The dates of the program are June
18, 2006 to August 26, 2006.
The research at CHCI involves a group of four chimpanzees who use the signs
of American Sign Language (ASL). Three of the four, Washoe, Tatu, and Dar,
were part of the cross-fostering research that began with Drs. R.A. & B.T.
Gardner. Each chimpanzee was raised in an enriched environment in which his
or her human family members used only ASL, much like the environment in
which a deaf human child grows up. The fourth chimpanzee, Loulis, was
adopted by Washoe in 1978 and learned his signs from other chimpanzees as a
focus of research done by the co-directors of CHCI, Dr. Roger and Deborah
Fouts. Currently, the chimpanzees reside at the CHCI on the campus of
Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA in a large state-of-the-art
facility.
Apprentices are at the institute daily -- cleaning enclosures, preparing
meals and enrichment, making observations of the chimpanzees, and
participating in one or more research projects. The first week is intensive
training in laboratory jobs and chimpanzee behaviors. The philosophy of CHCI
is that the needs of the chimpanzees come first. Apprentices are trained in
humane care and research techniques. After several weeks each apprentice
becomes more autonomous and has responsibilities in the research project.
The program fee is $1800 and there is a non-refundable $25 application
processing fee. This does not include housing and transportation.
Inexpensive housing is available on campus. A course in ASL is highly
recommended but not required. For more information on the program and the
application please see our web page at
http://www.cwu.edu/~cwuchci/apprentice.html or contact Dr. Mary Lee
Jensvold, CHCI, CWU, Ellensburg, WA 98926 jensvold@cwu.edu. The deadline to
apply is March 17, 2006.
Dr. Marc Bekoff
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334 USA
Homepage: http://literati.net/Bekoff
Marc Bekoff and Jane Goodall (EETA): www.ethologicalethics.org
Marc is a well known professor and scientist who works along side Jane Goodall. So, this message comes with legitimacy and authority. Unfortunately, these chimps cannot be released due to being brought up in a human environment. A great opportunity for anyone interested.
The Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute (CHCI) is currently taking
applications for our 10-week Summer Apprentice Program. Graduates,
undergraduates, and post-graduates from any nation and from various academic
backgrounds (e.g. Anthropology, Biology, Psychology, Linguistics,
Philosophy, etc.) are encouraged to apply. This program is open to students
from all universities and post-graduates. The dates of the program are June
18, 2006 to August 26, 2006.
The research at CHCI involves a group of four chimpanzees who use the signs
of American Sign Language (ASL). Three of the four, Washoe, Tatu, and Dar,
were part of the cross-fostering research that began with Drs. R.A. & B.T.
Gardner. Each chimpanzee was raised in an enriched environment in which his
or her human family members used only ASL, much like the environment in
which a deaf human child grows up. The fourth chimpanzee, Loulis, was
adopted by Washoe in 1978 and learned his signs from other chimpanzees as a
focus of research done by the co-directors of CHCI, Dr. Roger and Deborah
Fouts. Currently, the chimpanzees reside at the CHCI on the campus of
Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA in a large state-of-the-art
facility.
Apprentices are at the institute daily -- cleaning enclosures, preparing
meals and enrichment, making observations of the chimpanzees, and
participating in one or more research projects. The first week is intensive
training in laboratory jobs and chimpanzee behaviors. The philosophy of CHCI
is that the needs of the chimpanzees come first. Apprentices are trained in
humane care and research techniques. After several weeks each apprentice
becomes more autonomous and has responsibilities in the research project.
The program fee is $1800 and there is a non-refundable $25 application
processing fee. This does not include housing and transportation.
Inexpensive housing is available on campus. A course in ASL is highly
recommended but not required. For more information on the program and the
application please see our web page at
http://www.cwu.edu/~cwuchci/apprentice.html or contact Dr. Mary Lee
Jensvold, CHCI, CWU, Ellensburg, WA 98926 jensvold@cwu.edu. The deadline to
apply is March 17, 2006.
Sorry no postings last couple of days.....
Life became crazy beyond description. This will not be a normal occurance, as I like to post everyday.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Another Reason (non-ethical this time) - Why It's Not a Good Idea to Trap in Today's World: You Might Catch a Human or Beloved Family Companion Animal
Believe it or not there are still Grizzly Adams want-to-bes running around setting traps where they see fit. Well, here's one example (in addition to the obvious ethical reasons) of why it's a bad idea in today's world to be trapping. "Gee, I never thought I'd catch a person hikin’ even though I set that thar trap in an area people would hike. I thought I’d catch me a varmit."
Man charged with three misdemeanors in trapping case 12/12
A Cliff-area man faces charges in connection with an incident last month in which a woman and her dog reportedly were injured by steel leg-hold traps.
Leon Redman of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish this morning cited Terry Cresswell, 52, who has a post-office box in Cliff, on three misdemeanor counts.
He is accused of using a fictitious name to obtain trapping and fishing licenses, and concealing his identity when confronted by a game officer.
Man charged with three misdemeanors in trapping case 12/12
A Cliff-area man faces charges in connection with an incident last month in which a woman and her dog reportedly were injured by steel leg-hold traps.
Leon Redman of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish this morning cited Terry Cresswell, 52, who has a post-office box in Cliff, on three misdemeanor counts.
He is accused of using a fictitious name to obtain trapping and fishing licenses, and concealing his identity when confronted by a game officer.
The crimes are punishable by fines of $50 to $150 on each count, and-or six months in jail.
Animal Protection of New Mexico, which advocates a ban on wildlife trapping on government-owned land, reported that the woman — who asked to not be identified in fear of retaliation by the trapper — and her dog were walking in the Gila National Forest when a trap ensnared the dog's leg.
"While (she was) trying to free her pet, a second leg-hold trap sprung shut on her foot," the organization said in a news release.
It quoted the woman as saying: "I was wearing sandals at the time, and luckily was able to pull back quickly so the trap only grazed my toes, drawing some blood, before it clamped onto the end of my sandal."
http://www.thedailypress.com/
Man charged with three misdemeanors in trapping case 12/12
A Cliff-area man faces charges in connection with an incident last month in which a woman and her dog reportedly were injured by steel leg-hold traps.
Leon Redman of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish this morning cited Terry Cresswell, 52, who has a post-office box in Cliff, on three misdemeanor counts.
He is accused of using a fictitious name to obtain trapping and fishing licenses, and concealing his identity when confronted by a game officer.
Man charged with three misdemeanors in trapping case 12/12
A Cliff-area man faces charges in connection with an incident last month in which a woman and her dog reportedly were injured by steel leg-hold traps.
Leon Redman of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish this morning cited Terry Cresswell, 52, who has a post-office box in Cliff, on three misdemeanor counts.
He is accused of using a fictitious name to obtain trapping and fishing licenses, and concealing his identity when confronted by a game officer.
The crimes are punishable by fines of $50 to $150 on each count, and-or six months in jail.
Animal Protection of New Mexico, which advocates a ban on wildlife trapping on government-owned land, reported that the woman — who asked to not be identified in fear of retaliation by the trapper — and her dog were walking in the Gila National Forest when a trap ensnared the dog's leg.
"While (she was) trying to free her pet, a second leg-hold trap sprung shut on her foot," the organization said in a news release.
It quoted the woman as saying: "I was wearing sandals at the time, and luckily was able to pull back quickly so the trap only grazed my toes, drawing some blood, before it clamped onto the end of my sandal."
http://www.thedailypress.com/
The number of genetically modified animals used in UK labs continues to rise.
Yikes! Just look at this term: modified animal. Strange stuff.
I'm trying to understand how an artificially-jacked up animal would represent any sort of human.
Of course, what is occurring in the UK is undoubtedly happening in the US as well. This is a general trend.
In addition, and in relation to what I just mentioned about how it doesn't make sense that an artificially jacked up animal would represent any sort of human, the bbc published this story, so both sides are mentioned. Yet, what sticks out to me is what anti-animal use educators have always said: animal-based tests, or, animal testing has a very high tendency to be flawed. Why: read this snippet:
The report's author Dr Jarrod Bailey, a medical scientist at Newcastle
University, carried out an analysis of scientific papers and found that,
in some 70% of cases where a GM animal is created in the hope of
replicating human symptoms, the animal does not perform as expected.
"Animals often don't mirror the human situation in terms of symptoms or
pathology," Dr Bailey told the BBC News website.
Dr Bailey pointed out that viable alternatives existed, such as
experimenting on human tissue grown in the lab and the use of DNA-based
methods such as microarrays to look at gene expression.
Here's the story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4509862.stm
GM animal tests continue to rise
By Paul Rincon
BBC News science reporter
Harassment and violence could make it necessary to import animals from
countries where regulations are not so tight
Professor Colin Blakemore, MRC
The rise in use of genetically modified animals in UK labs shows no signs
of abating, government figures have shown.
Modified animals made up 32% of all procedures in 2004, compared with 27%
the previous year.
Total experiments showed a marginal increase, of 2.3% to just over 2.85
million - but this is still about half the level it was 30 years ago.
The number of animals used in research was 2.78 million, a rise of 2.1% on
2003 figures.
Home Office minister Andy Burnham said that animal research had led to
advances in the treatment of many conditions, such as Parkinson's disease,
asthma, kidney disease, schizophrenia and peptic ulcers.
"Where there is no alternative available, we will continue to ensure that
the balance between animal welfare and scientific advancement is
maintained," he commented.
Alternative testing
Normal animals were used in 1,673,000 procedures, a fall of 76,000 (4%)
from 2003. Genetically modified animals were used in 914,000 procedures, a
rise of 150,000 (19%) from 2003. The regulated use of GM animals has more
than quadrupled since 1995.
Colin Blakemore, chief executive of the Medical Research Council (MRC),
said the increased use of modified animals - predominantly rodents - was a
result of new techniques that were giving important insights into human
disease.
By adding or knocking out genes in mice, scientists believe they can gain
an insight into the molecular flaws in humans that lead to illness.
The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (Buav) criticised the
government for failing to provide adequate funding into alternatives.
Alistair Currie, campaigns director for Buav, told the BBC News website
that although the government had given some funding to alternatives for
animal research, it "doesn't really have a strategy...on what we do to get
the numbers down."
Adolfo Sansolini, the group's chief executive, added: "These figures,
although alarming, still do not include the 'missing millions' of animals
bred for vivisection, but killed as surplus to requirements."
Tight regulations
Campaign group Animal Aid has published its own report to coincide with
the release of the statistics that brands the use of GM animals a
"scientific dead end".
The report's author Dr Jarrod Bailey, a medical scientist at Newcastle
University, carried out an analysis of scientific papers and found that,
in some 70% of cases where a GM animal is created in the hope of
replicating human symptoms, the animal does not perform as expected.
"Animals often don't mirror the human situation in terms of symptoms or
pathology," Dr Bailey told the BBC News website.
Dr Bailey pointed out that viable alternatives existed, such as
experimenting on human tissue grown in the lab and the use of DNA-based
methods such as microarrays to look at gene expression.
Professor Chris Higgins, director of the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre,
defended the use of GM animals, saying that their use would lead to more
precise approaches to developing treatments.
"We cannot understand how the infective agent causing BSE spreads from the
gut when ingested as food, to the brain where it causes vCJD, without
studying whole animals. Genetically-modified mice provide the best model
for this," he explained.
Professor Blakemore expressed concern that campaigns of harrassment and
violence by animal rights extremists could harm the welfare of animals
bred for research.
"Nearly all of the animals used in medical research come from designated
sources in the UK, where animal welfare legislation is very strict," he
explained.
"The closure of breeding farms in the UK as a result of harassment and
violence could make it necessary to import animals from countries where
regulations are not so tight."
Earlier this year, a farm that has been breeding guinea pigs for medical
research for more than 30 years was forced to stop after a campaign of
intimidation by animal rights activists.
The number of procedures using non-human primates in 2004 was 4,208, down
by 12% on the previous year.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/4509862.stm
I'm trying to understand how an artificially-jacked up animal would represent any sort of human.
Of course, what is occurring in the UK is undoubtedly happening in the US as well. This is a general trend.
In addition, and in relation to what I just mentioned about how it doesn't make sense that an artificially jacked up animal would represent any sort of human, the bbc published this story, so both sides are mentioned. Yet, what sticks out to me is what anti-animal use educators have always said: animal-based tests, or, animal testing has a very high tendency to be flawed. Why: read this snippet:
The report's author Dr Jarrod Bailey, a medical scientist at Newcastle
University, carried out an analysis of scientific papers and found that,
in some 70% of cases where a GM animal is created in the hope of
replicating human symptoms, the animal does not perform as expected.
"Animals often don't mirror the human situation in terms of symptoms or
pathology," Dr Bailey told the BBC News website.
Dr Bailey pointed out that viable alternatives existed, such as
experimenting on human tissue grown in the lab and the use of DNA-based
methods such as microarrays to look at gene expression.
Here's the story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4509862.stm
GM animal tests continue to rise
By Paul Rincon
BBC News science reporter
Harassment and violence could make it necessary to import animals from
countries where regulations are not so tight
Professor Colin Blakemore, MRC
The rise in use of genetically modified animals in UK labs shows no signs
of abating, government figures have shown.
Modified animals made up 32% of all procedures in 2004, compared with 27%
the previous year.
Total experiments showed a marginal increase, of 2.3% to just over 2.85
million - but this is still about half the level it was 30 years ago.
The number of animals used in research was 2.78 million, a rise of 2.1% on
2003 figures.
Home Office minister Andy Burnham said that animal research had led to
advances in the treatment of many conditions, such as Parkinson's disease,
asthma, kidney disease, schizophrenia and peptic ulcers.
"Where there is no alternative available, we will continue to ensure that
the balance between animal welfare and scientific advancement is
maintained," he commented.
Alternative testing
Normal animals were used in 1,673,000 procedures, a fall of 76,000 (4%)
from 2003. Genetically modified animals were used in 914,000 procedures, a
rise of 150,000 (19%) from 2003. The regulated use of GM animals has more
than quadrupled since 1995.
Colin Blakemore, chief executive of the Medical Research Council (MRC),
said the increased use of modified animals - predominantly rodents - was a
result of new techniques that were giving important insights into human
disease.
