Article:
Va.'s species face bleak future
http://www.timesdispatch.com/
A scientist discusses global warming at a U.S. Senate hearing
BY REX SPRINGSTON AND PETER HARDIN
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITERS
Feb 12, 2007
Bigger dead zones in the Chesapeake Bay. Weed-infested forests. Sick fish.
This is scientist Roger Mann's vision of a Virginia afflicted by global warming.
Stressed, dying trees. Forest fires. Diseased oysters.
The list goes on.
"I think it could be quite a big deal," Mann said from his office at Gloucester Point.
Mann, research director at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, addressed a U.S. Senate panel last week on global warming's potential effects on the state's wildlife and plants.
He was welcomed by Virginia Sen. John W. Warner, the senior Republican on the new panel, a subcommittee looking at global warming and wildlife.
In testimony and in an interview, Mann said global warming appears to be causing some problems now, and more could be on the way.
Among his assertions:
# Trees could become so stressed that insects and disease could kill them more easily. Also, warmer, drier weather could promote forest fires.
# Invasive, hardy plants such as the tree of heaven, Japanese honeysuckle and multiflora rose could get a boost, helping them overtake many of Virginia's native plants.
# The Chesapeake Bay could suffer larger dead zones, which are low-oxygen areas where fish and other animals have trouble surviving. Warm water helps create the zones.
# Striped bass -- commercially and recreationally valuable fish -- could become more vulnerable to disease. The sick fish could die or become pocked with sores.
# Underwater grasses, in which fish and crabs hide, could suffer. Many of the grasses already have died because of pollution and other problems, and experts are working to bring them back.
For an example of a problem today, Mann said rising water temperature appears to be the primary cause of the northward spread of the oyster disease Dermo from the Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware Bay and the Long Island Sound over the past 20 years.
Virginia's oysters already have been decimated by disease and overharvesting. Warmer weather could make Dermo more prevalent and more intense, hurting efforts to restore the oyster, Mann said.
Forty years ago, commercially important surf clams were abundant from southeastern Virginia to Cape Hatteras, N.C. Today, the clams have almost disappeared south of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Increasing summer water temperatures apparently are forcing the clams to seek cooler northern waters, Mann said.
"We are observing changes in natural populations of endemic plants and animals [in Virginia] that can arguably be linked to global warming, and we expect the trends to continue," Mann testified.
Mann is just the latest Virginia voice to speak up about climate change.
Last month, a report from a state panel of scientists, industry representatives and environmentalists said global warming posed a serious threat to Virginians and their property. The state could see more -- and worse -- heat waves, droughts, storms and floods, among other problems, the report said. It called for a state commission to study the problem.
This month, an international group of scientists said it is 90 percent sure that heat-trapping gases released by human activities are warming the Earth.
University of Virginia climatologist Patrick Michaels, a skeptic of dire global-warming scenarios, did not return calls. But on the Web site of the libertarian Cato Institute, where he is a senior fellow in environmental studies, Michaels wrote that higher temperatures and other factors have aided plant growth in the Northern Hemisphere since 1980.
"This shows that the gradual nature of climatic warming has had visibly positive effects rather than having precipitated doomsday," Michaels wrote.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Illinois House Approves Ban on Remote Control Hunting or Cyber Hunting Over the Internet
Excellent move. And to see it pass by 117 to 0 signifies that this is a practice that is hated by all sides of the political spectrum.
Article:
House Approves Ban On Real-Life Cyber Hunting
http://www.wrex.com/News/index.php?ID=15294
State lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan to stop real-life hunting by remote control over the Internet.
The House voted 117-to-0 today to prevent the practice known as remote-control or cyber hunting.
Technology now allows people to view their real-life prey over a webcam and use their computer mouses to direct a rifle and fire a shot remotely to kill animals.
About two-dozen states have already outlawed the practice that some animal rights advocates call pay-per-view slaughter.
Even diehard hunters oppose the practice, saying it isn't sporting and doesn't require the fair chase seen in conventional hunting locales in forests and fields.
Ban supporters say it's necessary to stop remote-control hunting before it becomes popular.
The measure now moves to the state Senate.
Article:
House Approves Ban On Real-Life Cyber Hunting
http://www.wrex.com/News/index.php?ID=15294
State lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan to stop real-life hunting by remote control over the Internet.
The House voted 117-to-0 today to prevent the practice known as remote-control or cyber hunting.
Technology now allows people to view their real-life prey over a webcam and use their computer mouses to direct a rifle and fire a shot remotely to kill animals.
About two-dozen states have already outlawed the practice that some animal rights advocates call pay-per-view slaughter.
Even diehard hunters oppose the practice, saying it isn't sporting and doesn't require the fair chase seen in conventional hunting locales in forests and fields.
Ban supporters say it's necessary to stop remote-control hunting before it becomes popular.
The measure now moves to the state Senate.
Most Foods from the Netherlands Contain Horse Meat: Most of the Horse Meat That Ends Up There Was Slaughtered In the US
Travelers beware. Very unfortunate.
Of course, most of the horse meat that ends up there was slaughtered in the US. This is an issue that troubles many and the move to ban horse slaughter in the US is active now. For more on this movement see:
http://geari.blogspot.com/2007/01/
frightening-and-real-photos-show.html
Article:
Many Netherlands Foods Contain Horse
http://www.playfuls.com/news_10_13174-Many-Netherlands-Foods-Contain-Horse.html
Netherlands animal rights group Wakker Dier said Thursday many hamburgers, frikandels and krokets in the country contain horsemeat.
The Wageningen University study of 286 food items found 32 percent contained meat from horses, Expatica reported Thursday.
The rights group said the study was commissioned to address public concerns about the use of horse meat, as most people in the country consider the animals to be pets rather than a viable food source.
Of course, most of the horse meat that ends up there was slaughtered in the US. This is an issue that troubles many and the move to ban horse slaughter in the US is active now. For more on this movement see:
http://geari.blogspot.com/2007/01/
frightening-and-real-photos-show.html
Article:
Many Netherlands Foods Contain Horse
http://www.playfuls.com/news_10_13174-Many-Netherlands-Foods-Contain-Horse.html
Netherlands animal rights group Wakker Dier said Thursday many hamburgers, frikandels and krokets in the country contain horsemeat.
The Wageningen University study of 286 food items found 32 percent contained meat from horses, Expatica reported Thursday.
The rights group said the study was commissioned to address public concerns about the use of horse meat, as most people in the country consider the animals to be pets rather than a viable food source.
Whole Foods Reverses Concern and Will Again Sell Live Lobsters: Dollar Signs Stronger than Welfare Concerns
A sad reversal. Of course, they claim that they’re treated better now, but the fact remains that they’re live and will be boiled alive. So. from sea to an unnatural store, no matter what the conditions that they’re held in. Shame on Whole Foods for seeing dollar signs only.
Just look at this quote. You tell me if this is a humane practice. Of course, we say no:
“The critters will remain isolated in small plastic slots at the Portland store until they are purchased, at which point they will be electrocuted for people who want their lobster cooked in the store.”
Article:
Whole Foods says 'no tanks' for lobsters
http://business.mainetoday.com/news/070208wholefoods.html
By ELBERT AULL, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Thursday, February 8, 2007
The Whole Foods Market in Portland will be open next week and will have live lobsters for sale.
A grocery chain that roiled Maine lobstermen when it cut live lobsters from its inventory has angered the fishing community again.
At issue is whether storing lobsters in individual plastic drop-slots from catch until sale is more humane than traditional methods, and whether suggesting as much is an affront to the state's lobster industry.
"When they say they buy local and support local fishermen and farmers, and then they tell us we're doing everything wrong, obviously it doesn't sit very well with us," said Tom Martin, a Portland lobsterman.
Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market Inc. decided last month to sell live lobsters at its soon-to-open store in Portland.
The decision means the store along Franklin Arterial will be unique among the chain's 190-plus locations when it opens next week with live lobsters in its inventory. Whole Foods dropped lobsters in June because of concerns about animal rights. Lobster groups were fine with the ban until the company announced that it will change its rules for Portland after finding a New Hampshire company with a more compassionate way to bring lobsters to retailers.
"The suggestion is, they know how to do it better," said Kristen Millar, executive director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council.
The advocacy group fired off an angry press release Wednesday, calling the chain's decision a "flip-flop" and its contract with Little Bay Lobster Group, based in New Hampshire, an insult to Maine lobstermen.
Whole Foods and Little Bay, which runs a lobstering operation in Vinalhaven that will supply the Portland store, said the council's response was exaggerated and misleading.
"We're not saying anybody's bad, or wrong. We're saying this meets the standards we have," said David Lannon, regional president.
Whole Foods signed a contract with Little Bay to receive live lobsters from its operation in Vinalhaven. The fishermen who supply Little Bay and Whole Foods arrange their lobsters vertically, claws up and tails down, in plastic cubbyholes that don't allow the lobsters to crawl on one another, officials from both companies said.
The critters will remain isolated in small plastic slots at the Portland store until they are purchased, at which point they will be electrocuted for people who want their lobster cooked in the store. Customers who leave with live lobsters will be given a card outlining a humane preparation method, they said.
Craig Rief, president and chief executive officer of Little Bay, said isolating lobsters instead of storing them together in crates has reduced the number that die before they get to retailers. Rief said the storage method also improves the appearance of lobsters at market, where picky customers might not want one with its antennae chewed off by one of its crate-mates.
That's good for Little Bay, which adopted the alternative storage units as a way to preserve lobsters shipped overseas and not because of animal rights concerns, he said.
Mortality rates for lobsters in transport fluctuate throughout the year, but average around 2 percent, said Robert Bayer, a professor of animal science at UMaine who studies lobsters.
Bayer said suppliers have stored lobsters in individual slots for years, but the method has not carried over to grocery stores and fish markets. "At the retail level, it is new," he said.
Bayer said the grocery chain's concern about treatment of lobsters is misplaced because they have a nervous system too primitive to feel pain. "It's like an insect," he said.
Whole Foods based its decision to stop selling live lobsters on a 2005 report from the European Food Safety Authority Animal Health and Welfare panel, which concluded that lobsters and crabs appear to feel pain.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which applauded Whole Foods' decision to drop live-lobster sales, was less enthusiastic on Wednesday.
"We certainly wish that no live lobsters were sold at any Whole Foods, or any other store for that matter," said Matt Prescott, a spokesman for the animal-rights group based in Norfolk, Va. Prescott said Whole Foods should be applauded, however, for trying to improve lobsters' living conditions before sale.
Little Bay's Rief said a company study showed a mortality rate of between 3 and 5 percent for lobsters stored together. During the same study, the company did not lose any lobsters that were stored in individual slots, he said.
"The main motivator for (the change) was bottom line," Rief said.
Just look at this quote. You tell me if this is a humane practice. Of course, we say no:
“The critters will remain isolated in small plastic slots at the Portland store until they are purchased, at which point they will be electrocuted for people who want their lobster cooked in the store.”
Article:
Whole Foods says 'no tanks' for lobsters
http://business.mainetoday.com/news/070208wholefoods.html
By ELBERT AULL, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Thursday, February 8, 2007
The Whole Foods Market in Portland will be open next week and will have live lobsters for sale.