By adding or knocking out genes in mice, scientists believe they can gain
an insight into the molecular flaws in humans that lead to illness.
The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (Buav) criticised the
government for failing to provide adequate funding into alternatives.
Alistair Currie, campaigns director for Buav, told the BBC News website
that although the government had given some funding to alternatives for
animal research, it "doesn't really have a strategy...on what we do to get
the numbers down."
Adolfo Sansolini, the group's chief executive, added: "These figures,
although alarming, still do not include the 'missing millions' of animals
bred for vivisection, but killed as surplus to requirements."
Tight regulations
Campaign group Animal Aid has published its own report to coincide with
the release of the statistics that brands the use of GM animals a
"scientific dead end".
The report's author Dr Jarrod Bailey, a medical scientist at Newcastle
University, carried out an analysis of scientific papers and found that,
in some 70% of cases where a GM animal is created in the hope of
replicating human symptoms, the animal does not perform as expected.
"Animals often don't mirror the human situation in terms of symptoms or
pathology," Dr Bailey told the BBC News website.
Dr Bailey pointed out that viable alternatives existed, such as
experimenting on human tissue grown in the lab and the use of DNA-based
methods such as microarrays to look at gene expression.
Professor Chris Higgins, director of the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre,
defended the use of GM animals, saying that their use would lead to more
precise approaches to developing treatments.
"We cannot understand how the infective agent causing BSE spreads from the
gut when ingested as food, to the brain where it causes vCJD, without
studying whole animals. Genetically-modified mice provide the best model
for this," he explained.
Professor Blakemore expressed concern that campaigns of harrassment and
violence by animal rights extremists could harm the welfare of animals
bred for research.
"Nearly all of the animals used in medical research come from designated
sources in the UK, where animal welfare legislation is very strict," he
explained.
"The closure of breeding farms in the UK as a result of harassment and
violence could make it necessary to import animals from countries where
regulations are not so tight."
Earlier this year, a farm that has been breeding guinea pigs for medical
research for more than 30 years was forced to stop after a campaign of
intimidation by animal rights activists.
The number of procedures using non-human primates in 2004 was 4,208, down
by 12% on the previous year.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/4509862.stm
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC, AKA - Animal Abuse U: Serious violations of federal law documented in the animal laboratories
From: http://www.peta.org/feat/unc/unc2-update.html?int=weekly_enews
It speaks for itself. But, of course, I have to add - sick, sick, sick. Take a look below at the list of violations actually put forth by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in a formal report.
A little from the site. See the rest at: From: http://www.peta.org/feat/unc/unc2-update.html?int=weekly_enews
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released its formal report, which details serious violations of federal law that were documented in the animal laboratories of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) during an 11-month PETA undercover investigation in 2003.
In its report, the NIH corroborates violations caught on videotape by PETA's investigator, including the following:
* Seriously sick and injured animals were left to die without veterinary care or euthanasia.
* Mice had oversized tumors that had ulcerated and burst.
* Suffering animals were denied pain medication after surgeries.
* There was insufficient staff to properly care for animals.
* There was inadequate training of experimenters and husbandry and veterinary staff.
* Animals were denied food, water, and sanitary housing.
* There was improper record-keeping.
* Baby animals died because they were weaned too early.
* UNC failed to promptly report animal care problems to the NIH.
* Internal policies and federal regulations were not adequately enforced.
* Experiments on animals were conducted using expired protocols.
* Animals lived in extremely crowded conditions, leading them to die of cannibalism and suffocation.
* Animals' toes were amputated for identification purposes.
* More animals were used in experiments than the protocols permitted.
* Experimenters failed to provide environmental enrichment to various species.
* Experimenters failed to adequately monitor their staff and animal procedures.
See the rest of the story at: http://www.peta.org/feat/unc/unc2-update.html?int=weekly_enews
It speaks for itself. But, of course, I have to add - sick, sick, sick. Take a look below at the list of violations actually put forth by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in a formal report.
A little from the site. See the rest at: From: http://www.peta.org/feat/unc/unc2-update.html?int=weekly_enews
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released its formal report, which details serious violations of federal law that were documented in the animal laboratories of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) during an 11-month PETA undercover investigation in 2003.
In its report, the NIH corroborates violations caught on videotape by PETA's investigator, including the following:
* Seriously sick and injured animals were left to die without veterinary care or euthanasia.
* Mice had oversized tumors that had ulcerated and burst.
* Suffering animals were denied pain medication after surgeries.
* There was insufficient staff to properly care for animals.
* There was inadequate training of experimenters and husbandry and veterinary staff.
* Animals were denied food, water, and sanitary housing.
* There was improper record-keeping.
* Baby animals died because they were weaned too early.
* UNC failed to promptly report animal care problems to the NIH.
* Internal policies and federal regulations were not adequately enforced.
* Experiments on animals were conducted using expired protocols.
* Animals lived in extremely crowded conditions, leading them to die of cannibalism and suffocation.
* Animals' toes were amputated for identification purposes.
* More animals were used in experiments than the protocols permitted.
* Experimenters failed to provide environmental enrichment to various species.
* Experimenters failed to adequately monitor their staff and animal procedures.
See the rest of the story at: http://www.peta.org/feat/unc/unc2-update.html?int=weekly_enews
Monday, December 12, 2005
Ringling Brothers Circus Owner Kenneth Feld Thumbs Nose at the Justice System and is Sanctioned by Judge in Lawsuit. Contempt for Animals and the Law
This just proves the type of character Kenneth Feld is and the type of organization Ringling Brothers Circus and Feld Entertainment Inc. are. Not only is he and Ringling Brothers and Feld Entertainment Inc. responsible for continuing an operation that kills and abuses countless animals annually,
(http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_circuses
http://www.circuses.com/ - undeniable proof of the cruelty behind the circus - videos - see three on this page.)
he even has discontent for the system which has made him wealthy and upon which we all rely on for upholding our laws. He won't even follow orders put forth by a judge! So, he's guilty of animal abuse, contempt of court and espionage (and many others I don't have time to list). Quote from Judge: ``Obtaining discovery (evidence) in this case has been like pulling teeth,'' the judge said Thursday. ``It appears the defendant is resisting discovery by all available means.''
So, some of his actions:
Filing late and incomplete documents in a lawsuit.
Filing blacked out documents.
Accused of running an extensive corporate espionage campaign which involved paying a former CIA operative to help run the spy operation.
In August, Feld's lawyers were ordered to pay more than $50,000 in fines for what PETA says were obstructionist tactics Feld's lawyers had employed throughout the case.
Yep, a real family guy! You really want to give your money to him?! I hope all think twice before supporting Ringling Brothers and Feld Entertainment Inc. (which includes Disney on Ice.) You take your kids to either Ringling Brothers Circus or Disney on Ice and you support animal abuse and killing as well as a corrupt and seedy organization with no respect for the justice system of the United States that is on record for disregarding court orders in a lawsuit.
Find out more here: http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=4223485&nav=23ii
Here is an additional article:
Friday December 9, 2005 2:16 PM
By MATTHEW BARAKAT
Associated Press Writer
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) - A judge issued sanctions Thursday against the owner of Ringling Bros. circus for filing late and incomplete documents in a lawsuit that claims that the owner had established a spy operation against animal-rights groups.
The judge also ordered Kenneth Feld, chief executive and president of privately held Feld Entertainment Inc., to disclose his net worth and his most recent tax returns to PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
PETA sued Feld Entertainment more than four years ago, claiming that he ran an extensive corporate espionage campaign against it and other animal-rights groups. According to PETA, Feld - which produces the Ringling circus, Disney on Ice and other shows - went so far as to pay a former CIA operative to help run its spy operation.
The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in February.
PETA attorney Philip Hirschkop said one of the documents was mostly blacked out before it was turned over.
Based on the portions of the 30-page document revealed during Thursday's hearing, it appears to spell out the company's plan for dealing with circus protests by animal-rights groups. The plan calls for efforts to discredit PETA and other animal-rights groups and to seek ways to undermine PETA's status as a nonprofit organization.
Circuit Judge David Stitt said Feld should have turned over the documents long ago. He ordered Feld to turn over an unredacted copy of the documents by Monday and to turn over any other documents related to the company's Animal Issues Department.
``Obtaining discovery (evidence) in this case has been like pulling teeth,'' the judge said Thursday. ``It appears the defendant is resisting discovery by all available means.''
The company, based in Vienna, Va., declined comment Thursday.
In August, Feld's lawyers were ordered to pay more than $50,000 in fines for what PETA says were obstructionist tactics Feld's lawyers had employed throughout the case.
(http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_circuses
http://www.circuses.com/ - undeniable proof of the cruelty behind the circus - videos - see three on this page.)
he even has discontent for the system which has made him wealthy and upon which we all rely on for upholding our laws. He won't even follow orders put forth by a judge! So, he's guilty of animal abuse, contempt of court and espionage (and many others I don't have time to list). Quote from Judge: ``Obtaining discovery (evidence) in this case has been like pulling teeth,'' the judge said Thursday. ``It appears the defendant is resisting discovery by all available means.''
So, some of his actions:
Filing late and incomplete documents in a lawsuit.
Filing blacked out documents.
Accused of running an extensive corporate espionage campaign which involved paying a former CIA operative to help run the spy operation.
In August, Feld's lawyers were ordered to pay more than $50,000 in fines for what PETA says were obstructionist tactics Feld's lawyers had employed throughout the case.
Yep, a real family guy! You really want to give your money to him?! I hope all think twice before supporting Ringling Brothers and Feld Entertainment Inc. (which includes Disney on Ice.) You take your kids to either Ringling Brothers Circus or Disney on Ice and you support animal abuse and killing as well as a corrupt and seedy organization with no respect for the justice system of the United States that is on record for disregarding court orders in a lawsuit.
Find out more here: http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=4223485&nav=23ii
Here is an additional article:
Friday December 9, 2005 2:16 PM
By MATTHEW BARAKAT
Associated Press Writer
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) - A judge issued sanctions Thursday against the owner of Ringling Bros. circus for filing late and incomplete documents in a lawsuit that claims that the owner had established a spy operation against animal-rights groups.
The judge also ordered Kenneth Feld, chief executive and president of privately held Feld Entertainment Inc., to disclose his net worth and his most recent tax returns to PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
PETA sued Feld Entertainment more than four years ago, claiming that he ran an extensive corporate espionage campaign against it and other animal-rights groups. According to PETA, Feld - which produces the Ringling circus, Disney on Ice and other shows - went so far as to pay a former CIA operative to help run its spy operation.
The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in February.
PETA attorney Philip Hirschkop said one of the documents was mostly blacked out before it was turned over.
Based on the portions of the 30-page document revealed during Thursday's hearing, it appears to spell out the company's plan for dealing with circus protests by animal-rights groups. The plan calls for efforts to discredit PETA and other animal-rights groups and to seek ways to undermine PETA's status as a nonprofit organization.
Circuit Judge David Stitt said Feld should have turned over the documents long ago. He ordered Feld to turn over an unredacted copy of the documents by Monday and to turn over any other documents related to the company's Animal Issues Department.
``Obtaining discovery (evidence) in this case has been like pulling teeth,'' the judge said Thursday. ``It appears the defendant is resisting discovery by all available means.''
The company, based in Vienna, Va., declined comment Thursday.
In August, Feld's lawyers were ordered to pay more than $50,000 in fines for what PETA says were obstructionist tactics Feld's lawyers had employed throughout the case.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Hawthorn Elephants Finally Get a Better Life in Sanctuary
It's about freakin time. Can you believe that there's a company that RENTS living, breathing animals?! Does this strike anyone else as weird? I mean, come on, you can rent skis, houses, furniture, tools, etc. And, apparently, warm blooded sentient creatures! Too strange. Well, at least some good news.
The sanctuary they will be going to is a good one. "The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, is the nation's largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically to meet the needs of endangered elephants. It is a non-profit organization, licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, designed specifically for old, sick or needy elephants who have been retired from zoos and circuses." Their website: http://www.elephants.com/sanct.htm
Read on.
Find this article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-07-elephant_x.htm
Company to send elephants to home with room to roam
By Michael Hartigan, USA TODAY
After months of government negotiations to resolve charges of animal mistreatment, nine elephants from Illinois will pack their trunks and move to Tennessee.
Lota's death prompted a movement that helped other pachyderms.
The Hawthorn Corp., a Richmond, Ill., company that rents elephants, lions and tigers to circuses, agreed last week to send the nine female elephants to the 2,700-acre Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tenn.
(http://www.elephants.com/sanct.htm
geari added this),
where they will live in a free-roaming environment.
"By giving the elephants lots and lots of room, you're giving them not only the opportunity to walk around but giving them the opportunity to remain healthy," says Carol Buckley, executive director of the sanctuary. The animals are to arrive this month.
In March 2004, after negotiations with the Department of Agriculture, Hawthorn admitted to 19 violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including inadequate veterinary care. Some of its elephants had died of tuberculosis. Hawthorn agreed to pay a $200,000 fine and transfer its elephants to a USDA-approved location. The agreement last week settled where the animals would be sent.
The USDA has cited Hawthorn several times for violating the Animal Welfare Act. In 1996, when a Hawthorn elephant killed its trainer in Honolulu, the USDA cited the company for failure to handle the animal safely, according to USDA reports.
Derek Shaffer, an attorney for Hawthorn, says the agreements have resolved any allegations concerning the animals' mistreatment. He says Hawthorn spent considerable time and money finding an appropriate home for the animals.
This will be the third time the sanctuary has received elephants from Hawthorn. In 2003, it got a female named Delhi, which had a bone infection Buckley says is found only in captive elephants and often kills them. Two others, Lota and Misty, arrived in 2004.
It was Lota's death from tuberculosis in February 2005 that mobilized elephant lovers to the plight of the Hawthorn herd and captive elephants in general, says Amy Mayers, a sanctuary member.
Operators of the Elephant Sanctuary say they are pleased the herd will remain intact. "Some of them have been together for decades," Buckley says. "That's been our goal for two years, to get the elephants en masse."
The non-profit sanctuary, which was set up in 1995, has 11 elephants — eight Asian and three African. Buckley says the habitat has room for up to 100 elephants.