A grocery chain that roiled Maine lobstermen when it cut live lobsters from its inventory has angered the fishing community again.
At issue is whether storing lobsters in individual plastic drop-slots from catch until sale is more humane than traditional methods, and whether suggesting as much is an affront to the state's lobster industry.
"When they say they buy local and support local fishermen and farmers, and then they tell us we're doing everything wrong, obviously it doesn't sit very well with us," said Tom Martin, a Portland lobsterman.
Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market Inc. decided last month to sell live lobsters at its soon-to-open store in Portland.
The decision means the store along Franklin Arterial will be unique among the chain's 190-plus locations when it opens next week with live lobsters in its inventory. Whole Foods dropped lobsters in June because of concerns about animal rights. Lobster groups were fine with the ban until the company announced that it will change its rules for Portland after finding a New Hampshire company with a more compassionate way to bring lobsters to retailers.
"The suggestion is, they know how to do it better," said Kristen Millar, executive director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council.
The advocacy group fired off an angry press release Wednesday, calling the chain's decision a "flip-flop" and its contract with Little Bay Lobster Group, based in New Hampshire, an insult to Maine lobstermen.
Whole Foods and Little Bay, which runs a lobstering operation in Vinalhaven that will supply the Portland store, said the council's response was exaggerated and misleading.
"We're not saying anybody's bad, or wrong. We're saying this meets the standards we have," said David Lannon, regional president.
Whole Foods signed a contract with Little Bay to receive live lobsters from its operation in Vinalhaven. The fishermen who supply Little Bay and Whole Foods arrange their lobsters vertically, claws up and tails down, in plastic cubbyholes that don't allow the lobsters to crawl on one another, officials from both companies said.
The critters will remain isolated in small plastic slots at the Portland store until they are purchased, at which point they will be electrocuted for people who want their lobster cooked in the store. Customers who leave with live lobsters will be given a card outlining a humane preparation method, they said.
Craig Rief, president and chief executive officer of Little Bay, said isolating lobsters instead of storing them together in crates has reduced the number that die before they get to retailers. Rief said the storage method also improves the appearance of lobsters at market, where picky customers might not want one with its antennae chewed off by one of its crate-mates.
That's good for Little Bay, which adopted the alternative storage units as a way to preserve lobsters shipped overseas and not because of animal rights concerns, he said.
Mortality rates for lobsters in transport fluctuate throughout the year, but average around 2 percent, said Robert Bayer, a professor of animal science at UMaine who studies lobsters.
Bayer said suppliers have stored lobsters in individual slots for years, but the method has not carried over to grocery stores and fish markets. "At the retail level, it is new," he said.
Bayer said the grocery chain's concern about treatment of lobsters is misplaced because they have a nervous system too primitive to feel pain. "It's like an insect," he said.
Whole Foods based its decision to stop selling live lobsters on a 2005 report from the European Food Safety Authority Animal Health and Welfare panel, which concluded that lobsters and crabs appear to feel pain.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which applauded Whole Foods' decision to drop live-lobster sales, was less enthusiastic on Wednesday.
"We certainly wish that no live lobsters were sold at any Whole Foods, or any other store for that matter," said Matt Prescott, a spokesman for the animal-rights group based in Norfolk, Va. Prescott said Whole Foods should be applauded, however, for trying to improve lobsters' living conditions before sale.
Little Bay's Rief said a company study showed a mortality rate of between 3 and 5 percent for lobsters stored together. During the same study, the company did not lose any lobsters that were stored in individual slots, he said.
"The main motivator for (the change) was bottom line," Rief said.
Brutal Sanctioned Dog Fighting Still Popular in Russia and Central Asia
Sad to see that a blood sport gets all these people off.
Article:
A Brutal Sport Is Having Its Day Again in Russia
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/09/world/europe/09dogfight.html
MOSCOW, Feb. 8
Viktor Korotayev for The New York Times
A dogfighting tourney was held at a sanitarium in the Tula region.
They were adult Central Asian wolf dogs in the middleweight class. Both were undefeated in a combined 42 appearances in Russia's fighting-dog rings. Each weighed more than 100 pounds.
The referee gave the sign. Their trainers released them. The dogs growled, lunged and met, locking jaws on each other's faces. They began pulling and twisting, each trying to force the other to the snow.
About 150 people lined the fences to watch. The most intense matchup of the fourth stage of the all-Russian dogfighting championship, held in a forest region well south of Moscow, had begun.
Dogfighting is prohibited in much of the West, and animal rights advocates have long wished to have it banned in Russia and the rest of the former Soviet world, labeling it a cruel and a bloody diversion for gamblers and thugs. They have succeeded in Moscow, where the fights are forbidden by mayoral decree.
But throughout Central Asia and the Caucasus, and extending to the outskirts of Russia's capital, a form of the sport has thrived, cementing local legitimacy and gaining new followers since the Soviet Union's collapse 15 years ago. It has also returned to Afghanistan, where it was forbidden during the Taliban's rule.
The sport involves massive, thick-headed breeds, including Central Asian shepherd dogs and Caucasian ovcharka, bred by livestock herders across the continent to defend sheep and cattle in the mountains and on the steppe. Collectively the dogs are called volkodavs, the wolf-killers.
The All-Russian Association of Russian Volkodavs, which sponsors a national fighting championship and participates in fights in other nations, claims to have more than 1,000 breeders among its members and another 1,000 owners who enter dogs in fights.
It holds tournaments almost openly, and has enough fans to support a glossy magazine, a Web site and an annual championship tournament.
Its members brush aside criticism as ill-informed and superficial, saying the sport has roots in traditional contests in which shepherds tested their work dogs and celebrated their stamina and wolf-fighting skills. The also insist that their tournaments, unlike secretive fights with pit bulls and other fighting breeds, never involve contests to the death, and that the dogs are rarely injured seriously.
"Only people who have not seen it, and do not understand it, dislike this," said Stanislav Mikhailov, the association's president, as owners gathered recently for the latest tourney, held in a sanitarium in the Tula region, in the forest south of Moscow.
This event was at once open and partly closed. The fans streamed in. But one Western and three Russian journalists were admitted on condition that the sanitarium's location not be disclosed, out of fear of vandalism or protests by opponents of the fights. In the Caucasus and in Asia, dog owners said, such precautions are not necessary.
In the ring the fight continued. The dogs tugged each other in tight circles by their snouts and then broke free, snarled and attacked again. Sometimes they rose up, pressing for leverage with forepaws while driving forward on hind legs and seeking a purchase for their bared teeth.
Their handlers crouched beside them, shouting encouragement.
One dog, a reddish-tan shepherd's dog called Sarbai, took an early advantage. He weighed about 135 pounds, at least 30 pounds more than his foe. "Good boy, Sarbai!" his handler shouted. "Bite him well! Work!"
Sarbai wagged the stump of his clipped tail.
His opponent, Jack, had a slightly crooked left rear leg, which his owner said had been broken when he was hit by a car five years ago. He could not match Sarbai's strength. But he was quick. He refused to submit. As he yielded ground, he clamped onto Sarbai several times, sometimes biting the larger dog's neck, sometimes lunging for his legs.
While most of the day's more than 10 matches drew little blood, this one was different. Jack and Sarbai tore each other's mouths with the first bites. Blood flowed, staining the dogs' faces and flanks.
They fought for about 15 minutes as a light snow fell. Eventually the pace slowed until the dogs, exhausted, at last stood almost motionless, tongues out. The referee signaled for rest. The first round was a draw.
The legality of such spectacles is unclear. Russia's criminal code includes a statute forbidding cruelty to animals, but to date, animal rights advocates and dog breeders agree, it has not been used against volkodav fights.
The statute's language is vague, and Elena Maruyeva, director of the Vita Center for Animal Rights Protection, a private organization in Moscow, said the government did not interpret it broadly. "In practice it is very, very hard to prosecute a person under this law," she said.
Between rounds of the fight between Sarbai and Jack, another dog, Khattab, above, extended his undefeated record.
The dog owners say that because the fights are not forbidden, they are allowed. They note that government officials know about the tourneys, and the association publicizes the results. Fans also sell plainly labeled videos of the fights.
"We are a semi-open organization," said Yuri Yevgrashin, the chief referee for the day's events.
Whatever its official status, the sport appears to be under no significant threat. Ms. Maruyeva and an official at another of the principal animal protection organizations in Moscow said that so far, they had not pushed for bans on wolf dog fighting. Instead, they hope for other measures, like restrictions on the breeding of attack dogs, registration of wolf dog breeders and enacting standards for their care.
On the court, the second round began. The dogs locked jaws and began tumbling against snow banks. Jack still would not quit. The momentum seemed to turn. Could the smaller dog win?
"I am with you, Jack!" a red-faced man screamed, holding a plastic up of vodka. But the second round ended like the first — with two exhausted dogs.
Under the association's rules, dogs are sorted into two classes for age and weight. They are juniors until age two and a half, when they are classified as adults. Middleweights must weigh less than 62 kilos, about 136 pounds. Any dog larger is a heavyweight.
The largest, weighing roughly 200 pounds, are not highly regarded. "They are too slow," Mr. Yevgrashin said.
Each fight lasts until one dog shows fear or pain — by dropping its tail, squeaking, whimpering, refusing to fight or snapping its jaws defensively, all grounds for instant disqualification. There is no scoring. There are only winners and losers or, in fights that continue for three rounds without an animal yielding, draws.
Sometimes the outcome is clear within a minute. Other times, fights last more than 45 minutes. A veterinarian is always on hand, Mr. Mikhailov and Mr. Yevgrashin said.
Between Sarbai and Jack's rounds, other dogs fought. One was called Koba, the nickname used by Stalin. He won.
Another was named Khattab, after a Jordanian-born terrorist who fought in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Chechnya before Russia's intelligence service killed him with a poison-soaked letter in 2002. He won, too, in the junior middleweight class, extending his undefeated record to eight wins.
Many dogfights in Russia are said to be tainted, with steroid-swelled dogs, or animals smeared with wolf fat to confuse or intimidate their foes, or dogs' mouths injected with Novocain to make them fight without hesitation. But Edgar Grigorian, Khattab's owner, said that at this level the matches were clean.
"We are adamantly against cheating," he said. "I can always tell a dirty dog in a fight, and a good judge will always see it."
Mr. Grigorian and several other breeders and association members said that there was no prize money, but that successful fighters were used to sire puppies, which could sell for more than $500 each.
In two days at the sanitarium, no admission fee was charged and no gambling was visible, although the breeders said there might be some private side bets.
The previous night, owners and fans had gathered in the sanitarium to celebrate their sport. Behind a hotel room door, a huge dog guarded a metal bowl of meat. When Mr. Yevgrashin opened the door, the dog stared at a stranger and growled.
Mr. Yevgrashin closed the door. Shamil Dotdayev, who sells videotapes of fights and copies of his book, "Caucasian Volkodavs," reflected on the tournament ahead.
The fights, he said, help preserve breeds with ancient roots in Central Asian and Caucasus life and with a continuing utility in food production. The dogs that succeed, he said, are an essential part of this hard, canine lot — the pack leaders.
Animal rights groups disagree. They say the breeding system rewards the attributes needed for fighting, which are narrower than those for guarding a livestock herd or leading a pack.
Mr. Dotdayev admitted that his interests were broader. He poured shots of vodka and said that dogfighting had an almost irresistible draw, and that studying fighting dogs can become a shepherd's or mountain man's obsession.
"The dogs teach us," he said. "You cannot look at a dog and tell who it is. The dog is on the inside, not on the outside. It is in his spirit."
"It is the same with people," he added, and lifted his glass.
On the basketball court, Jack and Sarbai were led back for a third round.
Sarbai quickly pulled Jack to the snow. Each time Jack escaped he was pinned anew, until he was spent and began to snap his jaws, signaling defeat. His tournament was over. Sarbai advanced to the next round.
Article:
A Brutal Sport Is Having Its Day Again in Russia
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/09/world/europe/09dogfight.html
MOSCOW, Feb. 8
Viktor Korotayev for The New York Times
A dogfighting tourney was held at a sanitarium in the Tula region.
They were adult Central Asian wolf dogs in the middleweight class. Both were undefeated in a combined 42 appearances in Russia's fighting-dog rings. Each weighed more than 100 pounds.
The referee gave the sign. Their trainers released them. The dogs growled, lunged and met, locking jaws on each other's faces. They began pulling and twisting, each trying to force the other to the snow.
About 150 people lined the fences to watch. The most intense matchup of the fourth stage of the all-Russian dogfighting championship, held in a forest region well south of Moscow, had begun.
Dogfighting is prohibited in much of the West, and animal rights advocates have long wished to have it banned in Russia and the rest of the former Soviet world, labeling it a cruel and a bloody diversion for gamblers and thugs. They have succeeded in Moscow, where the fights are forbidden by mayoral decree.
But throughout Central Asia and the Caucasus, and extending to the outskirts of Russia's capital, a form of the sport has thrived, cementing local legitimacy and gaining new followers since the Soviet Union's collapse 15 years ago. It has also returned to Afghanistan, where it was forbidden during the Taliban's rule.
The sport involves massive, thick-headed breeds, including Central Asian shepherd dogs and Caucasian ovcharka, bred by livestock herders across the continent to defend sheep and cattle in the mountains and on the steppe. Collectively the dogs are called volkodavs, the wolf-killers.
The All-Russian Association of Russian Volkodavs, which sponsors a national fighting championship and participates in fights in other nations, claims to have more than 1,000 breeders among its members and another 1,000 owners who enter dogs in fights.
It holds tournaments almost openly, and has enough fans to support a glossy magazine, a Web site and an annual championship tournament.
Its members brush aside criticism as ill-informed and superficial, saying the sport has roots in traditional contests in which shepherds tested their work dogs and celebrated their stamina and wolf-fighting skills. The also insist that their tournaments, unlike secretive fights with pit bulls and other fighting breeds, never involve contests to the death, and that the dogs are rarely injured seriously.
"Only people who have not seen it, and do not understand it, dislike this," said Stanislav Mikhailov, the association's president, as owners gathered recently for the latest tourney, held in a sanitarium in the Tula region, in the forest south of Moscow.
This event was at once open and partly closed. The fans streamed in. But one Western and three Russian journalists were admitted on condition that the sanitarium's location not be disclosed, out of fear of vandalism or protests by opponents of the fights. In the Caucasus and in Asia, dog owners said, such precautions are not necessary.
In the ring the fight continued. The dogs tugged each other in tight circles by their snouts and then broke free, snarled and attacked again. Sometimes they rose up, pressing for leverage with forepaws while driving forward on hind legs and seeking a purchase for their bared teeth.
Their handlers crouched beside them, shouting encouragement.
One dog, a reddish-tan shepherd's dog called Sarbai, took an early advantage. He weighed about 135 pounds, at least 30 pounds more than his foe. "Good boy, Sarbai!" his handler shouted. "Bite him well! Work!"
Sarbai wagged the stump of his clipped tail.
His opponent, Jack, had a slightly crooked left rear leg, which his owner said had been broken when he was hit by a car five years ago. He could not match Sarbai's strength. But he was quick. He refused to submit. As he yielded ground, he clamped onto Sarbai several times, sometimes biting the larger dog's neck, sometimes lunging for his legs.
While most of the day's more than 10 matches drew little blood, this one was different. Jack and Sarbai tore each other's mouths with the first bites. Blood flowed, staining the dogs' faces and flanks.
They fought for about 15 minutes as a light snow fell. Eventually the pace slowed until the dogs, exhausted, at last stood almost motionless, tongues out. The referee signaled for rest. The first round was a draw.
The legality of such spectacles is unclear. Russia's criminal code includes a statute forbidding cruelty to animals, but to date, animal rights advocates and dog breeders agree, it has not been used against volkodav fights.
The statute's language is vague, and Elena Maruyeva, director of the Vita Center for Animal Rights Protection, a private organization in Moscow, said the government did not interpret it broadly. "In practice it is very, very hard to prosecute a person under this law," she said.
Between rounds of the fight between Sarbai and Jack, another dog, Khattab, above, extended his undefeated record.
The dog owners say that because the fights are not forbidden, they are allowed. They note that government officials know about the tourneys, and the association publicizes the results. Fans also sell plainly labeled videos of the fights.
"We are a semi-open organization," said Yuri Yevgrashin, the chief referee for the day's events.
Whatever its official status, the sport appears to be under no significant threat. Ms. Maruyeva and an official at another of the principal animal protection organizations in Moscow said that so far, they had not pushed for bans on wolf dog fighting. Instead, they hope for other measures, like restrictions on the breeding of attack dogs, registration of wolf dog breeders and enacting standards for their care.
On the court, the second round began. The dogs locked jaws and began tumbling against snow banks. Jack still would not quit. The momentum seemed to turn. Could the smaller dog win?
"I am with you, Jack!" a red-faced man screamed, holding a plastic up of vodka. But the second round ended like the first — with two exhausted dogs.
Under the association's rules, dogs are sorted into two classes for age and weight. They are juniors until age two and a half, when they are classified as adults. Middleweights must weigh less than 62 kilos, about 136 pounds. Any dog larger is a heavyweight.
The largest, weighing roughly 200 pounds, are not highly regarded. "They are too slow," Mr. Yevgrashin said.
Each fight lasts until one dog shows fear or pain — by dropping its tail, squeaking, whimpering, refusing to fight or snapping its jaws defensively, all grounds for instant disqualification. There is no scoring. There are only winners and losers or, in fights that continue for three rounds without an animal yielding, draws.
Sometimes the outcome is clear within a minute. Other times, fights last more than 45 minutes. A veterinarian is always on hand, Mr. Mikhailov and Mr. Yevgrashin said.
Between Sarbai and Jack's rounds, other dogs fought. One was called Koba, the nickname used by Stalin. He won.
Another was named Khattab, after a Jordanian-born terrorist who fought in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Chechnya before Russia's intelligence service killed him with a poison-soaked letter in 2002. He won, too, in the junior middleweight class, extending his undefeated record to eight wins.
Many dogfights in Russia are said to be tainted, with steroid-swelled dogs, or animals smeared with wolf fat to confuse or intimidate their foes, or dogs' mouths injected with Novocain to make them fight without hesitation. But Edgar Grigorian, Khattab's owner, said that at this level the matches were clean.
"We are adamantly against cheating," he said. "I can always tell a dirty dog in a fight, and a good judge will always see it."
Mr. Grigorian and several other breeders and association members said that there was no prize money, but that successful fighters were used to sire puppies, which could sell for more than $500 each.
In two days at the sanitarium, no admission fee was charged and no gambling was visible, although the breeders said there might be some private side bets.
The previous night, owners and fans had gathered in the sanitarium to celebrate their sport. Behind a hotel room door, a huge dog guarded a metal bowl of meat. When Mr. Yevgrashin opened the door, the dog stared at a stranger and growled.
Mr. Yevgrashin closed the door. Shamil Dotdayev, who sells videotapes of fights and copies of his book, "Caucasian Volkodavs," reflected on the tournament ahead.
The fights, he said, help preserve breeds with ancient roots in Central Asian and Caucasus life and with a continuing utility in food production. The dogs that succeed, he said, are an essential part of this hard, canine lot — the pack leaders.
Animal rights groups disagree. They say the breeding system rewards the attributes needed for fighting, which are narrower than those for guarding a livestock herd or leading a pack.
Mr. Dotdayev admitted that his interests were broader. He poured shots of vodka and said that dogfighting had an almost irresistible draw, and that studying fighting dogs can become a shepherd's or mountain man's obsession.
"The dogs teach us," he said. "You cannot look at a dog and tell who it is. The dog is on the inside, not on the outside. It is in his spirit."
"It is the same with people," he added, and lifted his glass.
On the basketball court, Jack and Sarbai were led back for a third round.
Sarbai quickly pulled Jack to the snow. Each time Jack escaped he was pinned anew, until he was spent and began to snap his jaws, signaling defeat. His tournament was over. Sarbai advanced to the next round.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
More on Possible Ban on Cockfighting in New Mexico
This is looking more and more likely every day. We’ll keep up on it.
Here’s a quote from the article below. It really gives you a good idea of what occurs at these blood matches.
“At Tommy's last weekend, one bird owner usually left the pit cradling his live rooster like a football while the other hauled off a dead fighting cock by the legs. Drops of blood were visible in the dirt and on the concrete floors around the three fluorescent-lighted pits, abutted by theater-style seating for up to 500 people.”
Article:
N.M. may ban cockfighting
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070207/
ap_on_re_us/cockfighters__plight_1
By TIM KORTE, Associated Press Writer Wed Feb 7, 2:04 PM ET
HOBBS, N.M. - Cockfighting appears to be on its last legs in New Mexico, one of only two states where it is legal. And the reason might have something to do with the race for the White House.
Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat running for president, has come out strongly in favor of a ban on cockfighting. Legislation to outlaw the bloodsport has come up from time to time in New Mexico, but until recently, Richardson refused to take sides.
Some suspect he is positioning himself for the White House and does not want to look as if he comes from a backward state.
"The bottom line is that if Bill Richardson is not running for president, this wouldn't be an issue," said Leo Lopez, a 42-year-old Hobbs native who has been attending matches since he was 12. "He doesn't want it to be known that he's from a state with cockfighting."
Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said that in the past, the governor believed a debate over cockfighting would distract attention from other priorities.
"But we've made a lot of progress in the last four years," Gallegos said recently. "We have more work to do, but he thinks we can put this together now."
Last Friday night, amid the dust, clucking roosters and screeching loudspeakers at a cockfight at Tommy's Game Fowl Farm in Hobbs, there was grumbling agreement that political forces have finally lined up against the sport.
"It's history," said Jack Cairnes, a former Washington state lawmaker who moved to New Mexico 18 months ago to raise and fight his roosters. "Some of the other fellows might think we still have a chance, but they're not being realistic."
Tommy Booth, the 81-year-old owner of Tommy's, said the governor has done a good job in general, but he feels betrayed: "I'm going to vote for him for president. But I'll hold my nose when I'm doing it."
During a cockfight, two roosters fitted with blades or gaffs on their legs are placed into a pit and fight until one is dead or badly wounded. Although gambling on the fights is illegal, spectators openly wager on the outcome.