Last month, the sanctuary completed a $3 million housing facility in anticipation of getting the elephants. Half the money for its construction was raised from 40,000 sanctuary members and half from the Harold Simmons Foundation in Texas.
After medical tests and quarantine, the nine elephants will have free run of the sanctuary's streams, forests and pond. To simulate the natural environment in the wild, the sanctuary will leave the elephants to feed and bathe on their own.
The public will be able to view them only via live video on the sanctuary's website.
Buckley says one goal in leaving the elephants undisturbed is to educate the public on how the animals act in the wild. Another is to help educate these elephants about life outside the Big Top: "They are expected to just relax, to recover and to finally discover what it means to be an elephant."
The sanctuary they will be going to is a good one. "The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, is the nation's largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically to meet the needs of endangered elephants. It is a non-profit organization, licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, designed specifically for old, sick or needy elephants who have been retired from zoos and circuses." Their website: http://www.elephants.com/sanct.htm
Read on.
Find this article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-07-elephant_x.htm
Company to send elephants to home with room to roam
By Michael Hartigan, USA TODAY
After months of government negotiations to resolve charges of animal mistreatment, nine elephants from Illinois will pack their trunks and move to Tennessee.
Lota's death prompted a movement that helped other pachyderms.
The Hawthorn Corp., a Richmond, Ill., company that rents elephants, lions and tigers to circuses, agreed last week to send the nine female elephants to the 2,700-acre Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tenn.
(http://www.elephants.com/sanct.htm
geari added this),
where they will live in a free-roaming environment.
"By giving the elephants lots and lots of room, you're giving them not only the opportunity to walk around but giving them the opportunity to remain healthy," says Carol Buckley, executive director of the sanctuary. The animals are to arrive this month.
In March 2004, after negotiations with the Department of Agriculture, Hawthorn admitted to 19 violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including inadequate veterinary care. Some of its elephants had died of tuberculosis. Hawthorn agreed to pay a $200,000 fine and transfer its elephants to a USDA-approved location. The agreement last week settled where the animals would be sent.
The USDA has cited Hawthorn several times for violating the Animal Welfare Act. In 1996, when a Hawthorn elephant killed its trainer in Honolulu, the USDA cited the company for failure to handle the animal safely, according to USDA reports.
Derek Shaffer, an attorney for Hawthorn, says the agreements have resolved any allegations concerning the animals' mistreatment. He says Hawthorn spent considerable time and money finding an appropriate home for the animals.
This will be the third time the sanctuary has received elephants from Hawthorn. In 2003, it got a female named Delhi, which had a bone infection Buckley says is found only in captive elephants and often kills them. Two others, Lota and Misty, arrived in 2004.
It was Lota's death from tuberculosis in February 2005 that mobilized elephant lovers to the plight of the Hawthorn herd and captive elephants in general, says Amy Mayers, a sanctuary member.
Operators of the Elephant Sanctuary say they are pleased the herd will remain intact. "Some of them have been together for decades," Buckley says. "That's been our goal for two years, to get the elephants en masse."
The non-profit sanctuary, which was set up in 1995, has 11 elephants — eight Asian and three African. Buckley says the habitat has room for up to 100 elephants.
Last month, the sanctuary completed a $3 million housing facility in anticipation of getting the elephants. Half the money for its construction was raised from 40,000 sanctuary members and half from the Harold Simmons Foundation in Texas.
After medical tests and quarantine, the nine elephants will have free run of the sanctuary's streams, forests and pond. To simulate the natural environment in the wild, the sanctuary will leave the elephants to feed and bathe on their own.
The public will be able to view them only via live video on the sanctuary's website.
Buckley says one goal in leaving the elephants undisturbed is to educate the public on how the animals act in the wild. Another is to help educate these elephants about life outside the Big Top: "They are expected to just relax, to recover and to finally discover what it means to be an elephant."
Thursday, December 08, 2005
In Austria from Now on Experiments on Primates are Illegal.
Absolutely amazing. This is from an email I received via another list. It is from someone in Austria to a respected US professor. It has been verified. I'll post more when I hear it. For now, celebrate! This is a true milestone!!!
From: Hans Mosser
Hi Marc,
I just want to let you know that today the Austrian Government has
made an addendum to the Austrian Law on Animal Protection insofar, as
from now on animal experiments on primate apes are forbidden and
regarded as a crime. The forwarded message is from the Austrian Press
Agency released a few hours ago. - just in german. (not attached).
It is at least a first step in a right direction while still many other
animals are suffering.
Yours,
Hans
From: Hans Mosser
Hi Marc,
I just want to let you know that today the Austrian Government has
made an addendum to the Austrian Law on Animal Protection insofar, as
from now on animal experiments on primate apes are forbidden and
regarded as a crime. The forwarded message is from the Austrian Press
Agency released a few hours ago. - just in german. (not attached).
It is at least a first step in a right direction while still many other
animals are suffering.
Yours,
Hans
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Ask Wegmans to Follow the Lead and Adopt Cage-Free Policies
From another group: Wegmans Cruelty at
http://www.wegmanscruelty.com
Very easy: just click and sign!
Wegmans operates the largest egg farm in New York
State, with over 700,000 hens housed on a single
facility. Undercover investigators documented
conditions that are common in the egg industry -
intensive confinement, profound neglect, and
mutilations without painkillers. (See
http://urveg.org/campaigns/wegmans/ for details.)
Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and Trader Joe's have adopted
total or partial cage-free eggs policies, and it's
time for Wegmans to live up to its professed
dedication to animal welfare.
Please sign the petition at
http://urveg.org/campaigns/wegmans/petition/ and
share the info with others, including your animal
advocacy groups. An excellent 27-minute documentary
called Wegmans Cruelty can be downloaded or ordered at
http://www.wegmanscruelty.com .
Thanks in advance for your help.
http://www.wegmanscruelty.com
Very easy: just click and sign!
Wegmans operates the largest egg farm in New York
State, with over 700,000 hens housed on a single
facility. Undercover investigators documented
conditions that are common in the egg industry -
intensive confinement, profound neglect, and
mutilations without painkillers. (See
http://urveg.org/campaigns/wegmans/ for details.)
Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and Trader Joe's have adopted
total or partial cage-free eggs policies, and it's
time for Wegmans to live up to its professed
dedication to animal welfare.
Please sign the petition at
http://urveg.org/campaigns/wegmans/petition/ and
share the info with others, including your animal
advocacy groups. An excellent 27-minute documentary
called Wegmans Cruelty can be downloaded or ordered at
http://www.wegmanscruelty.com .
Thanks in advance for your help.
A Few More Abused Bile Drip Bears Released. What is a Bile Drip Bear?
Excellent. For those who don't know what bile drip bears are, please see http://www.animalsasia.org/. It's good to see some finally getting peace.
Read on:
From:
Andi Mowrer
Animals Asia Foundation
amowrer@animalsasia.org
802/343-9136 (Vermont)
www.animalsasia.org
Subject: 4 new caged bears home for the holidays....
Hi everyone, just quickly sending this to let you know that, as of 6pm
today, we have four caged free drip bears settling down in the Hospital,
munching on a fresh fruit supper and a slurping shakes made of condensed
milk, sugar, blueberry jam, apple and pear! All four are not too bad
physically (although one poor love is blind, some have cage bar and
stereotypic scarring, and all seem to be free drip healed) - but they're
pretty angry and stressed, and need lots of tender loving care.
We're trying to piece more information together from the authorities
over the next few days. However, so far we can see that we definitely
have 3 boys - but the last one is too shy to divulge this information
for now and refuses to turn over!
As ever, the team here were fabulous; slick, professional and carrying
out the rescue in less than an hour. All bears now settled in for the
night, and wondering whether to indulge in another morsel of fruit salad
or pad unforgiving cage floors with nests of straw.
Once we have more news will let you know but, for now, welcome home our
new family. 198 rescued, 161 living today. Jill
Read on:
From:
Andi Mowrer
Animals Asia Foundation
amowrer@animalsasia.org
802/343-9136 (Vermont)
www.animalsasia.org
Subject: 4 new caged bears home for the holidays....
Hi everyone, just quickly sending this to let you know that, as of 6pm
today, we have four caged free drip bears settling down in the Hospital,
munching on a fresh fruit supper and a slurping shakes made of condensed
milk, sugar, blueberry jam, apple and pear! All four are not too bad
physically (although one poor love is blind, some have cage bar and
stereotypic scarring, and all seem to be free drip healed) - but they're
pretty angry and stressed, and need lots of tender loving care.
We're trying to piece more information together from the authorities
over the next few days. However, so far we can see that we definitely
have 3 boys - but the last one is too shy to divulge this information
for now and refuses to turn over!
As ever, the team here were fabulous; slick, professional and carrying
out the rescue in less than an hour. All bears now settled in for the
night, and wondering whether to indulge in another morsel of fruit salad
or pad unforgiving cage floors with nests of straw.
Once we have more news will let you know but, for now, welcome home our
new family. 198 rescued, 161 living today. Jill
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Keeping the Hell of the Canadian Seal Slaughter Alive: Brigitte Bardot Mocks Canada's Seal Slaughter
Here's the story: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BRIGITTE_
BARDOT?SITE=AKFAI&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
This is great. I'm glad someone is keeping the story alive of one of the most disgusting events in contemporary human culture - the Canadian Seal Slaughter. And no, I don't use the word hunt. I'd say it’s not much of a hunt. Basically, jacks walk out onto ice and impale sharp objects into the skulls of baby seals. It's more of a blood obsession for these people.
Although it's not currently going on, it's still important to keep the disgust alive and real. It will happen again. So, it's good to start now with educating all about the seal slaughter.FAQs and More Information on the Canadian Seal Slaughter:
So we're all just wackos making this up? I don't think so. See the video proof of what happens at the annual seal slaughter:
https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/kb/home/
login.asp?c=dhKPI1PFIqE&b=437927&sid=74163872
&msource=NL20305CCA&auid=826829&kntaw7288=
CE6402AC946243C092E5740E5B1A3E36
FAQs and More Information:
http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=21446
http://www.hsus.org/marine_mammals/protect_seals/
about_the_canadian_seal_hunt/ - faq
I put together a very comprehensive list of Canadian Government Departments and Officials to Contact Regarding Seal Slaughter. Please take the time to contact at least one of these contacts. Although it's not currently going on, it's still important to keep the disgust alive and real. It will happen again. So, it's good to start now with educating all about the seal slaughter.
http://geari.blogspot.com/2005/04/
canadian-seal-slaughter-information-re.html
On Pit Bulls and Other Breeds: Column: Ban Breeding, Not Breeds. Humans Make Breeds "Bad"
From a column in a newspaper. I actually do not read “news”papers, but this column provides many good facts (proof) that point to the fact that many breeds are made bad by human cause. He uses the terms - "insecure scumbags". I agree.
Evans: Ban breeding, not breeds
December 4, 2005
(http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/
columnist/0,1713,BDC_2490_4948,00.html)
The problem with pit bulls is people.
Though bred with powerful muscles and strong jaws, pit bulls are not
inherently prone to crazed attack (unlike some highly bred dogs, such as Dalmatians
and cocker spaniels).
But insecure scumbags sometimes abuse this powerful animal and misuse its
physiology in the service of violence. They try to make pit bulls mean.
And that's why pit bulls and pit-bull mixes were responsible for more fatal
attacks (66) than any other breed from 1979 to 1998, according to a study by
the Centers for Disease Control. If that seems alarming, keep in mind how
exceptionally rare a fatal dog attack is: Roughly 20 fatal attacks per year — a
stable number, according to the CDC — out of a population of more than 50
million dogs.
The CDC study was careful to note what the media rarely does: Many factors
figure into a dog attack, but human behavior is the key. The report offers
this list: "heredity, sex, early experience, socialization and training, health
(medical and behavioral), reproductive status, quality of ownership and
supervision, and victim behavior."
Of those eight factors, all but one — sex — can be laid largely at the feet
of humans, not dogs (humans even control heredity, i.e. breeding, and
health).
The CDC study found no evidence that breed-specific bans work. But that
hasn't stopped city after city, including Denver, from banning pit bulls.
San Francisco has a better idea: Instead of prejudicial bans — which force
families to sacrifice beloved, gentle pets on the altar of fear and political
pandering — the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in November passed an
ordinance (effective Jan. 1) requiring pit bulls to be spayed or neutered,
punishable by a $1,000 fine. Legitimate breeders will have to apply for permits.
What a great idea. After all, reproductive status is one key factor in
whether an animal will bite. And when you prohibit pit-bull breeding, you strike a
blow against repugnant pit-bull peddlers who profit on the insecurity of
losers and thugs.
"I recognize that there are responsible, loving owners of pit bulls and
pit-bull mixes in our city," said Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who crafted the city's
new law. Why can't every politician be that sane?
But why stop at pit bulls? We should apply San Francisco's mandatory
spay-neuter law to all dogs (and cats) nationwide. Dog-show people and legitimate
breeders could receive permits only under strict conditions, which would reduce
inbreeding and cruelty by a small minority of unethical breeders.
Too much "regulation"? Not really. The lives and welfare of millions of
animals outweigh someone's inconvenience. "Property rights"? People who think of
sentient, feeling creatures as mere property and sources of profit are the
root of all these problems, anyway.
I'd miss those wonderful mixed-breed dogs and cats. But that's a small price
to pay to reduce pet overpopulation and the concomitant euthanasia of
millions of animals a year. And in reducing the breeding of animals for profit, we'd
reduce the suffering of unwanted animals.
Speaking of people who work hard for the well-being of animals,
congratulations to my former colleagues at the Longmont Humane Society, which just
received a $5 million charitable gift. I know they'll put it to excellent use.
Shelters get a bad rap because they euthanize animals. But remember, they are
only providing a humane death — as opposed to starvation, being hit by cars,
even shot — for animals that other people were too irresponsible to care
for. Mandatory spay-neuter laws would make their jobs a whole lot easier.
Contact Clay Evans at (303) 473-1352 or _evansc@dailycamera.com_
(mailto:evansc@dailycamera.com) .
Evans: Ban breeding, not breeds
December 4, 2005
(http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/
columnist/0,1713,BDC_2490_4948,00.html)
The problem with pit bulls is people.
Though bred with powerful muscles and strong jaws, pit bulls are not
inherently prone to crazed attack (unlike some highly bred dogs, such as Dalmatians
and cocker spaniels).
But insecure scumbags sometimes abuse this powerful animal and misuse its
physiology in the service of violence. They try to make pit bulls mean.
And that's why pit bulls and pit-bull mixes were responsible for more fatal
attacks (66) than any other breed from 1979 to 1998, according to a study by
the Centers for Disease Control. If that seems alarming, keep in mind how
exceptionally rare a fatal dog attack is: Roughly 20 fatal attacks per year — a
stable number, according to the CDC — out of a population of more than 50
million dogs.
The CDC study was careful to note what the media rarely does: Many factors
figure into a dog attack, but human behavior is the key. The report offers
this list: "heredity, sex, early experience, socialization and training, health
(medical and behavioral), reproductive status, quality of ownership and
supervision, and victim behavior."
Of those eight factors, all but one — sex — can be laid largely at the feet
of humans, not dogs (humans even control heredity, i.e. breeding, and
health).
The CDC study found no evidence that breed-specific bans work. But that
hasn't stopped city after city, including Denver, from banning pit bulls.
San Francisco has a better idea: Instead of prejudicial bans — which force
families to sacrifice beloved, gentle pets on the altar of fear and political
pandering — the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in November passed an
ordinance (effective Jan. 1) requiring pit bulls to be spayed or neutered,
punishable by a $1,000 fine. Legitimate breeders will have to apply for permits.
What a great idea. After all, reproductive status is one key factor in
whether an animal will bite. And when you prohibit pit-bull breeding, you strike a
blow against repugnant pit-bull peddlers who profit on the insecurity of
losers and thugs.
"I recognize that there are responsible, loving owners of pit bulls and
pit-bull mixes in our city," said Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who crafted the city's
new law. Why can't every politician be that sane?
But why stop at pit bulls? We should apply San Francisco's mandatory
spay-neuter law to all dogs (and cats) nationwide. Dog-show people and legitimate
breeders could receive permits only under strict conditions, which would reduce
inbreeding and cruelty by a small minority of unethical breeders.
Too much "regulation"? Not really. The lives and welfare of millions of
animals outweigh someone's inconvenience. "Property rights"? People who think of
sentient, feeling creatures as mere property and sources of profit are the
root of all these problems, anyway.
I'd miss those wonderful mixed-breed dogs and cats. But that's a small price
to pay to reduce pet overpopulation and the concomitant euthanasia of
millions of animals a year. And in reducing the breeding of animals for profit, we'd
reduce the suffering of unwanted animals.
Speaking of people who work hard for the well-being of animals,
congratulations to my former colleagues at the Longmont Humane Society, which just
received a $5 million charitable gift. I know they'll put it to excellent use.
Shelters get a bad rap because they euthanize animals. But remember, they are
only providing a humane death — as opposed to starvation, being hit by cars,
even shot — for animals that other people were too irresponsible to care
for. Mandatory spay-neuter laws would make their jobs a whole lot easier.
Contact Clay Evans at (303) 473-1352 or _evansc@dailycamera.com_
(mailto:evansc@dailycamera.com) .
Incredible SHORT Film on Hollywood's Use of Great Apes in "Entertainment": No Reel Apes Campaign
This is a great use of technology to provide a glimpse into the use of Great Apes in "entertainment." For those who laugh at parading chimps, etc., perhaps you owe it to the truth to at least look into this issue. It's always amazed me anyway how humans laugh when seeing chimpanzees dressed up, etc. Seems we'd have more sympathy to a very close relative. (Note: those from Kansas or other "creationists" don't bother emailing me. I've studied biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physical, cultural anthropology. There's no doubt that we are VERY closely related to chimpanzees. Don't be an idiot and deny this. Just take a look at them! If you don't see shocking similarities, then you're an idiot. Period.)
More information on this issue can be found through the Chimpanzee Collaboratory at:
www.chimpcollaboratory.org
Read on and visit the movie link. From another group:
With Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong hitting theaters this month, check
out our spoof of the movie and Hollywood's use of great apes in
entertainment [www.chimpcollaboratory.org/kk.htm]
It's part of the No Reel Apes campaign to end the use of great apes in
entertainment. King Kong used no real apes, but most people don't know the
trauma and mistreatment young chimpanzees and other great apes suffer in
other productions, or that many spend the next 50 or more years in
deplorable conditions.
That's why animal advocates (Dr. Jane Goodall, the Doris Day Animal
Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States, etc.) and Hollywood
professionals (Pamela Anderson, Daryl Hannah, etc.) are challenging the
Motion Picture Association of America to make great movies without great
apes. Below is a list of others joining our challenge.
Please forward this email on to your friends, colleagues and family, and
visit the No Reel Apes web page at www.noreelapes.org.
Thanks!
Dr. Jane Goodall
Doris Day Animal Foundation
The Humane Society of the United States
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The Center for Captive Chimpanzee Care
Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute
American Zoo and Aquarium Association
Animal Legal Defense Fund
The Arcus Foundation
Animal Welfare Institute
Born Free USA
Great Ape Project
Lord Stratford, House of Lords
Richard Wrangham, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Anthropology (Harvard
University)
Peter Singer, Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics (Princeton University)
Daryl Hannah, Actor and activist
Pamela Anderson, Actor
Ed Begley, Jr., Actor
Wendie Malick, Actor and activist
Amy Smart, Actor and activist
Frances Fisher, Actor
Patrick McDonnell, "Mutts" Comic strip
Tippi Hedren, Actor, President/Founder (The Roar Foundation)
Tony Gardner, Alterian Studios
Debbie Levin
Patie Maloney
Virginia McKenna, Actor, conservationist, campaigner
Rachel Hunter, Actor and model
Bill Jemas, 360ep - Entertainment Property Management
Sarah Baeckler
Coordinator
Chimpanzee Collaboratory
c/o Suite 100
227 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
www.chimpcollaboratory.org
sarah@chimpcollaboratory.org
More information on this issue can be found through the Chimpanzee Collaboratory at:
www.chimpcollaboratory.org
Read on and visit the movie link. From another group:
With Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong hitting theaters this month, check
out our spoof of the movie and Hollywood's use of great apes in
entertainment [www.chimpcollaboratory.org/kk.htm]
It's part of the No Reel Apes campaign to end the use of great apes in
entertainment. King Kong used no real apes, but most people don't know the
trauma and mistreatment young chimpanzees and other great apes suffer in
other productions, or that many spend the next 50 or more years in
deplorable conditions.
That's why animal advocates (Dr. Jane Goodall, the Doris Day Animal
Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States, etc.) and Hollywood
professionals (Pamela Anderson, Daryl Hannah, etc.) are challenging the
Motion Picture Association of America to make great movies without great
apes. Below is a list of others joining our challenge.
Please forward this email on to your friends, colleagues and family, and
visit the No Reel Apes web page at www.noreelapes.org.
Thanks!
Dr. Jane Goodall
Doris Day Animal Foundation
The Humane Society of the United States
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The Center for Captive Chimpanzee Care
Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute
American Zoo and Aquarium Association
Animal Legal Defense Fund
The Arcus Foundation
Animal Welfare Institute
Born Free USA
Great Ape Project
Lord Stratford, House of Lords
Richard Wrangham, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Anthropology (Harvard
University)
Peter Singer, Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics (Princeton University)
Daryl Hannah, Actor and activist
Pamela Anderson, Actor
Ed Begley, Jr., Actor
Wendie Malick, Actor and activist
Amy Smart, Actor and activist
Frances Fisher, Actor
Patrick McDonnell, "Mutts" Comic strip
Tippi Hedren, Actor, President/Founder (The Roar Foundation)
Tony Gardner, Alterian Studios
Debbie Levin
Patie Maloney
Virginia McKenna, Actor, conservationist, campaigner
Rachel Hunter, Actor and model
Bill Jemas, 360ep - Entertainment Property Management
Sarah Baeckler
Coordinator
Chimpanzee Collaboratory
c/o Suite 100
227 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
www.chimpcollaboratory.org
sarah@chimpcollaboratory.org
Monday, December 05, 2005
A U.S. List of Banned Dog Breeds
From another list. Very interesting.
A U.S. List of Banned Breeds
This is the list of verified breeds found in the United States
affected by bans or restricted in some way. If you have verifiable
information on any other breeds affected, please let us know.
Dogs currently affected by BSL in the United States
This list is specifically named in ordinances
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier (Monticello, Centerville, Alburnett & Hiawatha Iowa)
(Grandview MO) (N Little Rock, AR) (KY & WA)
Akita (Ulyssas, KS)
Alaskan Malamutes (Fairfield, IA)
American Bull Dog (North Little Rock, AR) (Aurora CO.)(Akron OH)
Belgian Malanois (Fairfield, IA)
Boerboels (Fairfield, IA)
Cane Corso (Aurora CO)
Chow Chow (Travelers Rest, SC), (Newport, RI) (Lynnville, TN)
Doberman Pincher (Fairfield, IA) (Sisston, SD), (Westfield, IL),
(Travelers Rest, SC) (Lynnville, TN) (Buffalo Center, IA)
Dogo Argentino (Aurora CO)
English Mastiffs, (Yale, IA)
Fila Brasileiro (also known as the Fila, Brazilian Mastiff) (Aurora
CO)
German Shepard (Fairfield, IA) (Lynnville, TN)
Great Danes (Fairfield, IA)
Irish Wolf Hounds (Fairfield, IA)
Mastiffs (Fairfield, IA)
Malamutes (Fairfield, IA)
Presa Mallorquin (also known as the Ca De Bou) (Aurora, CO)
Presa Canario (Lanett, AL) (Aurora CO)
Rottweiler (North Little Rock AR) (Buffalo Grove, ILL) (Fairfield,
Conrad, Lake Mills & Lockridge IA) (Walkerton, IN) (Inman, KS) (Carl
Junction & Salisbury MO) (Binghamton, NY) (Velva, ND)(Pawtuckett, RI)
(Travelers Rest, SC)(Lynnville, TN)(Smithville, UT)(Neah Bay, WA)
(Buffalo Center, IA)
Scottish Deerhounds (Fairfield, IA)
Shar Pei's (Smithfield, UT)
Siberian Huskies (Fairfield, IA)
Tosa Inu (Aurora CO)
NOTE These are breeds that are typically over 100 lbs according to
UKC & AKC Standards. If your dog is over 100lbs in Fairfield, Iowa it
is considered a restricted breed.
1. Akbash
2. Anatolian Shepherd
3. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
4. Borzoi
5. Bull Masiff
6. Dogue De Bordeauxs
7. Estrela Mountain Dog
8. Great Pyrenees
9. Italian Mastiff
10. Komondor
11. Kangal Dog
12. Kuvaz
13. Leonberger
14. Neopolitian Mastiff
15. New Foundland
16. Otterhound
17. St. Bernard
18. Spanish Mastiff
A U.S. List of Banned Breeds
This is the list of verified breeds found in the United States
affected by bans or restricted in some way. If you have verifiable
information on any other breeds affected, please let us know.
Dogs currently affected by BSL in the United States
This list is specifically named in ordinances
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier (Monticello, Centerville, Alburnett & Hiawatha Iowa)
(Grandview MO) (N Little Rock, AR) (KY & WA)
Akita (Ulyssas, KS)
Alaskan Malamutes (Fairfield, IA)
American Bull Dog (North Little Rock, AR) (Aurora CO.)(Akron OH)
Belgian Malanois (Fairfield, IA)
Boerboels (Fairfield, IA)
Cane Corso (Aurora CO)
Chow Chow (Travelers Rest, SC), (Newport, RI) (Lynnville, TN)
Doberman Pincher (Fairfield, IA) (Sisston, SD), (Westfield, IL),
(Travelers Rest, SC) (Lynnville, TN) (Buffalo Center, IA)
Dogo Argentino (Aurora CO)
English Mastiffs, (Yale, IA)
Fila Brasileiro (also known as the Fila, Brazilian Mastiff) (Aurora
CO)
German Shepard (Fairfield, IA) (Lynnville, TN)
Great Danes (Fairfield, IA)
Irish Wolf Hounds (Fairfield, IA)
Mastiffs (Fairfield, IA)
Malamutes (Fairfield, IA)
Presa Mallorquin (also known as the Ca De Bou) (Aurora, CO)
Presa Canario (Lanett, AL) (Aurora CO)
Rottweiler (North Little Rock AR) (Buffalo Grove, ILL) (Fairfield,
Conrad, Lake Mills & Lockridge IA) (Walkerton, IN) (Inman, KS) (Carl
Junction & Salisbury MO) (Binghamton, NY) (Velva, ND)(Pawtuckett, RI)
(Travelers Rest, SC)(Lynnville, TN)(Smithville, UT)(Neah Bay, WA)
(Buffalo Center, IA)
Scottish Deerhounds (Fairfield, IA)
Shar Pei's (Smithfield, UT)
Siberian Huskies (Fairfield, IA)
Tosa Inu (Aurora CO)
NOTE These are breeds that are typically over 100 lbs according to
UKC & AKC Standards. If your dog is over 100lbs in Fairfield, Iowa it
is considered a restricted breed.
1. Akbash
2. Anatolian Shepherd
3. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
4. Borzoi
5. Bull Masiff
6. Dogue De Bordeauxs
7. Estrela Mountain Dog
8. Great Pyrenees
9. Italian Mastiff
10. Komondor
11. Kangal Dog
12. Kuvaz
13. Leonberger
14. Neopolitian Mastiff
15. New Foundland
16. Otterhound
17. St. Bernard
18. Spanish Mastiff
Pet reunions rare after the hurricanes
Not good. We can only hope that other groups will help to adopt them out. I'll provide that information when I come across it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10300329/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10300329/
The saga of the rich hunter: Tax loophole allows hunters to write off safaris as charity by giving game trophies to museums.
Forwared to me.
Ah, the rich hunter. He/she's not happy enough with wealth, they actually need to go and kill in far off lands and then use it for tax breaks. Amazing their mentality is. And as you'll see, these are usually canned hunts (hunts set up for them with animals enclosed). So, just like every thing else in their life - it's easy!