The only other state where cockfighting is legal is Louisiana.
Arguing before a legislative committee Monday in Santa Fe, Cairnes said a ban is being promoted by a "small group of extremists traveling from state to state interfering with rural life." He said it was a rural-versus-urban issue that "borders on being a racist issue" because many cockfighters are Hispanic.
Opponents of cockfighting say it cruel to animals and should have been outlawed long ago. Several New Mexico counties and cities already have imposed bans.
"What cockfighting amounts to is intentional killing of animals for entertainment and for profit," said Democratic Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, the bill's sponsor.
A current version of the bill would make a first-time offense a misdemeanor; after that, it would be a felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison.
New Mexico's three Roman Catholic bishops support the ban. "We're talking about taking an animal and strapping on razor blades for recreation," said Allen Sanchez, executive director of the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops.
At Tommy's last weekend, one bird owner usually left the pit cradling his live rooster like a football while the other hauled off a dead fighting cock by the legs. Drops of blood were visible in the dirt and on the concrete floors around the three fluorescent-lighted pits, abutted by theater-style seating for up to 500 people.
"I'm a weekend warrior. This is a hobby," said Noe Arguello, a 36-year-old heavy-equipment operator from Big Spring, Texas. "We're in New Mexico for the simple reason that we don't have to look over our shoulder to attend a cockfight."
Here’s a quote from the article below. It really gives you a good idea of what occurs at these blood matches.
“At Tommy's last weekend, one bird owner usually left the pit cradling his live rooster like a football while the other hauled off a dead fighting cock by the legs. Drops of blood were visible in the dirt and on the concrete floors around the three fluorescent-lighted pits, abutted by theater-style seating for up to 500 people.”
Article:
N.M. may ban cockfighting
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070207/
ap_on_re_us/cockfighters__plight_1
By TIM KORTE, Associated Press Writer Wed Feb 7, 2:04 PM ET
HOBBS, N.M. - Cockfighting appears to be on its last legs in New Mexico, one of only two states where it is legal. And the reason might have something to do with the race for the White House.
Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat running for president, has come out strongly in favor of a ban on cockfighting. Legislation to outlaw the bloodsport has come up from time to time in New Mexico, but until recently, Richardson refused to take sides.
Some suspect he is positioning himself for the White House and does not want to look as if he comes from a backward state.
"The bottom line is that if Bill Richardson is not running for president, this wouldn't be an issue," said Leo Lopez, a 42-year-old Hobbs native who has been attending matches since he was 12. "He doesn't want it to be known that he's from a state with cockfighting."
Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said that in the past, the governor believed a debate over cockfighting would distract attention from other priorities.
"But we've made a lot of progress in the last four years," Gallegos said recently. "We have more work to do, but he thinks we can put this together now."
Last Friday night, amid the dust, clucking roosters and screeching loudspeakers at a cockfight at Tommy's Game Fowl Farm in Hobbs, there was grumbling agreement that political forces have finally lined up against the sport.
"It's history," said Jack Cairnes, a former Washington state lawmaker who moved to New Mexico 18 months ago to raise and fight his roosters. "Some of the other fellows might think we still have a chance, but they're not being realistic."
Tommy Booth, the 81-year-old owner of Tommy's, said the governor has done a good job in general, but he feels betrayed: "I'm going to vote for him for president. But I'll hold my nose when I'm doing it."
During a cockfight, two roosters fitted with blades or gaffs on their legs are placed into a pit and fight until one is dead or badly wounded. Although gambling on the fights is illegal, spectators openly wager on the outcome.
The only other state where cockfighting is legal is Louisiana.
Arguing before a legislative committee Monday in Santa Fe, Cairnes said a ban is being promoted by a "small group of extremists traveling from state to state interfering with rural life." He said it was a rural-versus-urban issue that "borders on being a racist issue" because many cockfighters are Hispanic.
Opponents of cockfighting say it cruel to animals and should have been outlawed long ago. Several New Mexico counties and cities already have imposed bans.
"What cockfighting amounts to is intentional killing of animals for entertainment and for profit," said Democratic Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, the bill's sponsor.
A current version of the bill would make a first-time offense a misdemeanor; after that, it would be a felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison.
New Mexico's three Roman Catholic bishops support the ban. "We're talking about taking an animal and strapping on razor blades for recreation," said Allen Sanchez, executive director of the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops.
At Tommy's last weekend, one bird owner usually left the pit cradling his live rooster like a football while the other hauled off a dead fighting cock by the legs. Drops of blood were visible in the dirt and on the concrete floors around the three fluorescent-lighted pits, abutted by theater-style seating for up to 500 people.
"I'm a weekend warrior. This is a hobby," said Noe Arguello, a 36-year-old heavy-equipment operator from Big Spring, Texas. "We're in New Mexico for the simple reason that we don't have to look over our shoulder to attend a cockfight."
Some in British Government Call for Ban of Foie Gras after European Union Refuses Ban on Practice
Wow, if this is true and a government is calling for a ban on this horribly cruel practice, there is hope for ending it.
What is foie gras and why is it bad?
Foie gras (translated literally from French as "fatty liver" and pronounced 'fwah grah') is produced by cruel and inhumane farming practices. At just a few months old, ducks are confined inside dark sheds and force-fed enormous amounts of food several times a day. A farm worker grabs each duck and, one by one, thrusts a metal pipe down their throats so that a mixture of corn can be forced directly into their gullets. In just a matter of weeks, the ducks become grossly overweight and their livers expand up to 10 times their normal size.
As a result, ducks raised for foie gras have difficulty standing, walking, and even breathing. Many of them die before the end of the force-feeding cycle, and the mortality rate for ducks raised on foie gras farms is among the highest in the farming industry. Necropsies performed on foie gras ducks have shown extreme obesity, impaction of undigested food in the esophagus, lacerations in the throat, and a proliferation of bacterial and fungal growth in their upper digestive tracts.
More information on foie gras can be found at:
http://www.nofoiegras.org/
Article:
Foie Gras debate
http://www.skynews.com.au/story.asp?id=153525
Foie Gras, the fatty liver produced from force-feeding geese, is at the centre of an animal cruelty debate in Europe.
The delicacy is made by aggressively force-feeding the animals until their livers swell to ten times the normal size.
The British government is now calling for a national boycott of the product, after European law refused to allow a ban.
UK Labor councillor Paul Blanchard says the geese are constantly in pain, internally bleeding and unable to walk.
He says the torture of the animals is unacceptable for a civilised society.
What is foie gras and why is it bad?
Foie gras (translated literally from French as "fatty liver" and pronounced 'fwah grah') is produced by cruel and inhumane farming practices. At just a few months old, ducks are confined inside dark sheds and force-fed enormous amounts of food several times a day. A farm worker grabs each duck and, one by one, thrusts a metal pipe down their throats so that a mixture of corn can be forced directly into their gullets. In just a matter of weeks, the ducks become grossly overweight and their livers expand up to 10 times their normal size.
As a result, ducks raised for foie gras have difficulty standing, walking, and even breathing. Many of them die before the end of the force-feeding cycle, and the mortality rate for ducks raised on foie gras farms is among the highest in the farming industry. Necropsies performed on foie gras ducks have shown extreme obesity, impaction of undigested food in the esophagus, lacerations in the throat, and a proliferation of bacterial and fungal growth in their upper digestive tracts.
More information on foie gras can be found at:
http://www.nofoiegras.org/
Article:
Foie Gras debate
http://www.skynews.com.au/story.asp?id=153525
Foie Gras, the fatty liver produced from force-feeding geese, is at the centre of an animal cruelty debate in Europe.
The delicacy is made by aggressively force-feeding the animals until their livers swell to ten times the normal size.
The British government is now calling for a national boycott of the product, after European law refused to allow a ban.
UK Labor councillor Paul Blanchard says the geese are constantly in pain, internally bleeding and unable to walk.
He says the torture of the animals is unacceptable for a civilised society.
Ron Artest of Sacramento Kings Faces Animal Cruelty Charges: Starves Great Dane
I always wonder why these rich babies are usually so cruel. I guess being rich beyond all isn’t enough. Let’s hope he gets a conviction.
Article:
Officers take away Artest's Great Dane
Neighbors accuse Kings star of underfeeding dog at his mansion
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17029765/
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Animal services officers seized a Great Dane from the mansion of Sacramento Kings star Ron Artest, saying the dog was underfed.
Neighbors complained for weeks that the dog — named Socks — appeared to be starving inside a gated area on Artest’s $1.85 million estate in rural Loomis, according to a county report.
On Jan. 30, animal services officers visited Artest’s home and issued a “pre-seizure” notice, warning him that the female Great Dane would be taken into custody if the animal care didn’t improve.
Story continues below ↓ advertisement
Placer County animal services officers returned to Artest’s home Monday and removed Socks.
Artest has 10 days to request a hearing, county spokeswoman Anita Yoder said.
Artest’s publicist, Heidi Buech, declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Artest signed with the Kings last January for $7.15 million this season and $7.8 million in 2007-08, with an $8.45 million player option for 2008-09.
Article:
Officers take away Artest's Great Dane
Neighbors accuse Kings star of underfeeding dog at his mansion
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17029765/
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Animal services officers seized a Great Dane from the mansion of Sacramento Kings star Ron Artest, saying the dog was underfed.
Neighbors complained for weeks that the dog — named Socks — appeared to be starving inside a gated area on Artest’s $1.85 million estate in rural Loomis, according to a county report.
On Jan. 30, animal services officers visited Artest’s home and issued a “pre-seizure” notice, warning him that the female Great Dane would be taken into custody if the animal care didn’t improve.
Story continues below ↓ advertisement
Placer County animal services officers returned to Artest’s home Monday and removed Socks.
Artest has 10 days to request a hearing, county spokeswoman Anita Yoder said.
Artest’s publicist, Heidi Buech, declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Artest signed with the Kings last January for $7.15 million this season and $7.8 million in 2007-08, with an $8.45 million player option for 2008-09.
SAGA (Student's Animal Guardian Alliance): New Group and Site Exist to Help High School Animal Welfare Clubs Communicate and Create Change
I don’t know too much about this group yet, but it looks promising. I always encourage the enlightened youth. I hoe they sty in their mission and keep strong. I encourage all of you to support it. I posted a synopsis of the group below.
Here is the website, please check it out.
http://www.clubsaga.org/
About SAGA
Students have the remarkable ability to look at the world with fresh eyes. They see injustice and feel an overwhelming desire to help solve the world's most difficult problems. High School animal welfare clubs consist of students who want to take an active role in understanding and promoting change in the way our world today behaves towards animals.
SAGA (Student's Animal Guardian Alliance) was formed to assist animal welfare clubs in their goal to promote a more humane society. We have developed an interactive site that allows students to take part in a larger community. Students have the ability to learn from the resources SAGA has to offer as well as from the experiences of other students around the country.
Clubs are formed because ten people are stronger than one. And SAGA was formed because thousands across the country are even stronger. We'd like to thank you for joining us.
Here is the website, please check it out.
http://www.clubsaga.org/
About SAGA
Students have the remarkable ability to look at the world with fresh eyes. They see injustice and feel an overwhelming desire to help solve the world's most difficult problems. High School animal welfare clubs consist of students who want to take an active role in understanding and promoting change in the way our world today behaves towards animals.