By the way, this loophole allows the owner of the Wildlife Experience out in
Parker, Colorado to do the very same thing. He's a multi millionaire who started Remax realty
and now kills animals and puts them in the Wildlife Experience for a tax break.
It was exposed early this year. So, hope that part of the bill goes through,
and of course, don't go to the Wildlife Experience. Funny name huh for a man
who killed them all in canned hunts for a tax break.
Get Me the Head of the Hunt Scammer
Published: December 2, 2005
For all the anxiety that new tax legislation can generate among bipeds, a
bit of mercy is being offered for the fleet African springbok and other
big-game targets. Senator Charles Grassley, the Iowa Republican who heads
the Finance Committee, is trying to close a loophole that allows hunters to
write off safaris as charity by giving game trophies to museums. This scheme
lets appraisers tote up the costs of things like travel, equipment and
guides to inflate the value of the trophies, which often end up at places
that market themselves as a way to "Hunt for Free."
The scam was uncovered when the Humane Society of the United States
investigated "canned hunts" - the hundreds of enterprises in this country
where hunters pay to enjoy more or less guaranteed kills of big-game animals
bred for the purpose of being easily cornered on enclosed acreage. The
investigators found tax abuse involving donated trophies, then tracked the
scheme to overseas safaris.
"The equivalent for non-hunters would be if someone bought a sweater in
Paris, donated it to Goodwill and took a tax deduction for the entire trip
to Paris," Senator Grassley told The Washington Post, which found hundreds
of "charity trophies" stacked like glassy-eyed cordwood in dusty storage
rooms billed as museums. The mammoth tax bill approved last month by the
Senate includes a provision strictly limiting a donation's value to the cost
of a trophy bought on the open market. Senator Grassley must now confer
across the Capitol on closing the loophole to see if the House is, well,
game.
Ah, the rich hunter. He/she's not happy enough with wealth, they actually need to go and kill in far off lands and then use it for tax breaks. Amazing their mentality is. And as you'll see, these are usually canned hunts (hunts set up for them with animals enclosed). So, just like every thing else in their life - it's easy!
By the way, this loophole allows the owner of the Wildlife Experience out in
Parker, Colorado to do the very same thing. He's a multi millionaire who started Remax realty
and now kills animals and puts them in the Wildlife Experience for a tax break.
It was exposed early this year. So, hope that part of the bill goes through,
and of course, don't go to the Wildlife Experience. Funny name huh for a man
who killed them all in canned hunts for a tax break.
Get Me the Head of the Hunt Scammer
Published: December 2, 2005
For all the anxiety that new tax legislation can generate among bipeds, a
bit of mercy is being offered for the fleet African springbok and other
big-game targets. Senator Charles Grassley, the Iowa Republican who heads
the Finance Committee, is trying to close a loophole that allows hunters to
write off safaris as charity by giving game trophies to museums. This scheme
lets appraisers tote up the costs of things like travel, equipment and
guides to inflate the value of the trophies, which often end up at places
that market themselves as a way to "Hunt for Free."
The scam was uncovered when the Humane Society of the United States
investigated "canned hunts" - the hundreds of enterprises in this country
where hunters pay to enjoy more or less guaranteed kills of big-game animals
bred for the purpose of being easily cornered on enclosed acreage. The
investigators found tax abuse involving donated trophies, then tracked the
scheme to overseas safaris.
"The equivalent for non-hunters would be if someone bought a sweater in
Paris, donated it to Goodwill and took a tax deduction for the entire trip
to Paris," Senator Grassley told The Washington Post, which found hundreds
of "charity trophies" stacked like glassy-eyed cordwood in dusty storage
rooms billed as museums. The mammoth tax bill approved last month by the
Senate includes a provision strictly limiting a donation's value to the cost
of a trophy bought on the open market. Senator Grassley must now confer
across the Capitol on closing the loophole to see if the House is, well,
game.
TJMaxx Loves Fur Too - How to Contact Them: Very Easy
From another poster:
My local TJMaxx is selling fur for the first time in 6 years. When I spoke
with the manager, she said that individual store do not have the power to
pick and choose the merchandise, so all requests have to go to the corporate
office.
Please email the company http://www.tjmaxx.com/contact.aspx
Let them know you will not buy anything from their stores until they pull
all fur from the shelves and stop supporting such a cruel industry.
My local TJMaxx is selling fur for the first time in 6 years. When I spoke
with the manager, she said that individual store do not have the power to
pick and choose the merchandise, so all requests have to go to the corporate
office.
Please email the company http://www.tjmaxx.com/contact.aspx
Let them know you will not buy anything from their stores until they pull
all fur from the shelves and stop supporting such a cruel industry.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Once Again, Please Contact Starbucks Coffee: Why? Because Starbucks Coffee Loves and Supports the Cruel Rodeo
Posted this a while back. But, please again contact them.
For proof of the cruelty behind the rodeo, and of Starbucks support
of the cruel rodeo visit: http://www.buckstarbucks.com
Starbucks Retail Customer Relations
(800) 235-2883
Mon - Fri 5 AM - 6 PM (PST)
Sat - Sun 6 AM - 3 PM (PST)
Contact Starbucks here:
http://www.starbucks.com/customer/contact_forms.asp?nav=3f
From: www.BuckStarbucks.com
Dear Friends,
We were all surprised. We expected more from a company that waves its
`progressive' and
`socially responsible' flag so high and so brightly.
When SHARK discovered that Starbucks had sponsored the Cheyenne Frontier
Days Rodeo
-one of the most appalling rodeos that SHARK has documented-we could
attribute it to a
momentary lack in judgment by the company's management. Boy, were we wrong.
The lies just keep coming. When SHARK initially contacted Starbucks about
the matter of
the Cheyenne Frontier Days' ad, Starbucks insinuated that we were
mistaken. They said
didn't know anything about such an ad, and that we were probably wrong.
Consumers
who called were told by Starbucks, "No, we don't sponsor sporting events."
So, SHARK
showed them the ad. After a bit of balking, Starbucks spun their story to
say they are
proud to support local "festivals" and that the ad only cost $250
While we all know there is nothing "sporting" about rodeo, Starbucks made
that misleading
statement to imply that they do not sponsor rodeo-related events without
specifically
stating that. They didn't want to get caught in a lie. Starbucks wanted
everyone to believe
that the Cheyenne Frontier Days support was an isolated incident. In fact,
when SHARK
further discovered that Starbucks is a sponsor of Miss Rodeo Washington,
Starbucks again
said they didn't know anything about it and refused comment.
Now, we are really seeing how deep the deception goes. SHARK learned this
week that
Starbucks was not only a Gold Spur Sponsor at the Belton Rodeo in Texas,
but also
sponsored last week's American Royal rodeo in Kansas City, Missouri.
Starbucks must
really be taking us for fools and is hanging tight to the belief that
their big green flag will
distract everyone.
The American Royal is a rodeo that SHARK has investigated and documented
for the last
two years. We have seen this event to be one of the most abusive and
malicious rodeos
around. How many more Starbucks rodeo sponsorships will we dig up? Who
knows--and
Starbucks isn't talking.
The Belton PRCA Rodeo in Texas gave a very telling `thank you' to all of
their sponsors,
including Starbucks, saying, "It is because of you that we are able to
continue this event
that impacts everyone's heart and pocket books in this community." Does
Starbucks dare
to claim that their company dollars are not subsidizing this
animal-abusing industry? Look
no further than the rodeos themselves, which say again in Belton, "Thank
you for your
continuous support in keeping the 80-year Rodeo tradition alive."
There it is folks, from the mouths of the Rodeo Mafia: their corporate
sponsors keep rodeo
alive. Dead steer. Dead calves. Dead horses. But, rodeo ALIVE.
Please, continue telling Starbucks to stop supporting the shameful rodeo
industry! If you
were one of those that have been lied to by Starbucks about their
involvement, call back
and demand to have these newly discovered sponsorships addressed. Let them
know that
people are no longer looking up at the pretty flag. We've seen the pile
of...crap at the
bottom of their flagpole.
Information to contact Starbucks, a downloadable flyer, and a petition
link, can all be
found at: www.BuckStarbucks.com.
For proof of the cruelty behind the rodeo, and of Starbucks support
of the cruel rodeo visit: http://www.buckstarbucks.com
Starbucks Retail Customer Relations
(800) 235-2883
Mon - Fri 5 AM - 6 PM (PST)
Sat - Sun 6 AM - 3 PM (PST)
Contact Starbucks here:
http://www.starbucks.com/customer/contact_forms.asp?nav=3f
From: www.BuckStarbucks.com
Dear Friends,
We were all surprised. We expected more from a company that waves its
`progressive' and
`socially responsible' flag so high and so brightly.
When SHARK discovered that Starbucks had sponsored the Cheyenne Frontier
Days Rodeo
-one of the most appalling rodeos that SHARK has documented-we could
attribute it to a
momentary lack in judgment by the company's management. Boy, were we wrong.
The lies just keep coming. When SHARK initially contacted Starbucks about
the matter of
the Cheyenne Frontier Days' ad, Starbucks insinuated that we were
mistaken. They said
didn't know anything about such an ad, and that we were probably wrong.
Consumers
who called were told by Starbucks, "No, we don't sponsor sporting events."
So, SHARK
showed them the ad. After a bit of balking, Starbucks spun their story to
say they are
proud to support local "festivals" and that the ad only cost $250
While we all know there is nothing "sporting" about rodeo, Starbucks made
that misleading
statement to imply that they do not sponsor rodeo-related events without
specifically
stating that. They didn't want to get caught in a lie. Starbucks wanted
everyone to believe
that the Cheyenne Frontier Days support was an isolated incident. In fact,
when SHARK
further discovered that Starbucks is a sponsor of Miss Rodeo Washington,
Starbucks again
said they didn't know anything about it and refused comment.
Now, we are really seeing how deep the deception goes. SHARK learned this
week that
Starbucks was not only a Gold Spur Sponsor at the Belton Rodeo in Texas,
but also
sponsored last week's American Royal rodeo in Kansas City, Missouri.
Starbucks must
really be taking us for fools and is hanging tight to the belief that
their big green flag will
distract everyone.
The American Royal is a rodeo that SHARK has investigated and documented
for the last
two years. We have seen this event to be one of the most abusive and
malicious rodeos
around. How many more Starbucks rodeo sponsorships will we dig up? Who
knows--and
Starbucks isn't talking.
The Belton PRCA Rodeo in Texas gave a very telling `thank you' to all of
their sponsors,
including Starbucks, saying, "It is because of you that we are able to
continue this event
that impacts everyone's heart and pocket books in this community." Does
Starbucks dare
to claim that their company dollars are not subsidizing this
animal-abusing industry? Look
no further than the rodeos themselves, which say again in Belton, "Thank
you for your
continuous support in keeping the 80-year Rodeo tradition alive."
There it is folks, from the mouths of the Rodeo Mafia: their corporate
sponsors keep rodeo
alive. Dead steer. Dead calves. Dead horses. But, rodeo ALIVE.
Please, continue telling Starbucks to stop supporting the shameful rodeo
industry! If you
were one of those that have been lied to by Starbucks about their
involvement, call back
and demand to have these newly discovered sponsorships addressed. Let them
know that
people are no longer looking up at the pretty flag. We've seen the pile
of...crap at the
bottom of their flagpole.
Information to contact Starbucks, a downloadable flyer, and a petition
link, can all be
found at: www.BuckStarbucks.com.
Your support of the captive dolphin industry when you go to Sea World, etc. directly supports dolphin slaughter. Is it really worth it?
Read on to see what I mean....
Sick, sick, sick issue this is. You'll see in the article below. And you'll see, they not only kill dolphins to eat, but also to supply the international dolphin captivity industry, to be kept in aquariums, trained to perform at dolphinariums or for swim-with-dolphin
programs. So you see, your support of the captive dolphin industry when you go to Sea World, etc. directly supports dolphin slaughter. Is it really worth it?
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/
getarticle.pl5?fe20051130a1.htm
'Secret' dolphin slaughter defies protests
By BOYD HARNELL
Special to The Japan Times
Japan's annual slaughter of thousands of dolphins
began Oct. 8 in the traditional whaling town of Taiji
on the Kii Peninsula of Honshu's Wakayama Prefecture.
These "drive fisheries" triggered demonstrations, held
under the "Japan Dolphin Day" banner, in 28 countries.
The protests went almost entirely unreported in Japan,
where only very few people are aware of what goes on.
The culling, spanning a period of six months, is
officially condoned as part of traditional culture,
and is described as "pest control" by practitioners.
However, it is the inhumane way in which the mammals
are killed, by stabbing and spearing them, that
especially provokes such widespread revulsion.
Taiji fishermen begin the oikomi (fishery drive) by
going out to sea in motor boats to locate pods of
dolphins. They then place long steel poles with
flared, bell-like ends into the water and bang them to
create a wall of sound that amplifies underwater and
drives their prey into a narrow cove. Once there, the
dolphins' escape is cut off by nets strung across the
mouth of the cove. The following day -- after they
have rested so, it is thought, their meat becomes more
tender -- they are herded into another cove nearby
where the slaughter is carried out. Much of the meat
is then processed for human consumption -- even though
eating it could well be a very foolhardy thing to do.
A video with footage shot at Taiji in January 2004 by
One Voice, a French-based animal rights group, and
other footage from a similar oikomi in Futo, Shizuoka
Prefecture, by a cameraman who requested anonymity,
shows dolphins thrashing about wildly as they try to
escape and the water turns red.
Drive fisheries appear to be carried out in as much
secrecy as possible, and the killing cove in Hatagiri
Bay at Taiji is hidden between two mountains. There, a
gigantic tarp is strung over the shoreline to cut off
the view from land, and paths leading to the cove are
closed off with chains and posted with signs reading
"No Trespassing!" and "Keep Out, Danger!" said Ric
O'Barry an official with One Voice.
O'Barry, a former trainer of the dolphins used in the
U.S. television series "Flipper," recently returned
home to Miami from Taiji after shooting footage of
freshly killed dolphins being lifted onto a pier in
the harbor there. Speaking prior to his departure,
O'Barry said that the Taiji dolphin-killers are proud
of what they do, and boast of a tradition dating back
400 years. "However," he commented, "if they are so
proud of this, why do they take such pains to hide
their activity?"