SAGA (Student's Animal Guardian Alliance) was formed to assist animal welfare clubs in their goal to promote a more humane society. We have developed an interactive site that allows students to take part in a larger community. Students have the ability to learn from the resources SAGA has to offer as well as from the experiences of other students around the country.
Clubs are formed because ten people are stronger than one. And SAGA was formed because thousands across the country are even stronger. We'd like to thank you for joining us.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
With Cockfighting Ban Nearing Passage in New Mexico, Louisiana Would Be Only State Where Cockfighting Is Legal
We’ll see what happens with the NM bill. Good signs though.
Article:
Louisiana may be last to outlaw cockfighting
http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6040314&nav=0nqx
February 5, 2007
By Associated Press
Louisiana could soon be the last state where cockfighting is legal, after a bill to outlaw the controversial sport cleared a key committee in the New Mexico Senate last week.
Louisiana and New Mexico are the only states where it's legal to strap razor-sharp objects to the heels of roosters and have them fight each other to the death. Animal-rights activists have been trying for years to ban the practice, which they view as barbaric.
Supporters of the popular rural pastime have always managed to derail such legislation in Louisiana. Now the ban appears to be gaining momentum in New Mexico, where Governor Bill Richardson, a Democratic presidential candidate, recently went on record in support of abolition and a key Senate committee that killed previous anti-cockfighting bills instead voted in favor of a ban.
Article:
Louisiana may be last to outlaw cockfighting
http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6040314&nav=0nqx
February 5, 2007
By Associated Press
Louisiana could soon be the last state where cockfighting is legal, after a bill to outlaw the controversial sport cleared a key committee in the New Mexico Senate last week.
Louisiana and New Mexico are the only states where it's legal to strap razor-sharp objects to the heels of roosters and have them fight each other to the death. Animal-rights activists have been trying for years to ban the practice, which they view as barbaric.
Supporters of the popular rural pastime have always managed to derail such legislation in Louisiana. Now the ban appears to be gaining momentum in New Mexico, where Governor Bill Richardson, a Democratic presidential candidate, recently went on record in support of abolition and a key Senate committee that killed previous anti-cockfighting bills instead voted in favor of a ban.
Monumental Trial Begins in Relation to Australia’s Cruel Live Animal Export Practices
For those who aren’t aware of this issue, please read more about it at: http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/03/
unbelievable-video-exposes_08.html
There you’ll see unspeakable cruelty from both the exporting company and Australian farmers. The video showed mind blowing cruelty. If this trial is a success then hopefully changes will be made.
Article:
Animal cruelty trial against live exporters begins
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200702/s1840589.htm
Farmers and animal rights protesters have packed a Perth court room for the trial of an export company and its directors on charges of ill-treating sheep on a voyage to the Middle East.
The company, Emanuel Exports, and two of its directors are facing three animal cruelty charges over a shipment of live sheep that left Fremantle in November 2003.
Prosecutors claim some of the healthier and fatter sheep were put at risk of contracting illnesses, because they were transported in the second half of the year and it interrupted their feeding cycle.
It is also alleged the sheep were kept in poor conditions and it was not possible for carers to identify if any were suffering, and that no hay or chaff was available which could have helped the sheep recover.
The company is defending the charges and has the support of the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund because it claims the case threatens Australia's live sheep export trade.
unbelievable-video-exposes_08.html
There you’ll see unspeakable cruelty from both the exporting company and Australian farmers. The video showed mind blowing cruelty. If this trial is a success then hopefully changes will be made.
Article:
Animal cruelty trial against live exporters begins
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200702/s1840589.htm
Farmers and animal rights protesters have packed a Perth court room for the trial of an export company and its directors on charges of ill-treating sheep on a voyage to the Middle East.
The company, Emanuel Exports, and two of its directors are facing three animal cruelty charges over a shipment of live sheep that left Fremantle in November 2003.
Prosecutors claim some of the healthier and fatter sheep were put at risk of contracting illnesses, because they were transported in the second half of the year and it interrupted their feeding cycle.
It is also alleged the sheep were kept in poor conditions and it was not possible for carers to identify if any were suffering, and that no hay or chaff was available which could have helped the sheep recover.
The company is defending the charges and has the support of the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund because it claims the case threatens Australia's live sheep export trade.
Animal Law Conference Roundup: Success in Putting Legitimacy to Animal Rights in the Legal Sense
A nice write up about the recent conference. A very important part of the overall movement and the key to concrete success.
To find out more about the conference and keep up to date on next year's schedule, please visit the Student Animal Legal Defence Fund website at www.law.uvic.ca/saldf.
Article:
"Alert Status Red:" Animal Law Conference a Success
http://www.pej.org/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=
article&sid=6591&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
PEJ News - Julie Muir: Where could you go to think about Aboriginal interests in the context of animal rights, PETA's controversial use of scantily-clad women in ads, and militancy and animal advocacy in the "age of Eco-Terrorism"? All these issues and more were explored in fascinating detail at the Second Annual UVic Animal Law Conference in Victoria last Friday. My only real complaint is that the 7-hour conference was still too short!
www.PEJ.org
"Alert Status Red:" Animal Law Conference a Success
Julie Muir, PEJ News
February 4, 2007
You know you've been to a successful event when people are wishing it could have lasted longer, with time to sort through with other participants the knowledge you've absorbed. In fact, the second annual conference on animal rights and the law was excellent, lacking only the means for conference-goers to connect and build greater community to last us until the next one. Despite somewhat of a lack of publicity, attendance was solid at about 60 people. The lecture room was comfortable and high-tech, and at lunch-time, the mountains of sushi, roasted vegetables, stuffed pastries and other vegan delectables catered by the university were scarfed down gratefully by attendees. The speakers ranged in experience from thesis students to seasoned activists to lawyers and law professors, and though the range of topics they covered were diverse, it seemed that common themes were echoed and reinforced throughout the day's presentations.
One theme played on the idea of "interlocking oppressions" - that it's not just the abuse of animals which concerns us, but a whole system built upon exploiting the environment, animals, and other humans - a system which perpetuates domination across all spheres. Amber Prince, a masters Law student, addressed the conflict between animal activists and Aboriginal interests in Canada, pointing out that the animal rights movement can at times be insensitive towards a population that is the country's most economically and socially vulnerable. To recognize "interlocking oppression" means activists need to understand that Aboriginal people have been victimized by the same structures and economic forces that are so destructive and cruel to animals, instead of painting them as the enemy for their continued reliance upon animal products.
Prince urges activists to become more educated about Aboriginal culture, whose subsistence use of animals over thousands of years has built up a complex relationship bounded by rules and ceremonies and pregnant with social meaning. A culture that views animals as equal, non-human persons and venerates them as literal ancestors has much to teach the animal rights movement, which should try to build common ground with Aboriginal communities and to aid them with their own struggles. Though Prince leaves space for criticism of practices such as leg-hold traps or hunting endangered species, animal activists' fight should be against animal industries, where animals are violently degraded and viewed as "production units" or "models" for scientific research. Prince's fresh perspective, as a vegetarian from an Aboriginal community, was a unique contribution to the conference.
Another example of "interlocking oppression" drove Maneesha Deckha's presentation, in which she explored the problematic imagery which the large animal rights group PETA has been using to further their cause. Deckha showed us ads where white, pretty, skinny women holding fluffy white bunnies posed naked with slogans such as, "I'd rather bare my BUNS than wear fur!" Black men and women pictured laid on the floor, or crouched in a cage painted up like an animal. PETA's use of celebrities, nudity, sexualization and hierarchical messages about men, women, and non-white people are problematic. Deckha suggests that the organization may be resorting to cheap publicity since issues of animal rights are still in such a marginal position. Many animal activists experience trauma, both from viewing disturbing images of animal cruelty in their research, and also from being ridiculed by general society. PETA seems to be responding to this difficulty, trying to use humour and common culture to appeal to the broader public, yet their use of sexuality and idealized body images remains problematic. Conference-goers' opinions were firmly mixed on the issue; some believed the ads useful, funny, and even empowering, while others were deeply offended by the imagery PETA chose to use.
Another main focus at the conference revolved around tactics, as speakers denounced the idea of violence and coercion in the name of "animal rights" and sought to define effective means of liberating beings that cannot speak for themselves. Lee Hall, a powerhouse presenter, brought us right to the edge of the most radical thoughts in animal liberation in discussing tactics for activism. Structuring her talk around her new book Capers in the Churchyard, Hall accused "militant" animal rights activists of being opportunists who make all activists into targets. She charges that their actions do nothing short of playing into the hands of people who would like to continue exploiting animals: they polarize public opinion when they use destructive tactics, such as bomb scares and intimidation of vivisection researchers at their homes. Supported by a turn in public opinion against "eco-terrorists" and animal rights activists following such debacles, the recently passed Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act makes it possible to punish anyone who causes loss of profits for animal industry businesses, so activists can now be sued or sent to jail whether they are leafletting or firebombing. The antagonism engaged in by militants also plays right into the prison industrial complex in the United States, which has 5% of the world's population but 25% of its prison population. Hall asks the (often young) activists who engage in these desperate, violent attacks: "Do you think it advances the rights of animals to offer your body as raw material for the industries that make the cages?"
Another problem with trying to coerce society into changing its ways, is that this approach is antithetical to the whole animal liberation movement, which at its heart is a movement of non-violence and respect for all beings. For Hall, true radicalism involves respecting and having faith in other humans; in such a long-term struggle as the liberation of animals, avoidance of violence is far more radical, since it speaks of patience and hope for the future. She leaves us with food for thought as she asserts that veganism, the exclusion of all animal products from one's diet, is radical, direct action, since it immediately produces relations of respect towards animals. It spares animals from being used and killed, and spares rainforests from being chopped for their pastures. Lee Hall asks, "Isn't that Heaven on earth right now?"
All in all, this conference was a tour de force of new directions for the animal rights movement to absorb, with all participants and speakers expressing great concern for community, for supporting one another across struggles, and for careful thought and peaceful activism to further the cause of animal liberation. In total there were six speakers at this conference; for brevity's sake I have not reviewed the presentations of Valery Giroux, Matthew Penzer or Anthony Marr. To find out more about the conference and keep up to date on next year's schedule, please visit the Student Animal Legal Defence Fund website at www.law.uvic.ca/saldf.
To find out more about the conference and keep up to date on next year's schedule, please visit the Student Animal Legal Defence Fund website at www.law.uvic.ca/saldf.
Article:
"Alert Status Red:" Animal Law Conference a Success
http://www.pej.org/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=
article&sid=6591&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
PEJ News - Julie Muir: Where could you go to think about Aboriginal interests in the context of animal rights, PETA's controversial use of scantily-clad women in ads, and militancy and animal advocacy in the "age of Eco-Terrorism"? All these issues and more were explored in fascinating detail at the Second Annual UVic Animal Law Conference in Victoria last Friday. My only real complaint is that the 7-hour conference was still too short!
www.PEJ.org
"Alert Status Red:" Animal Law Conference a Success
Julie Muir, PEJ News
February 4, 2007
You know you've been to a successful event when people are wishing it could have lasted longer, with time to sort through with other participants the knowledge you've absorbed. In fact, the second annual conference on animal rights and the law was excellent, lacking only the means for conference-goers to connect and build greater community to last us until the next one. Despite somewhat of a lack of publicity, attendance was solid at about 60 people. The lecture room was comfortable and high-tech, and at lunch-time, the mountains of sushi, roasted vegetables, stuffed pastries and other vegan delectables catered by the university were scarfed down gratefully by attendees. The speakers ranged in experience from thesis students to seasoned activists to lawyers and law professors, and though the range of topics they covered were diverse, it seemed that common themes were echoed and reinforced throughout the day's presentations.