O'Barry said he met with the local Taiji fishery group
and offered them a subsidy to stop the killings, but
was rebuffed and told the dolphins were "pests" that
competed with the commercial fishery. Noting that
there are no scientific studies showing dolphins are
responsible for falling fish stocks in the area,
O'Barry cited overfishing as the probable cause.
But it is not just those doing the killing who make
every effort to hide it from the world. Japanese
officials also strongly discourage outsiders from
seeing, recording or protesting the blood-letting.
During a fishery drive on Nov. 18, 2003, two members
of the Washington state-based Sea Shepherd
Conservation Society were arrested by police from
Taiji's neighboring town of Shingu for jumping into
freezing waters and releasing 15 dolphins trapped in a
net awaiting slaughter. The pair, Alex Cornelisson
from the Netherlands and American Allison
Lance-Watson, were held without bail and only released
on Dec. 9, 2003, after being indicted and fined for
"forceful interference with Japanese commerce."
Meanwhile, two other Sea Shepherd members staying in a
trailer park in Taiji had their cameras, film,
computer and some personal belongings confiscated by
police, according to an online news release from the
group. Undeterred, Sea Shepherd is offering a $10,000
reward to anyone who provides the best footage of the
drive fishery.
In response to allegations that the oikomi dolphins
suffer from shock and die slowly, in a Sept. 19, 2005,
letter to British-based animal welfare and
conservation charity the Born Free Foundation, Jun
Koda, Counselor of the Japanese Embassy in London,
said: "In some small parts of our country we have a
long tradition of consuming dolphin meat. Japanese
fishermen are careful to minimize suffering as soon as
possible and cause as little pain to the dolphins as
possible."
Koda went on to say that the dolphin "almost instantly
meets its end within a maximum of 30 seconds and does
not suffer any pain."
A rebuttal from Born Free said the data in which Koda
based his claim is taken from Faeroe Island dolphin
hunts in the North Atlantic, which have not been
subject to independent scrutiny and hence have no
bearing on the Japanese culls. Koda's assertions are
also countered by observers from One Voice and Sea
Shepherd, who have reported seeing wounded dolphins
writhe in pain for almost six minutes before
succumbing to their wounds.
Meanwhile, another Japanese official was equally
forthright in countering critics' objections to
killing dolphins for food. In a telephone interview
this month, Hideki Moronuki, assistant director of the
whaling section in the Far Seas Fishery Division of
the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
expressed the view that, "If someone eats a cow, why
should one object to a dolphin being eaten; they're
all mammals."
He added, "If Australians want to eat kangaroos, we
don't care. . . . Please do not care what Japanese do.
. . . Dolphins and whales are part of Japanese food
culture."
Furthermore, speaking in English, Moronuki expressed
his view that dolphins are killed humanely in the
fishery drives. Then, comparing the slaughter of a
dolphin to that of a cow or a pig, he declared:
"Killing is killing."
O'Barry believes this is the attitude of most Japanese
fishermen. "They don't think of dolphins as
intelligent, highly complex animals that love to play
and interact with people," he said.
But such sentiments are not confined to welfare and
conservation groups.
On April 6, 2005, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a
Democrat from New Jersey, sponsored Senate Resolution
99, "Expressing the sense of the Senate to condemn the
inhumane and unnecessary slaughter of small cetaceans
. . . in certain nations." The submission, currently
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, not
only cites the fact that "those responsible for the
slaughter prevent documentation or data from the
events from being recorded or made public," but it
describes how, "each year tens of thousands of small
cetaceans are herded into small coves in certain
nations, are slaughtered with spears and knives, and
die as a result of blood loss and hemorrhagic shock."
C.W. Nicol, the renowned environmentalist, author,
whaling expert and Japan Times columnist, recently
made an M.B.E. by Queen Elizabeth II, witnessed the
Taiji dolphin slaughter while living there in 1978.
Speaking last week, he said: "It's been a cancer in my
gut ever since. It's no good to kill an animal
inhumanely, and to do so is not to the advantage of
Japan."
However, not all the captured dolphins are killed.
Every year, an unknown number of healthy young
specimens are selected and removed from the killing
coves to be sold into the international dolphin
captivity industry, to be kept in aquariums, trained
to perform at dolphinariums or for swim-with-dolphin
programs. At Taiji, those involved appear to reap rich
rewards in this way, and O'Barry said he was told
there that the fishery drives would stop and those
carrying them out would go back to catching lobsters
and crabs if they were not offered huge sums for
"show" dolphins.
Echoing this, Nicol said he vehemently opposes the
dolphin massacre, adding, that "dolphins not selected
for dolphinariums should be returned to the sea."
However, in a further, darkly ironic twist, serious
health issues would seem to surround meat from the
slaughtered animals, which is available at
supermarkets in Shizuoka Prefecture and Kyushu.
At present, Hiroyuki Uchimi of the Japanese health
ministry's Food Safety Division explained, the
provisional advisory safety levels set in 1973, and
still in effect for methyl mercury, are 2 micrograms a
week for pregnant women and 3.4 micrograms a week for
all others, including children, for each kilogram of
body weight.
But according to Tetsuya Endo, a member of the
Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty at Hokkaido's Health
Science University, mercury in a sample of the meat he
tested in 2003 from a supermarket in Ito, Shizuoka
Prefecture, was 14.2 times higher than the
government's maximum advisory level. "It is terrible,"
he said this month.
Endo's finding was amply supported by those of a
2000-2003 joint survey of small cetacean food products
sold in Japan by the Daichi College of Pharmaceutical
Sciences in Fukuoka, Kyushu, the university where Endo
works, and the School of Biological Sciences in
Auckland, New Zealand. Published in 2005, this found
that all dolphin food products "exceeded the
provisional permitted levels of 0.4 micrograms per wet
gram for total mercury and 0.3 micrograms per wet gram
for methyl mercury set by the Japanese government. The
highest level of methyl mercury was about 26
micrograms per wet gram in a food sample from a
striped dolphin, 87 times higher than the permitted
level." Methyl mercury is a particularly dangerous
form of mercury, a neurotoxic metal.
The paper concluded, "The consumption of red meat from
small cetaceans . . . could pose a health problem for
not only pregnant women, but also for the general
population."
Despite this -- and that Senate Resolution 99, which
cites "warnings regarding high levels of mercury and
other contaminants in meat from small cetaceans caught
off coastal regions" -- health warnings are not posted
on the labels of such food products sold in Japan.
In addition, critics of the drive fisheries claim
there is little monitoring of government culling
quotas, already the highest in the world. At present,
these quotas set by the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries -- with drive fishery licenses
then issued by prefectural governments to local
fishery cooperatives -- stipulate that in the current
2005/06 season, 21,120 small cetaceans can be killed,
besides those selected for captivity. O'Barry
estimates that "more than 400,000 dolphins have been
killed in Japan by dolphin hunters over the past two
decades."
O'Barry, who added that he is passionate about banning
dolphin hunts, said he even reversed his position on
hunting cetaceans "to be clowns" in aquarium shows
after Cathy, one of the dolphins that portrayed
Flipper, died in his arms. As a trainer, O'Barry said
he discovered that dolphins were among the very few
creatures in the animal kingdom that were not only
highly intelligent, but also self-aware, like gorillas
and humans, as evidenced by recognition of themselves
when they saw their reflection in a mirror or watched
themselves on a TV monitor.
Perhaps a similar self-awareness on the part of
dolphin hunters would point a way forward. This may
already be happening, as film-maker Hardy Jones of the
California-based Blue Voice conservation group found
last month when he was in Futo, where recently there
has been a drastic decline in dolphin catches.
In a phone interview last week, Jones explained that
while in Futo he heard from a source close to former
dolphin hunter Izumi Ishii that "Ishii has switched
from hunting dolphins to conducting 'dolphin watch'
tours. So far this year he's taken 2,600 tourists, who
pay 4,000 yen each to enjoy seeing dolphins in the
wild."
As Jones observed, "With Ishii making more money from
the tours than he ever did as a dolphin hunter, he is
setting a great example for the Taiji fishermen to
follow as well."
Boyd Harnell is a Japan-based journalist who has
worked for Time Life TV, UPI, Kyodo News and other
media outlets.
The Japan Times: Nov. 30, 2005
Sick, sick, sick issue this is. You'll see in the article below. And you'll see, they not only kill dolphins to eat, but also to supply the international dolphin captivity industry, to be kept in aquariums, trained to perform at dolphinariums or for swim-with-dolphin
programs. So you see, your support of the captive dolphin industry when you go to Sea World, etc. directly supports dolphin slaughter. Is it really worth it?
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/
getarticle.pl5?fe20051130a1.htm
'Secret' dolphin slaughter defies protests
By BOYD HARNELL
Special to The Japan Times
Japan's annual slaughter of thousands of dolphins
began Oct. 8 in the traditional whaling town of Taiji
on the Kii Peninsula of Honshu's Wakayama Prefecture.
These "drive fisheries" triggered demonstrations, held
under the "Japan Dolphin Day" banner, in 28 countries.
The protests went almost entirely unreported in Japan,
where only very few people are aware of what goes on.
The culling, spanning a period of six months, is
officially condoned as part of traditional culture,
and is described as "pest control" by practitioners.
However, it is the inhumane way in which the mammals
are killed, by stabbing and spearing them, that
especially provokes such widespread revulsion.
Taiji fishermen begin the oikomi (fishery drive) by
going out to sea in motor boats to locate pods of
dolphins. They then place long steel poles with
flared, bell-like ends into the water and bang them to
create a wall of sound that amplifies underwater and
drives their prey into a narrow cove. Once there, the
dolphins' escape is cut off by nets strung across the
mouth of the cove. The following day -- after they
have rested so, it is thought, their meat becomes more
tender -- they are herded into another cove nearby
where the slaughter is carried out. Much of the meat
is then processed for human consumption -- even though
eating it could well be a very foolhardy thing to do.
A video with footage shot at Taiji in January 2004 by
One Voice, a French-based animal rights group, and
other footage from a similar oikomi in Futo, Shizuoka
Prefecture, by a cameraman who requested anonymity,
shows dolphins thrashing about wildly as they try to
escape and the water turns red.
Drive fisheries appear to be carried out in as much
secrecy as possible, and the killing cove in Hatagiri
Bay at Taiji is hidden between two mountains. There, a
gigantic tarp is strung over the shoreline to cut off
the view from land, and paths leading to the cove are
closed off with chains and posted with signs reading
"No Trespassing!" and "Keep Out, Danger!" said Ric
O'Barry an official with One Voice.
O'Barry, a former trainer of the dolphins used in the
U.S. television series "Flipper," recently returned
home to Miami from Taiji after shooting footage of
freshly killed dolphins being lifted onto a pier in
the harbor there. Speaking prior to his departure,
O'Barry said that the Taiji dolphin-killers are proud
of what they do, and boast of a tradition dating back
400 years. "However," he commented, "if they are so
proud of this, why do they take such pains to hide
their activity?"
O'Barry said he met with the local Taiji fishery group
and offered them a subsidy to stop the killings, but
was rebuffed and told the dolphins were "pests" that
competed with the commercial fishery. Noting that
there are no scientific studies showing dolphins are
responsible for falling fish stocks in the area,
O'Barry cited overfishing as the probable cause.
But it is not just those doing the killing who make
every effort to hide it from the world. Japanese
officials also strongly discourage outsiders from
seeing, recording or protesting the blood-letting.
During a fishery drive on Nov. 18, 2003, two members
of the Washington state-based Sea Shepherd
Conservation Society were arrested by police from
Taiji's neighboring town of Shingu for jumping into
freezing waters and releasing 15 dolphins trapped in a
net awaiting slaughter. The pair, Alex Cornelisson
from the Netherlands and American Allison
Lance-Watson, were held without bail and only released
on Dec. 9, 2003, after being indicted and fined for
"forceful interference with Japanese commerce."
Meanwhile, two other Sea Shepherd members staying in a
trailer park in Taiji had their cameras, film,
computer and some personal belongings confiscated by
police, according to an online news release from the
group. Undeterred, Sea Shepherd is offering a $10,000
reward to anyone who provides the best footage of the
drive fishery.
In response to allegations that the oikomi dolphins
suffer from shock and die slowly, in a Sept. 19, 2005,
letter to British-based animal welfare and
conservation charity the Born Free Foundation, Jun
Koda, Counselor of the Japanese Embassy in London,
said: "In some small parts of our country we have a
long tradition of consuming dolphin meat. Japanese
fishermen are careful to minimize suffering as soon as
possible and cause as little pain to the dolphins as
possible."
Koda went on to say that the dolphin "almost instantly
meets its end within a maximum of 30 seconds and does
not suffer any pain."
A rebuttal from Born Free said the data in which Koda
based his claim is taken from Faeroe Island dolphin
hunts in the North Atlantic, which have not been
subject to independent scrutiny and hence have no
bearing on the Japanese culls. Koda's assertions are
also countered by observers from One Voice and Sea
Shepherd, who have reported seeing wounded dolphins
writhe in pain for almost six minutes before
succumbing to their wounds.
Meanwhile, another Japanese official was equally
forthright in countering critics' objections to
killing dolphins for food. In a telephone interview
this month, Hideki Moronuki, assistant director of the
whaling section in the Far Seas Fishery Division of
the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
expressed the view that, "If someone eats a cow, why
should one object to a dolphin being eaten; they're
all mammals."
He added, "If Australians want to eat kangaroos, we
don't care. . . . Please do not care what Japanese do.
. . . Dolphins and whales are part of Japanese food
culture."
Furthermore, speaking in English, Moronuki expressed
his view that dolphins are killed humanely in the
fishery drives. Then, comparing the slaughter of a
dolphin to that of a cow or a pig, he declared:
"Killing is killing."
O'Barry believes this is the attitude of most Japanese
fishermen. "They don't think of dolphins as
intelligent, highly complex animals that love to play
and interact with people," he said.
But such sentiments are not confined to welfare and
conservation groups.