One theme played on the idea of "interlocking oppressions" - that it's not just the abuse of animals which concerns us, but a whole system built upon exploiting the environment, animals, and other humans - a system which perpetuates domination across all spheres. Amber Prince, a masters Law student, addressed the conflict between animal activists and Aboriginal interests in Canada, pointing out that the animal rights movement can at times be insensitive towards a population that is the country's most economically and socially vulnerable. To recognize "interlocking oppression" means activists need to understand that Aboriginal people have been victimized by the same structures and economic forces that are so destructive and cruel to animals, instead of painting them as the enemy for their continued reliance upon animal products.
Prince urges activists to become more educated about Aboriginal culture, whose subsistence use of animals over thousands of years has built up a complex relationship bounded by rules and ceremonies and pregnant with social meaning. A culture that views animals as equal, non-human persons and venerates them as literal ancestors has much to teach the animal rights movement, which should try to build common ground with Aboriginal communities and to aid them with their own struggles. Though Prince leaves space for criticism of practices such as leg-hold traps or hunting endangered species, animal activists' fight should be against animal industries, where animals are violently degraded and viewed as "production units" or "models" for scientific research. Prince's fresh perspective, as a vegetarian from an Aboriginal community, was a unique contribution to the conference.
Another example of "interlocking oppression" drove Maneesha Deckha's presentation, in which she explored the problematic imagery which the large animal rights group PETA has been using to further their cause. Deckha showed us ads where white, pretty, skinny women holding fluffy white bunnies posed naked with slogans such as, "I'd rather bare my BUNS than wear fur!" Black men and women pictured laid on the floor, or crouched in a cage painted up like an animal. PETA's use of celebrities, nudity, sexualization and hierarchical messages about men, women, and non-white people are problematic. Deckha suggests that the organization may be resorting to cheap publicity since issues of animal rights are still in such a marginal position. Many animal activists experience trauma, both from viewing disturbing images of animal cruelty in their research, and also from being ridiculed by general society. PETA seems to be responding to this difficulty, trying to use humour and common culture to appeal to the broader public, yet their use of sexuality and idealized body images remains problematic. Conference-goers' opinions were firmly mixed on the issue; some believed the ads useful, funny, and even empowering, while others were deeply offended by the imagery PETA chose to use.
Another main focus at the conference revolved around tactics, as speakers denounced the idea of violence and coercion in the name of "animal rights" and sought to define effective means of liberating beings that cannot speak for themselves. Lee Hall, a powerhouse presenter, brought us right to the edge of the most radical thoughts in animal liberation in discussing tactics for activism. Structuring her talk around her new book Capers in the Churchyard, Hall accused "militant" animal rights activists of being opportunists who make all activists into targets. She charges that their actions do nothing short of playing into the hands of people who would like to continue exploiting animals: they polarize public opinion when they use destructive tactics, such as bomb scares and intimidation of vivisection researchers at their homes. Supported by a turn in public opinion against "eco-terrorists" and animal rights activists following such debacles, the recently passed Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act makes it possible to punish anyone who causes loss of profits for animal industry businesses, so activists can now be sued or sent to jail whether they are leafletting or firebombing. The antagonism engaged in by militants also plays right into the prison industrial complex in the United States, which has 5% of the world's population but 25% of its prison population. Hall asks the (often young) activists who engage in these desperate, violent attacks: "Do you think it advances the rights of animals to offer your body as raw material for the industries that make the cages?"
Another problem with trying to coerce society into changing its ways, is that this approach is antithetical to the whole animal liberation movement, which at its heart is a movement of non-violence and respect for all beings. For Hall, true radicalism involves respecting and having faith in other humans; in such a long-term struggle as the liberation of animals, avoidance of violence is far more radical, since it speaks of patience and hope for the future. She leaves us with food for thought as she asserts that veganism, the exclusion of all animal products from one's diet, is radical, direct action, since it immediately produces relations of respect towards animals. It spares animals from being used and killed, and spares rainforests from being chopped for their pastures. Lee Hall asks, "Isn't that Heaven on earth right now?"
All in all, this conference was a tour de force of new directions for the animal rights movement to absorb, with all participants and speakers expressing great concern for community, for supporting one another across struggles, and for careful thought and peaceful activism to further the cause of animal liberation. In total there were six speakers at this conference; for brevity's sake I have not reviewed the presentations of Valery Giroux, Matthew Penzer or Anthony Marr. To find out more about the conference and keep up to date on next year's schedule, please visit the Student Animal Legal Defence Fund website at www.law.uvic.ca/saldf.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Candid Statement by Dog Dealer Exposes Reality of Dog Trade to Medical Schools and Animal Testing Facilities
Here in Colorado we face the same issue. The School of Medicine at the University of Colorado is part of the last remaining schools that insist on using the antiqued method of vivisection. As you’ll see below in the quote by Dr. Aysha Akhtar, of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, "…over 85 percent of medical schools disagree with the need to use live dog labs." This includes the top medical schools like Harvard.
So, where do the schools get the live dogs? Well, the lowest of the low – class B USDA dealers. You can read about these scum at:
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/02/
bill-in-congress-would-eliminate-class.html
Surprisingly, this dealer was very candid about his actions:
“These hounds, he added, are "just young dogs" that were bred as hunting dogs but, despite "being given plenty of chances to learn to hunt," failed and would be killed.”
So, because they were failures in the eyes of hunters they deserve to live their lives out in fear at some medical lab??
You’ll see below why live animal use in medical school curriculum is unnecessary. You’ll also see that the Humane Society listed below doesn’t sell dogs to dealers but many pounds do.
Please read more about the issue of class B USDA Bunches and about the use of live animals in medical school curriculum at the following links:
http://www.pcrm.org/resch/meded/mcw_doglab/ - about dog labs and why they are unecessary
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/dealingdogs/index.html
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/07/
noted-class-b-dog-and-cat-dealer-cc.html
For more information on CC Baird, USDA Class B dog and cat dealers, why they need to be stopped and the Pet Safety and Protection Act that aims to stop the slimy world of Class B dealers see
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/02/
bill-in-congress-would-eliminate-class.html
Also see what you can do to help stop Class B dealers and how to support the Pet Safety and Protection Act at the links at the end of the story or at http://www.dealingdogs.com/
Article:
Pit bulls not subject to experimentation
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/index.php?ntid=117064&ntpid=0
Humane Society does not give live animals to labs
By Timothy Garrett
Correspondent for The Capital Times
A regulated market for dogs to be killed for medical research will not draw from any of the pit bulls that have been held as criminal evidence at the Dane County Humane Society.
At least 25 of the 47 dogs are scheduled for euthanasia, but the shelter's policy is never to turn live animals over to research facilities, Humane Society board president Cathy Holmes said Tuesday. Only animal cadavers, she added, have been given to the University of Wisconsin for research.
Instead, the dogs used for research - lately a chief concern for local and national animal rights groups - are typically taken from kennels, said one licensed dog dealer.
Kenneth Schroeder, of Wells, Minn., sells dogs to the Wisconsin College of Medicine, among other clients, and said in a phone interview that he gets none of his dogs from shelters or pounds.
"Why would I even try?" he said. "I have such a surplus of hounds."
These hounds, he added, are "just young dogs" that were bred as hunting dogs but, despite "being given plenty of chances to learn to hunt," failed and would be killed.
Increasingly, animal rights groups such as the Madison-based Alliance for Animals are focusing their attention on dogs that die after medical students vivisect them to study the cardiovascular system. These groups argue that with advances in computer simulations, live subjects are no longer needed.
Next month, the Wisconsin College of Medicine, in Milwaukee, will use about 60 dogs as its first-year medical students learn to operate on the cardiovascular system.
Madison resident Ann Emerson, a member of the Alliance for Animals and an opponent of primate vivisection at the UW, said that only a few remaining medical schools are "doing this unnecessary surgery when there are alternatives."
Emerson was among roughly 100 demonstrators who joined a recent protest against the Wisconsin College of Medicine that was organized by the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which is based in Washington, D.C.
As the protestors waved signs and bore some of January's chillier weather, the Wisconsin College of Medicine served them hot coffee and bottled water.
Medical College of Wisconsin spokesman Richard Katschke said that although the school uses some simulators, "the dog is considered the best model of the human cardiovascular system."
"Our computer models are considered to be some of the best in the nation," he added. "Nevertheless, computers are not living beings."
Dr. Aysha Akhtar, of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said at the rally last week that "over 85 percent of medical schools disagree with the need to use live dog labs."
The dogs have yet to be delivered to the medical school by Schroeder, who repeated that everything is done legally and encouraged those fighting for animal rights to visit a children's trauma ward in a hospital.
Published: January 31, 2007
So, where do the schools get the live dogs? Well, the lowest of the low – class B USDA dealers. You can read about these scum at:
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/02/
bill-in-congress-would-eliminate-class.html
Surprisingly, this dealer was very candid about his actions:
“These hounds, he added, are "just young dogs" that were bred as hunting dogs but, despite "being given plenty of chances to learn to hunt," failed and would be killed.”
So, because they were failures in the eyes of hunters they deserve to live their lives out in fear at some medical lab??
You’ll see below why live animal use in medical school curriculum is unnecessary. You’ll also see that the Humane Society listed below doesn’t sell dogs to dealers but many pounds do.
Please read more about the issue of class B USDA Bunches and about the use of live animals in medical school curriculum at the following links:
http://www.pcrm.org/resch/meded/mcw_doglab/ - about dog labs and why they are unecessary
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/dealingdogs/index.html
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/07/
noted-class-b-dog-and-cat-dealer-cc.html
For more information on CC Baird, USDA Class B dog and cat dealers, why they need to be stopped and the Pet Safety and Protection Act that aims to stop the slimy world of Class B dealers see
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/02/
bill-in-congress-would-eliminate-class.html
Also see what you can do to help stop Class B dealers and how to support the Pet Safety and Protection Act at the links at the end of the story or at http://www.dealingdogs.com/
Article:
Pit bulls not subject to experimentation
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/index.php?ntid=117064&ntpid=0
Humane Society does not give live animals to labs
By Timothy Garrett
Correspondent for The Capital Times
A regulated market for dogs to be killed for medical research will not draw from any of the pit bulls that have been held as criminal evidence at the Dane County Humane Society.
At least 25 of the 47 dogs are scheduled for euthanasia, but the shelter's policy is never to turn live animals over to research facilities, Humane Society board president Cathy Holmes said Tuesday. Only animal cadavers, she added, have been given to the University of Wisconsin for research.
Instead, the dogs used for research - lately a chief concern for local and national animal rights groups - are typically taken from kennels, said one licensed dog dealer.
Kenneth Schroeder, of Wells, Minn., sells dogs to the Wisconsin College of Medicine, among other clients, and said in a phone interview that he gets none of his dogs from shelters or pounds.
"Why would I even try?" he said. "I have such a surplus of hounds."
These hounds, he added, are "just young dogs" that were bred as hunting dogs but, despite "being given plenty of chances to learn to hunt," failed and would be killed.
Increasingly, animal rights groups such as the Madison-based Alliance for Animals are focusing their attention on dogs that die after medical students vivisect them to study the cardiovascular system. These groups argue that with advances in computer simulations, live subjects are no longer needed.
Next month, the Wisconsin College of Medicine, in Milwaukee, will use about 60 dogs as its first-year medical students learn to operate on the cardiovascular system.
Madison resident Ann Emerson, a member of the Alliance for Animals and an opponent of primate vivisection at the UW, said that only a few remaining medical schools are "doing this unnecessary surgery when there are alternatives."
Emerson was among roughly 100 demonstrators who joined a recent protest against the Wisconsin College of Medicine that was organized by the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which is based in Washington, D.C.
As the protestors waved signs and bore some of January's chillier weather, the Wisconsin College of Medicine served them hot coffee and bottled water.
Medical College of Wisconsin spokesman Richard Katschke said that although the school uses some simulators, "the dog is considered the best model of the human cardiovascular system."
"Our computer models are considered to be some of the best in the nation," he added. "Nevertheless, computers are not living beings."
Dr. Aysha Akhtar, of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said at the rally last week that "over 85 percent of medical schools disagree with the need to use live dog labs."
The dogs have yet to be delivered to the medical school by Schroeder, who repeated that everything is done legally and encouraged those fighting for animal rights to visit a children's trauma ward in a hospital.
Published: January 31, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Another Ex Worker Exposes Cruelty Behind Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Tells of Daily Abuse to All Animals
I’ve written so much on this that it’s almost monthly that more comes out. Why they continue their abusive ways and why people support them I’ll never know.
Of course, Ringling Brothers tries to down her credibility. But as I wrote about last week, even Steve-O from Jackass has come out about the cruelty he witnessed while learning to be a clown there! So, it has nothing to do with any motives other than telling the truth. You can read about Steve - O and the cruelty he witnessed behind the scenes at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus at:
http://geari.blogspot.com/2007/01/
jackass-star-steve-o-breaks-his.html
Here is an excerpt from the article below which exposes what she witnessed behind the scenes:
"The abuse was not once in a while, it occurred every day," Archele Hundley told lawmakers. "The elephants, horses and camels were hit, punched, beaten and whipped by everyone from the head of animal care down to inexperienced animal handlers hired out of homeless shelters."
For more about the cruelty behind the circus including VIDEO PROOF see http://www.circuses.com/
Article:
Cruelty alleged in the big top
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070131/1049808.asp
Ex-circus worker seeks ban on animal acts; Ringling official calls conern 'unjustified'
By BRIAN MEYER
News Staff Reporter
1/31/2007
Click to view larger picture
John Hickey/Buffalo News
Former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus worker Archele Hundley shows the Common Council a bull hook used on elephants to dramatize how handlers are taught to keep the animals afraid.
A former employee of the nation's largest traveling circus Tuesday claimed she witnessed vicious acts of animal cruelty and urged the Common Council to ban events in Buffalo that include exotic animal acts.
"The abuse was not once in a while, it occurred every day," Archele Hundley told lawmakers. "The elephants, horses and camels were hit, punched, beaten and whipped by everyone from the head of animal care down to inexperienced animal handlers hired out of homeless shelters."
The West Virginia woman claimed handlers are taught to keep the animals afraid.
But an executive with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus denied the allegations and submitted written testimony calling a ban "unnecessary and unjustified."
"We feel very strongly that our animal-care practices are second to none," Thomas L. Albert, the circus' vice president of government relations and animal policy, told The Buffalo News in a telephone interview.
Albert challenged Hundley's credibility, saying she only worked for Ringling Bros. for about two months last year. He also said that circus officials never heard Hundley's claims until animal advocates started "trotting" her around the country.
Hundley called that claim a lie.
"When I voiced concerns to Ringling management about the animal abuse, I was either ignored or told, "If you don't like it, pack your bags,' " she insisted.
The Council's Legislation Committee held the hearing after advocates lobbied for a law that would make Buffalo off-limits to circuses that use lions, elephants and other exotic animals. More than 20 municipalities across the nation already have imposed such bans, including Hollywood, Fla.
North Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. will likely sponsor legislation proposing such a ban in Buffalo, and Majority Leader Dominic J. Bonifacio Jr. of the Niagara District said he might co-sponsor the bill.
Albert said animals remain the top attraction for a traveling circus, adding that Ringling Bros. is committed to making them feel "safe and secure." He said the circus has been coming to Buffalo since 1919, when Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey combined their operations. He said he hopes Buffalo follows the lead of other municipalities that have rejected bans, including Denver.
Circuses help to reinforce the role that people play as caretakers of animals, Albert said.
The education argument was dismissed by Jennifer Radecki of Animal Advocates of Western New York. She said exhibiting elephants "dressed up and performing silly tricks" contributes nothing to people's appreciation for animals.
Supporters of the ban claim animals in traveling circuses spend a lot of time in feces-filled boxcars or chained in arenas. They also downplayed the drawing power of animal acts.
"Banning exotic-animal acts would bring an end to the mistreatment that I witnessed on a daily basis but was powerless to stop," Hundley said.
Of course, Ringling Brothers tries to down her credibility. But as I wrote about last week, even Steve-O from Jackass has come out about the cruelty he witnessed while learning to be a clown there! So, it has nothing to do with any motives other than telling the truth. You can read about Steve - O and the cruelty he witnessed behind the scenes at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus at:
http://geari.blogspot.com/2007/01/
jackass-star-steve-o-breaks-his.html
Here is an excerpt from the article below which exposes what she witnessed behind the scenes:
"The abuse was not once in a while, it occurred every day," Archele Hundley told lawmakers. "The elephants, horses and camels were hit, punched, beaten and whipped by everyone from the head of animal care down to inexperienced animal handlers hired out of homeless shelters."
For more about the cruelty behind the circus including VIDEO PROOF see http://www.circuses.com/
Article:
Cruelty alleged in the big top
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070131/1049808.asp
Ex-circus worker seeks ban on animal acts; Ringling official calls conern 'unjustified'
By BRIAN MEYER
News Staff Reporter
1/31/2007
Click to view larger picture
John Hickey/Buffalo News
Former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus worker Archele Hundley shows the Common Council a bull hook used on elephants to dramatize how handlers are taught to keep the animals afraid.
A former employee of the nation's largest traveling circus Tuesday claimed she witnessed vicious acts of animal cruelty and urged the Common Council to ban events in Buffalo that include exotic animal acts.
"The abuse was not once in a while, it occurred every day," Archele Hundley told lawmakers. "The elephants, horses and camels were hit, punched, beaten and whipped by everyone from the head of animal care down to inexperienced animal handlers hired out of homeless shelters."
The West Virginia woman claimed handlers are taught to keep the animals afraid.
But an executive with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus denied the allegations and submitted written testimony calling a ban "unnecessary and unjustified."
"We feel very strongly that our animal-care practices are second to none," Thomas L. Albert, the circus' vice president of government relations and animal policy, told The Buffalo News in a telephone interview.
Albert challenged Hundley's credibility, saying she only worked for Ringling Bros. for about two months last year. He also said that circus officials never heard Hundley's claims until animal advocates started "trotting" her around the country.
Hundley called that claim a lie.
"When I voiced concerns to Ringling management about the animal abuse, I was either ignored or told, "If you don't like it, pack your bags,' " she insisted.
The Council's Legislation Committee held the hearing after advocates lobbied for a law that would make Buffalo off-limits to circuses that use lions, elephants and other exotic animals. More than 20 municipalities across the nation already have imposed such bans, including Hollywood, Fla.
North Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. will likely sponsor legislation proposing such a ban in Buffalo, and Majority Leader Dominic J. Bonifacio Jr. of the Niagara District said he might co-sponsor the bill.
Albert said animals remain the top attraction for a traveling circus, adding that Ringling Bros. is committed to making them feel "safe and secure." He said the circus has been coming to Buffalo since 1919, when Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey combined their operations. He said he hopes Buffalo follows the lead of other municipalities that have rejected bans, including Denver.
Circuses help to reinforce the role that people play as caretakers of animals, Albert said.
The education argument was dismissed by Jennifer Radecki of Animal Advocates of Western New York. She said exhibiting elephants "dressed up and performing silly tricks" contributes nothing to people's appreciation for animals.
Supporters of the ban claim animals in traveling circuses spend a lot of time in feces-filled boxcars or chained in arenas. They also downplayed the drawing power of animal acts.
"Banning exotic-animal acts would bring an end to the mistreatment that I witnessed on a daily basis but was powerless to stop," Hundley said.
European Union Governments Unanimously Put Their Support Behind a Proposal to Ban the Sale, Import And Production Of Dog And Cat Fur
A hugely important move. We hope it moves forward. Notice this quote about the nature of the situation:
“HSI estimates about 2 million cats and dogs are killed for fur each year, mostly in China.”
Surprise, surprise. China is by far the main cause of this suffering. If you have the guts to see the truth, visit these links to see proof of the nature of dog and cat killing in china: http://www.furisdead.com/feat/ChineseFurFarms/
And
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/03/crash-course-in-
unbelievable-cruelty.html
Article:
EU governments back ban of cat, dog fur
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/01/30/ap3376264.html
BRUSSELS, Belgium
European Union governments on Monday unanimously supported a proposal to ban the sale, import and production of dog and cat fur in the 27-nation bloc, responding to public calls to outlaw a practice many consider unethical.
The European Commission, the EU's executive body, has said cat and dog fur can be found in some clothing, personal accessories and soft toys for children being sold in Europe, either falsely labeled as another kind of fur or hidden within the product.
"We responded to hundreds of thousands of European citizens who demanded action in this area," EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said. "This product is being used without the consumers being informed. It goes against the wishes and morals of the European citizens. For them, cats and dogs are pets."
Kyprianou said he hoped the ban could be adopted by the end of June after the European Parliament also gives its consent to the measure. Fifteen EU nations already have bans in place, but an EU-wide ban is expected to bring clear guidelines for all member nations.
The Commission said that because of the trade's secretive nature, it was hard to estimate how much dog and cat fur finds its way onto the market or pinpoint the source.
A December 2005 investigation by Australian animal rights group Humane Society International showed dog and cat fur was produced within the Czech Republic and other Eastern European states.
HSI estimates about 2 million cats and dogs are killed for fur each year, mostly in China.
“HSI estimates about 2 million cats and dogs are killed for fur each year, mostly in China.”
Surprise, surprise. China is by far the main cause of this suffering. If you have the guts to see the truth, visit these links to see proof of the nature of dog and cat killing in china: http://www.furisdead.com/feat/ChineseFurFarms/
And
http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/03/crash-course-in-
unbelievable-cruelty.html
Article:
EU governments back ban of cat, dog fur
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/01/30/ap3376264.html
BRUSSELS, Belgium
European Union governments on Monday unanimously supported a proposal to ban the sale, import and production of dog and cat fur in the 27-nation bloc, responding to public calls to outlaw a practice many consider unethical.