On April 6, 2005, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a
Democrat from New Jersey, sponsored Senate Resolution
99, "Expressing the sense of the Senate to condemn the
inhumane and unnecessary slaughter of small cetaceans
. . . in certain nations." The submission, currently
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, not
only cites the fact that "those responsible for the
slaughter prevent documentation or data from the
events from being recorded or made public," but it
describes how, "each year tens of thousands of small
cetaceans are herded into small coves in certain
nations, are slaughtered with spears and knives, and
die as a result of blood loss and hemorrhagic shock."
C.W. Nicol, the renowned environmentalist, author,
whaling expert and Japan Times columnist, recently
made an M.B.E. by Queen Elizabeth II, witnessed the
Taiji dolphin slaughter while living there in 1978.
Speaking last week, he said: "It's been a cancer in my
gut ever since. It's no good to kill an animal
inhumanely, and to do so is not to the advantage of
Japan."
However, not all the captured dolphins are killed.
Every year, an unknown number of healthy young
specimens are selected and removed from the killing
coves to be sold into the international dolphin
captivity industry, to be kept in aquariums, trained
to perform at dolphinariums or for swim-with-dolphin
programs. At Taiji, those involved appear to reap rich
rewards in this way, and O'Barry said he was told
there that the fishery drives would stop and those
carrying them out would go back to catching lobsters
and crabs if they were not offered huge sums for
"show" dolphins.
Echoing this, Nicol said he vehemently opposes the
dolphin massacre, adding, that "dolphins not selected
for dolphinariums should be returned to the sea."
However, in a further, darkly ironic twist, serious
health issues would seem to surround meat from the
slaughtered animals, which is available at
supermarkets in Shizuoka Prefecture and Kyushu.
At present, Hiroyuki Uchimi of the Japanese health
ministry's Food Safety Division explained, the
provisional advisory safety levels set in 1973, and
still in effect for methyl mercury, are 2 micrograms a
week for pregnant women and 3.4 micrograms a week for
all others, including children, for each kilogram of
body weight.
But according to Tetsuya Endo, a member of the
Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty at Hokkaido's Health
Science University, mercury in a sample of the meat he
tested in 2003 from a supermarket in Ito, Shizuoka
Prefecture, was 14.2 times higher than the
government's maximum advisory level. "It is terrible,"
he said this month.
Endo's finding was amply supported by those of a
2000-2003 joint survey of small cetacean food products
sold in Japan by the Daichi College of Pharmaceutical
Sciences in Fukuoka, Kyushu, the university where Endo
works, and the School of Biological Sciences in
Auckland, New Zealand. Published in 2005, this found
that all dolphin food products "exceeded the
provisional permitted levels of 0.4 micrograms per wet
gram for total mercury and 0.3 micrograms per wet gram
for methyl mercury set by the Japanese government. The
highest level of methyl mercury was about 26
micrograms per wet gram in a food sample from a
striped dolphin, 87 times higher than the permitted
level." Methyl mercury is a particularly dangerous
form of mercury, a neurotoxic metal.
The paper concluded, "The consumption of red meat from
small cetaceans . . . could pose a health problem for
not only pregnant women, but also for the general
population."
Despite this -- and that Senate Resolution 99, which
cites "warnings regarding high levels of mercury and
other contaminants in meat from small cetaceans caught
off coastal regions" -- health warnings are not posted
on the labels of such food products sold in Japan.
In addition, critics of the drive fisheries claim
there is little monitoring of government culling
quotas, already the highest in the world. At present,
these quotas set by the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries -- with drive fishery licenses
then issued by prefectural governments to local
fishery cooperatives -- stipulate that in the current
2005/06 season, 21,120 small cetaceans can be killed,
besides those selected for captivity. O'Barry
estimates that "more than 400,000 dolphins have been
killed in Japan by dolphin hunters over the past two
decades."
O'Barry, who added that he is passionate about banning
dolphin hunts, said he even reversed his position on
hunting cetaceans "to be clowns" in aquarium shows
after Cathy, one of the dolphins that portrayed
Flipper, died in his arms. As a trainer, O'Barry said
he discovered that dolphins were among the very few
creatures in the animal kingdom that were not only
highly intelligent, but also self-aware, like gorillas
and humans, as evidenced by recognition of themselves
when they saw their reflection in a mirror or watched
themselves on a TV monitor.
Perhaps a similar self-awareness on the part of
dolphin hunters would point a way forward. This may
already be happening, as film-maker Hardy Jones of the
California-based Blue Voice conservation group found
last month when he was in Futo, where recently there
has been a drastic decline in dolphin catches.
In a phone interview last week, Jones explained that
while in Futo he heard from a source close to former
dolphin hunter Izumi Ishii that "Ishii has switched
from hunting dolphins to conducting 'dolphin watch'
tours. So far this year he's taken 2,600 tourists, who
pay 4,000 yen each to enjoy seeing dolphins in the
wild."
As Jones observed, "With Ishii making more money from
the tours than he ever did as a dolphin hunter, he is
setting a great example for the Taiji fishermen to
follow as well."
Boyd Harnell is a Japan-based journalist who has
worked for Time Life TV, UPI, Kyodo News and other
media outlets.
The Japan Times: Nov. 30, 2005
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
The Myth of Dean Foods' Horizon Organic Dairy Products and of Free Range Organic Dairy in General - More Evidence On the Lies Behind the Industry
The is a very serious issue. One that will only grow in size in the coming years.
I have listed the urls for a few related articles. The first one is VERY related.
Actually shows photos of the Aurora "Organic Dairy" that is mentioned below.
From the actual group that is calling for an investigation of it. Very interesting reading. I encourage all to visit each article.
The point is to question and not just accept what these companies
say (especially when owned by a large corporation like Dean Foods. Did anyone ever really think that when Horizon Organic sold out to Dean Foods that they would have good intentions? Come on...)
Also, and most importantly, demand strict standards.
Articles:
Cornucopia Institute Requests Full USDA Investigation of Aurora Dairy
http://www.cornucopia.org/
See pictures from same site on supposed "organic" farms -
http://cornucopia.org/index.php/horizon-factory-farm-photo-gallery/
Photos of the truth behind a Horizon operation -
http://cornucopia.org/pasture/?page_id=18 Organic my ...
Clouds on the Organic Horizon
Is organic farming becoming the victim of its own success? -
http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=11712
This is a column the Denver Post business section 11/29/05. Humanely raised
organic free range milk and eggs are a myth that is nothing but a marketing
tool perpetuated by the meat and dairy industry to soften the horror of
factory farming.
Cow pies fly over organic standards
By Al Lewis
Denver Post Staff Columnist
Organic cows are happy cows, grazing free in green pastures - at least that's
what the organic-milk cartons imply. The less stress on the cow, goes the
logic, the better the milk. Consumers who pay a premium for organic milk are
supposed to feel good about subsidizing this expensive bovine lifestyle.
Ordinary dairy cows, by contrast, are strapped to a big corporate sucking
machine for up to 10 months a year. And they typically get turned into
hamburger before they can complain about it. But Steve Wells, 48, who runs a
32,000- acre ranch east of Greeley, says he didn't let the so-called organic
cows out of his feedlot very often. Wells was a contractor for Boulder-based
Aurora Organic Dairy, which supplies milk for private labels in stores such
as Safeway, Wild Oats, Target and Costco, and also to Dean Foods' Horizon
Organic. Wells, a fourth-generation rancher, said Aurora Organic didn't pay
him for access to his pastures, so he didn't provide it. He claims Aurora
Organic broke promises to him and used him to create the illusion of
pasture-roaming cows: "They blew so much smoke, they looked like the train
from 'Petticoat Junction."' Wells is smoking his own pipe, say Aurora Organic
officials. "He is a former supplier," said Clark Driftmier, Aurora Organic's
vice president of marketing. "We terminated relations with him earlier this
year. He became disgruntled and decided to make false and disparaging
statements about our company." So I spent hours on the phone Monday listening
to allegations and counterallegations regarding milk production, organic
standards and the unfortunate lives of cows. Folks from Aurora Organic told
me Wells pulled out a gun and chased their employees off his ranch. No police
report was filed. Wells categorically denies wielding a gun and said the
allegation was invented to discredit him. "They are gonna twist this thing,"
Wells said. "I heard they are getting ready to sue me. That's fine. I don't
care. They can bring a $400-an-hour attorney to the table and I'll bring the
truth, and we'll see who wins." For now, Wells is providing new ammunition
for the Cornucopia Institute, a small, Wisconsin-based group that advocates
"economic justice for the family-scale farms." Earlier this year, Cornucopia
complained to the U.S. Agriculture Department that Aurora Organic wasn't
living up to organic standards. The department dismissed the complaint.
Earlier this month, though, Cornucopia filed a new complaint, based primarily
on a visit to Wells' ranch. "It's a confinement farm masquerading as
something organic," Cornucopia co-founder Mark Kastel said of Aurora Organic,
which has more than 5,000 dairy cows. "You can't manage that many cows and
logistically move them" from milking operations to pastures, Kastel said. Not
so, said Driftmier, who says that as a small-farm activist, Kastel simply
resents anything big. "Cornucopia is a renegade activist group who has on
several occasions distributed false and disparaging information about us,"
Driftmier said. "In each case, the accusations were found to be entirely
without merit. ... They throw as much mud on the wall as possible and expect
us to go back and clean it off." I knew I could not get to the bottom of this
spat, so I called Dave Carter, a Coloradan who serves on the National Organic
Standards Board, which advises the USDA. Carter also knows folks at Aurora
Organic and Cornucopia. "This is frustrating," he told me. "I've been on the
standards board for five years, and this has been a continuing point of
concern." To be organically certified, cows must have access to pasture, but
the law doesn't specify how much access. It's so vague, organic ranchers
could come to any number of interpretations, Carter told me, adding that
Aurora Organic is advocating a broad interpretation. "Their interpretation of
'access to pasture' is beyond what the regulations intended to provide,"
Carter said. Please, don't tell the cows, though. There's huge demand for
organic milk, and they are too busy producing it to be bothered with all this
petty bickering. Al Lewis' column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Respond to Al at denverpostbloghouse.com/lewis, 303-820-1967 or
alewis@denverpost.com.
I have listed the urls for a few related articles. The first one is VERY related.
Actually shows photos of the Aurora "Organic Dairy" that is mentioned below.
From the actual group that is calling for an investigation of it. Very interesting reading. I encourage all to visit each article.
The point is to question and not just accept what these companies
say (especially when owned by a large corporation like Dean Foods. Did anyone ever really think that when Horizon Organic sold out to Dean Foods that they would have good intentions? Come on...)
Also, and most importantly, demand strict standards.
Articles:
Cornucopia Institute Requests Full USDA Investigation of Aurora Dairy
http://www.cornucopia.org/
See pictures from same site on supposed "organic" farms -
http://cornucopia.org/index.php/horizon-factory-farm-photo-gallery/
Photos of the truth behind a Horizon operation -
http://cornucopia.org/pasture/?page_id=18 Organic my ...
Clouds on the Organic Horizon
Is organic farming becoming the victim of its own success? -
http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=11712
This is a column the Denver Post business section 11/29/05. Humanely raised
organic free range milk and eggs are a myth that is nothing but a marketing
tool perpetuated by the meat and dairy industry to soften the horror of
factory farming.
Cow pies fly over organic standards
By Al Lewis
Denver Post Staff Columnist
Organic cows are happy cows, grazing free in green pastures - at least that's
what the organic-milk cartons imply. The less stress on the cow, goes the
logic, the better the milk. Consumers who pay a premium for organic milk are
supposed to feel good about subsidizing this expensive bovine lifestyle.
Ordinary dairy cows, by contrast, are strapped to a big corporate sucking
machine for up to 10 months a year. And they typically get turned into
hamburger before they can complain about it. But Steve Wells, 48, who runs a
32,000- acre ranch east of Greeley, says he didn't let the so-called organic
cows out of his feedlot very often. Wells was a contractor for Boulder-based
Aurora Organic Dairy, which supplies milk for private labels in stores such
as Safeway, Wild Oats, Target and Costco, and also to Dean Foods' Horizon
Organic. Wells, a fourth-generation rancher, said Aurora Organic didn't pay
him for access to his pastures, so he didn't provide it. He claims Aurora
Organic broke promises to him and used him to create the illusion of
pasture-roaming cows: "They blew so much smoke, they looked like the train
from 'Petticoat Junction."' Wells is smoking his own pipe, say Aurora Organic
officials. "He is a former supplier," said Clark Driftmier, Aurora Organic's
vice president of marketing. "We terminated relations with him earlier this
year. He became disgruntled and decided to make false and disparaging
statements about our company." So I spent hours on the phone Monday listening
to allegations and counterallegations regarding milk production, organic
standards and the unfortunate lives of cows. Folks from Aurora Organic told
me Wells pulled out a gun and chased their employees off his ranch. No police
report was filed. Wells categorically denies wielding a gun and said the
allegation was invented to discredit him. "They are gonna twist this thing,"
Wells said. "I heard they are getting ready to sue me. That's fine. I don't
care. They can bring a $400-an-hour attorney to the table and I'll bring the
truth, and we'll see who wins." For now, Wells is providing new ammunition
for the Cornucopia Institute, a small, Wisconsin-based group that advocates
"economic justice for the family-scale farms." Earlier this year, Cornucopia
complained to the U.S. Agriculture Department that Aurora Organic wasn't
living up to organic standards. The department dismissed the complaint.
Earlier this month, though, Cornucopia filed a new complaint, based primarily
on a visit to Wells' ranch. "It's a confinement farm masquerading as
something organic," Cornucopia co-founder Mark Kastel said of Aurora Organic,
which has more than 5,000 dairy cows. "You can't manage that many cows and
logistically move them" from milking operations to pastures, Kastel said. Not
so, said Driftmier, who says that as a small-farm activist, Kastel simply
resents anything big. "Cornucopia is a renegade activist group who has on
several occasions distributed false and disparaging information about us,"
Driftmier said. "In each case, the accusations were found to be entirely
without merit. ... They throw as much mud on the wall as possible and expect
us to go back and clean it off." I knew I could not get to the bottom of this
spat, so I called Dave Carter, a Coloradan who serves on the National Organic
Standards Board, which advises the USDA. Carter also knows folks at Aurora
Organic and Cornucopia. "This is frustrating," he told me. "I've been on the
standards board for five years, and this has been a continuing point of
concern." To be organically certified, cows must have access to pasture, but
the law doesn't specify how much access. It's so vague, organic ranchers
could come to any number of interpretations, Carter told me, adding that
Aurora Organic is advocating a broad interpretation. "Their interpretation of
'access to pasture' is beyond what the regulations intended to provide,"
Carter said. Please, don't tell the cows, though. There's huge demand for
organic milk, and they are too busy producing it to be bothered with all this
petty bickering. Al Lewis' column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Respond to Al at denverpostbloghouse.com/lewis, 303-820-1967 or
alewis@denverpost.com.
The World Wide Fund aka the World Wildlife Fund Supports Killing Elephants in South Africa! Am I Just Confused, or Does This Not Make Sense?
Well, well, well, The World Wide Fund is at it again. Yes, it is the same group as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF is still known as the World Wildlife Fund in the United States of America and in Canada - this was from their website). This time supporting killing elephants! Wow. Perhaps they need to change their name to something like the World Wide Fund for Bloated Bureaucracy Parading as Conservationists. Interesting logo I bet.
Hard to believe that a group that describes itself as the following would actually get behind killing of species! Idiocy, stupidity and hypocrisy rolled up into one. "Known worldwide by its panda logo, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) leads international efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. Now in its fifth decade, WWF works in more than 100 countries around the globe to conserve the diversity of life on earth. With nearly 1.2 million members in the U.S. and another 4 million worldwide, WWF is the world's largest privately financed conservation organization."
Is it me, or am I missing something???
Story at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051129
/ap_on_re_af/south_africa_elephants
Elephant Culling Splits Wildlife Groups
By CLARE NULLIS, Associated Press WriterMon Nov 28, 9:32 PM ET
Wildlife groups meeting with South Africa's environment minister Monday were split over a proposal to cull the growing elephant population in the country's flagship national park.
The Environmental Affairs and Tourism Ministry said earlier this year it was considering resuming the elephant kills in Kruger National Park, one of South Africa's top tourist attractions, on the advice of South African National Parks officials.
South Africa stopped culling in 1995, partly because of local and international pressure.
"The Kruger National Park attracts 1.3 million tourists a year and South Africa's reputation as a custodian of wildlife can only suffer if the shooting starts again," Jason Bell-Leask, southern African director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said in a statement Monday.
Bell-Leask called culling a "cruel, unethical and a scientifically unsound practice" and said the government should first consider other options such as the use of cross-border "megaparks" to allow greater movement of elephants between countries, and more widespread use of contraception.
The World Wide Fund for Nature expressed support for the government approach, however, saying it was sure culling would not be undertaken without due consideration of alternatives.
"Given elephants' ability to transform an entire landscape, action is needed, or the result will be the mass starvation of elephants and other species," Rob Little, conservation director for WWF South Africa, said in a statement Monday.
Kruger officials have said that without action, the elephant population will triple to 34,000 by 2020, posing a threat to other animals and vegetation in the Israel-sized reserve.
South Africa is consulting neighboring African countries also affected by increasing elephant populations, but there is no regional consensus about how to manage the herds.
Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk has said adjacent parks and game reserves are also full, and that contraception is expensive and poses practical problems.
The Elephants Alive Coalition of environmental groups said tourists would "be disturbed by the prospect that the elephants they enjoy watching and photographing during their safari one day, could easily be hanging upside down from a meat hook ... the next."
Environment Ministry spokesman J.P. Louw referred to claims that a resumption in elephant kills would prompt a boycott by foreign tourists as "intimidation tactics." He added in an interview that van Schalkwyk was holding consultations with authorities in Europe — the source of most foreign tourists to South Africa — to ensure they understood the problems involved in managing elephants.
Representatives of communities bordering the park are in favor of culling, saying the proceeds would provide badly needed jobs and revenue. They say that, with the increasing population, elephants break through park fences more often and pose a threat to nearby villages.
South Africa slaughtered a total of 14,562 elephants between 1967 and 1994. Without that cull, the population would have rocketed by now to 80,000, according to parks chief executive David Mabunda.
South Africa, Namibia and Botswana all have booming elephant populations, while East African nations such as Kenya struggle to increase their herds, which were decimated by poaching in the 1980s. Trade in ivory has been banned since 1989 to try to combat poaching.
South Africa has repeatedly appealed to the U.N. body monitoring endangered species to lift the ban on trade in ivory to allow the proceeds to be invested in parks.
Hard to believe that a group that describes itself as the following would actually get behind killing of species! Idiocy, stupidity and hypocrisy rolled up into one. "Known worldwide by its panda logo, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) leads international efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. Now in its fifth decade, WWF works in more than 100 countries around the globe to conserve the diversity of life on earth. With nearly 1.2 million members in the U.S. and another 4 million worldwide, WWF is the world's largest privately financed conservation organization."
Is it me, or am I missing something???
Story at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051129
/ap_on_re_af/south_africa_elephants
Elephant Culling Splits Wildlife Groups
By CLARE NULLIS, Associated Press WriterMon Nov 28, 9:32 PM ET
Wildlife groups meeting with South Africa's environment minister Monday were split over a proposal to cull the growing elephant population in the country's flagship national park.
The Environmental Affairs and Tourism Ministry said earlier this year it was considering resuming the elephant kills in Kruger National Park, one of South Africa's top tourist attractions, on the advice of South African National Parks officials.
South Africa stopped culling in 1995, partly because of local and international pressure.
"The Kruger National Park attracts 1.3 million tourists a year and South Africa's reputation as a custodian of wildlife can only suffer if the shooting starts again," Jason Bell-Leask, southern African director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said in a statement Monday.
Bell-Leask called culling a "cruel, unethical and a scientifically unsound practice" and said the government should first consider other options such as the use of cross-border "megaparks" to allow greater movement of elephants between countries, and more widespread use of contraception.
The World Wide Fund for Nature expressed support for the government approach, however, saying it was sure culling would not be undertaken without due consideration of alternatives.
"Given elephants' ability to transform an entire landscape, action is needed, or the result will be the mass starvation of elephants and other species," Rob Little, conservation director for WWF South Africa, said in a statement Monday.
Kruger officials have said that without action, the elephant population will triple to 34,000 by 2020, posing a threat to other animals and vegetation in the Israel-sized reserve.
South Africa is consulting neighboring African countries also affected by increasing elephant populations, but there is no regional consensus about how to manage the herds.
Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk has said adjacent parks and game reserves are also full, and that contraception is expensive and poses practical problems.
The Elephants Alive Coalition of environmental groups said tourists would "be disturbed by the prospect that the elephants they enjoy watching and photographing during their safari one day, could easily be hanging upside down from a meat hook ... the next."
Environment Ministry spokesman J.P. Louw referred to claims that a resumption in elephant kills would prompt a boycott by foreign tourists as "intimidation tactics." He added in an interview that van Schalkwyk was holding consultations with authorities in Europe — the source of most foreign tourists to South Africa — to ensure they understood the problems involved in managing elephants.
Representatives of communities bordering the park are in favor of culling, saying the proceeds would provide badly needed jobs and revenue. They say that, with the increasing population, elephants break through park fences more often and pose a threat to nearby villages.
South Africa slaughtered a total of 14,562 elephants between 1967 and 1994. Without that cull, the population would have rocketed by now to 80,000, according to parks chief executive David Mabunda.
South Africa, Namibia and Botswana all have booming elephant populations, while East African nations such as Kenya struggle to increase their herds, which were decimated by poaching in the 1980s. Trade in ivory has been banned since 1989 to try to combat poaching.
South Africa has repeatedly appealed to the U.N. body monitoring endangered species to lift the ban on trade in ivory to allow the proceeds to be invested in parks.
U.S. Troops Rescue Ethiopian Cheetah Cubs
Good to see the military finally did something positive. Let's hope keeping them on the palace grounds is the right choice.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/
20051129/ap_on_re_af/ethiopia_cheetahs
U.S. Troops Rescue Ethiopian Cheetah Cubs
By ANTHONY MITCHELL, Associated Press WriterTue Nov 29, 2:42 PM ET
U.S. troops flew two endangered cheetah cubs to the Ethiopian capital Tuesday after instigating their rescue from a remote village where a restaurant owner had held them captive and abused them.
The male and female cubs — whom the soldiers named Scout and Patch — were released on the grounds of the Ethiopian president's official residence after their 680-mile journey from the eastern hamlet of Gode.
"This is the first kind of rescue of animals, let alone cheetahs, that we have done," said Sgt. Leah Cobble, 26, of Washington, as she cuddled the two purring cubs on the runway of Bole International Airport before handing them to government veterinarian Fekadu Shiferaw.
The saga of the cubs started last month when U.S. counterterrorism troops, carrying out humanitarian work in the Gode region, discovered the animals' owner was keeping them tied up with ropes around their necks at his restaurant and forcing them to fight each other for the amusement of patrons and village children. One cub is blind in one eye.
The soldiers alerted the Ethiopian government and a U.S.-based cheetah rescue organization, drawing international attention to the cubs' plight. They also tried to persuade restaurant owner Mohamed Hudle to hand over the cubs, but he wanted $1,000 for each animal — 10 times the average income in this impoverished nation of 77 million people.
Fekadu, the veterinarian, intervened. He flew to the village Saturday, confiscated the cubs, and handed them over to U.S. forces for Tuesday's transport. The vet said Mohamed was not paid for the animals and that both had received antibiotic treatment and appeared in good health.
"Had we not had the help of the U.S. military, it would not have been possible to rescue these animals," Fekadu said after arriving with the cubs aboard the U.S. plane.
The cheetah is endangered worldwide because of loss of habitat, poaching and other factors, according to the Ohio-based Cheetah Conservation Fund.
Keeping wild animals is illegal without a license, but Ethiopia's wildlife laws are rarely enforced. Fekadu said the cubs eventually may have been sent to the Middle East as part of the wildlife trafficking trade in this part of Africa.
Mohamed said he bought the cubs from poachers who had kicked the female cub — Patch — in the face, blinding her.
The cubs will now live at the National Palace, home to President Girma Woldegirogis, along with three rescued lions and some vervet monkeys.
But palace animal keeper Kura Tulu said financial help may be needed to give the cubs the best of care. There is only an annual budget of $3,500 to look after all the animals at the palace, Kura said.
U.S. soldiers in the Horn of Africa are part of a task force that provides intelligence-gathering help to countries in the region, tries to bolster cooperation and border protection, and carries out humanitarian projects — digging wells, building bridges, helping construct schools — aimed at improving the U.S. military's image among Muslims.
"This is not the usual kind of support we offer," Cobble said of the cheetah rescue. "This was a way to support the Ethiopian authorities and local leaders and we were happy to do that. It has turned out very well for everyone, but mostly the cheetahs."
Soldiers said the cheetahs, riding in a cardboard box, purred throughout their 1 1/2-hour flight from Gode.
"The cheetahs really brought the soft side out in the troops," Cobble said. "They were all cooing over the cats like children."
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On the Net:
Cheetah Conservation Fund: http://www.cheetah.org
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/
20051129/ap_on_re_af/ethiopia_cheetahs
U.S. Troops Rescue Ethiopian Cheetah Cubs
By ANTHONY MITCHELL, Associated Press WriterTue Nov 29, 2:42 PM ET
U.S. troops flew two endangered cheetah cubs to the Ethiopian capital Tuesday after instigating their rescue from a remote village where a restaurant owner had held them captive and abused them.
The male and female cubs — whom the soldiers named Scout and Patch — were released on the grounds of the Ethiopian president's official residence after their 680-mile journey from the eastern hamlet of Gode.
"This is the first kind of rescue of animals, let alone cheetahs, that we have done," said Sgt. Leah Cobble, 26, of Washington, as she cuddled the two purring cubs on the runway of Bole International Airport before handing them to government veterinarian Fekadu Shiferaw.
The saga of the cubs started last month when U.S. counterterrorism troops, carrying out humanitarian work in the Gode region, discovered the animals' owner was keeping them tied up with ropes around their necks at his restaurant and forcing them to fight each other for the amusement of patrons and village children. One cub is blind in one eye.
The soldiers alerted the Ethiopian government and a U.S.-based cheetah rescue organization, drawing international attention to the cubs' plight. They also tried to persuade restaurant owner Mohamed Hudle to hand over the cubs, but he wanted $1,000 for each animal — 10 times the average income in this impoverished nation of 77 million people.
Fekadu, the veterinarian, intervened. He flew to the village Saturday, confiscated the cubs, and handed them over to U.S. forces for Tuesday's transport. The vet said Mohamed was not paid for the animals and that both had received antibiotic treatment and appeared in good health.
"Had we not had the help of the U.S. military, it would not have been possible to rescue these animals," Fekadu said after arriving with the cubs aboard the U.S. plane.
The cheetah is endangered worldwide because of loss of habitat, poaching and other factors, according to the Ohio-based Cheetah Conservation Fund.
Keeping wild animals is illegal without a license, but Ethiopia's wildlife laws are rarely enforced. Fekadu said the cubs eventually may have been sent to the Middle East as part of the wildlife trafficking trade in this part of Africa.
Mohamed said he bought the cubs from poachers who had kicked the female cub — Patch — in the face, blinding her.
The cubs will now live at the National Palace, home to President Girma Woldegirogis, along with three rescued lions and some vervet monkeys.
But palace animal keeper Kura Tulu said financial help may be needed to give the cubs the best of care. There is only an annual budget of $3,500 to look after all the animals at the palace, Kura said.
U.S. soldiers in the Horn of Africa are part of a task force that provides intelligence-gathering help to countries in the region, tries to bolster cooperation and border protection, and carries out humanitarian projects — digging wells, building bridges, helping construct schools — aimed at improving the U.S. military's image among Muslims.
"This is not the usual kind of support we offer," Cobble said of the cheetah rescue. "This was a way to support the Ethiopian authorities and local leaders and we were happy to do that. It has turned out very well for everyone, but mostly the cheetahs."
Soldiers said the cheetahs, riding in a cardboard box, purred throughout their 1 1/2-hour flight from Gode.
"The cheetahs really brought the soft side out in the troops," Cobble said. "They were all cooing over the cats like children."
___
On the Net:
Cheetah Conservation Fund: http://www.cheetah.org
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