The European Commission, the EU's executive body, has said cat and dog fur can be found in some clothing, personal accessories and soft toys for children being sold in Europe, either falsely labeled as another kind of fur or hidden within the product.
"We responded to hundreds of thousands of European citizens who demanded action in this area," EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said. "This product is being used without the consumers being informed. It goes against the wishes and morals of the European citizens. For them, cats and dogs are pets."
Kyprianou said he hoped the ban could be adopted by the end of June after the European Parliament also gives its consent to the measure. Fifteen EU nations already have bans in place, but an EU-wide ban is expected to bring clear guidelines for all member nations.
The Commission said that because of the trade's secretive nature, it was hard to estimate how much dog and cat fur finds its way onto the market or pinpoint the source.
A December 2005 investigation by Australian animal rights group Humane Society International showed dog and cat fur was produced within the Czech Republic and other Eastern European states.
HSI estimates about 2 million cats and dogs are killed for fur each year, mostly in China.
Killing of Barbaro Brings Out Excellent Editorial that Brings Out Truth of Horses
I couldn’t agree more.
Article:
One Horse Dies
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/30/opinion/30tue4.html
Published: January 30, 2007
Why should we feel so much grief at the loss of one horse? After all, this is a world in which horses are sacrificed again and again for the sport of humans. Barbaro was euthanized yesterday, eight months after he shattered his right hind leg at the start of the Preakness Stakes. After an injury like that, most racehorses would have been put down minutes later. But every race is a complex equation — a balance of economics, athleticism, equine grace and conscience. Conscience often comes in last, but not in this case. Barbaro’s owners gave that horse exactly what he had given them, which is everything. It was the very least they could do, and yet it seemed truly exceptional in a sport that is as often barbarous as it is beautiful.
Barbaro was exceptional because he won the Kentucky Derby and looked as if he might have a chance at the Triple Crown. But nearly everyone who met him also talked of the life he displayed, a vivid presence that was so much more visible to us because it happened to belong to a winner.
Humans are not especially good at noticing horses, but Barbaro was easy to notice. And if his life caused us to pay attention to the possibilities of all horses, his death should cause us to pay attention to the tragedy inherent in the end of so many horses. Barbaro’s death was tragic not because it was measured against the races he might have won or even against the effort to save his life. It was tragic because of what every horse is.
You would have to look a long, long time to find a dishonest or cruel horse. And the odds are that if you did find one, it was made cruel or dishonest by the company it kept with humans. It is no exaggeration to say that nearly every horse — Barbaro included — is pure of heart. Some are faster, some slower. Some wind up in the winner’s circle. But they should all evoke in us the generosity of conscience — a human quality, after all — that was expended in the effort to save this one horse.
Article:
One Horse Dies
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/30/opinion/30tue4.html
Published: January 30, 2007
Why should we feel so much grief at the loss of one horse? After all, this is a world in which horses are sacrificed again and again for the sport of humans. Barbaro was euthanized yesterday, eight months after he shattered his right hind leg at the start of the Preakness Stakes. After an injury like that, most racehorses would have been put down minutes later. But every race is a complex equation — a balance of economics, athleticism, equine grace and conscience. Conscience often comes in last, but not in this case. Barbaro’s owners gave that horse exactly what he had given them, which is everything. It was the very least they could do, and yet it seemed truly exceptional in a sport that is as often barbarous as it is beautiful.
Barbaro was exceptional because he won the Kentucky Derby and looked as if he might have a chance at the Triple Crown. But nearly everyone who met him also talked of the life he displayed, a vivid presence that was so much more visible to us because it happened to belong to a winner.
Humans are not especially good at noticing horses, but Barbaro was easy to notice. And if his life caused us to pay attention to the possibilities of all horses, his death should cause us to pay attention to the tragedy inherent in the end of so many horses. Barbaro’s death was tragic not because it was measured against the races he might have won or even against the effort to save his life. It was tragic because of what every horse is.
You would have to look a long, long time to find a dishonest or cruel horse. And the odds are that if you did find one, it was made cruel or dishonest by the company it kept with humans. It is no exaggeration to say that nearly every horse — Barbaro included — is pure of heart. Some are faster, some slower. Some wind up in the winner’s circle. But they should all evoke in us the generosity of conscience — a human quality, after all — that was expended in the effort to save this one horse.
Henry’s Law Would Make Some Cases of Cruelty a Felony in Utah: How You Can Add Your Support to it
Good to see another state moving towards making these crimes felonies. Of course, Henry is an actual dog who suffered horrible cruelty. I’m glad to see a state like Utah taking this seriously.
You can add your support by visiting: www.helpushelpthem.org
Article:
'Henry's Law' against animal cruelty moves closer to passage in legislature
http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id
=c2854653-699e-4980-bfb9-58f6fd0c153a
Story by:
Reed Cowan
reed@abc4.com
A Utah woman whose pet chihuahua was burned in an oven by her ex-husband is looking to turn pain in to protection for Utah animals.
In May Rhonda Kamper’s dog Henry was put in an oven, sustaining severe injuries. Investigators point to Mark Vincent for injuring the dog. Just a month before the burning incident, Vincent is accused of putting out the dog’s eye with a leaf blower.
For his crimes, Vincent is behind bars, but Kampers tells ABC 4 News Vincent should have received a stiffer sentence and that she is working with law makers to see that "Henry's law" is passed.
The bill would make cases of animal abuse felony cases. Currently, Utah only imposes misdemeanor charges for animal abusers. Animal activists say the fact that Utah is one of nine states left to pass animal cruelty legislation shows we are lagging behind in protecting animals.
Previous legislation has met opposition from cattle ranchers, but this bill provides an exemption for ranchers, rodeo workers, hunters and farmers. Henry the dog will make an appearance before law makers in a hearing this week. In the interim, supporters of the bill can visit the following web site to sign a petition of support: www.helpushelpthem.org.
You can add your support by visiting: www.helpushelpthem.org
Article:
'Henry's Law' against animal cruelty moves closer to passage in legislature
http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id
=c2854653-699e-4980-bfb9-58f6fd0c153a
Story by:
Reed Cowan
reed@abc4.com
A Utah woman whose pet chihuahua was burned in an oven by her ex-husband is looking to turn pain in to protection for Utah animals.
In May Rhonda Kamper’s dog Henry was put in an oven, sustaining severe injuries. Investigators point to Mark Vincent for injuring the dog. Just a month before the burning incident, Vincent is accused of putting out the dog’s eye with a leaf blower.
For his crimes, Vincent is behind bars, but Kampers tells ABC 4 News Vincent should have received a stiffer sentence and that she is working with law makers to see that "Henry's law" is passed.
The bill would make cases of animal abuse felony cases. Currently, Utah only imposes misdemeanor charges for animal abusers. Animal activists say the fact that Utah is one of nine states left to pass animal cruelty legislation shows we are lagging behind in protecting animals.
Previous legislation has met opposition from cattle ranchers, but this bill provides an exemption for ranchers, rodeo workers, hunters and farmers. Henry the dog will make an appearance before law makers in a hearing this week. In the interim, supporters of the bill can visit the following web site to sign a petition of support: www.helpushelpthem.org.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Prince Harry the Cruel and the Royal Cruel Family at it Again: Girlfriend Exposed as Advocate for African Animal Killing
Man, these royals really have shown their cruel side in the last month - http://geari.blogspot.com/2006/12/
prince-william-shallow-and-cruel.html.
Guess it’s just part of being born to do nothing but look a certain way. Guess boredom leads to killing and hanging out with killers.
Article:
Animal Rights Leaders Attack Prince Harry's Girlfriend For Advocating African Hunting
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006290783
January 29, 2007 9:52 a.m. EST
Maira Oliveira - All Headline News Reporter
Reno, Nevada (BANG) - The girlfriend of Britain's Prince Harry has come under fire from animal rights campaigners for attending a U.S. convention promoting big game hunting in Africa.
Chelsy Davy, 21 - whose father is a millionaire safari operator in her home country of Zimbabwe - was among guests at the Safari Club International event in Reno, Nevada.
Tim Phillips, of Animal Defenders International, has blasted Chelsy - who has been staying at the Circus Circus Hotel + Casino complex with brother Shaun, and parents Charles and Beverly - for being an advocate of the organization.
He told Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper, "Safari Club is a group who are happy to hunt and kill pretty much any animal that moves. For Chelsy to put her name - and the mark of the royal family - to that is disgraceful. The British public will be disgusted."
The Safari Club, a non-profit organization "dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, education of the people and the protection of hunter' rights," was founded in 1971 and boasts 40,000 members.
prince-william-shallow-and-cruel.html.
Guess it’s just part of being born to do nothing but look a certain way. Guess boredom leads to killing and hanging out with killers.
Article:
Animal Rights Leaders Attack Prince Harry's Girlfriend For Advocating African Hunting
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006290783
January 29, 2007 9:52 a.m. EST
Maira Oliveira - All Headline News Reporter
Reno, Nevada (BANG) - The girlfriend of Britain's Prince Harry has come under fire from animal rights campaigners for attending a U.S. convention promoting big game hunting in Africa.
Chelsy Davy, 21 - whose father is a millionaire safari operator in her home country of Zimbabwe - was among guests at the Safari Club International event in Reno, Nevada.
Tim Phillips, of Animal Defenders International, has blasted Chelsy - who has been staying at the Circus Circus Hotel + Casino complex with brother Shaun, and parents Charles and Beverly - for being an advocate of the organization.
He told Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper, "Safari Club is a group who are happy to hunt and kill pretty much any animal that moves. For Chelsy to put her name - and the mark of the royal family - to that is disgraceful. The British public will be disgusted."
The Safari Club, a non-profit organization "dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, education of the people and the protection of hunter' rights," was founded in 1971 and boasts 40,000 members.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Israeli Knesset Ministerial Committee for Legislation Puts Forth Bill That Would Ban Animal Testing For Cosmetics
I don’t need to state how big this would be. We will hope for such a gigantic move. This would simply verify that animal testing of cosmetics is simply unnecessary and wasteful.
Article:
Ministerial committee approves bill banning animal testing for cosmetics
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/818673.html
By Tamara Traubmann, Haaretz Correspondent
A bill banning animal testing for cosmetics and cleaning products was approved Sunday in the Knesset Ministerial Committee for Legislation.
Following the decision, the bill will be brought Wednesday to the Knesset plenum for a preliminary reading.
The current law allows the Council on Animal Experimentation to issue permits to cosmetics and detergent industries for conducting experiments which serve no medical purpose.
The bill indicates that 2,000-3,000 animals are currently used in such experiments annually.
Animal rights activists demonstrated opposite the Knesset building Sunday morning calling for committee members to approve the bill, as well as another bill prohibiting the importation of cosmetic or detergent products developed through animal testing.
The second bill was rejected by a margin of one vote.
The activists distributed lists to passersby of companies that do not employ animal testing and urged them to boycott companies that do.
The bill, introduced by MK Gideon Sa'ar (Likud), is intended to bring Israel in line with states in the European Union, which three years ago passed a law banning all animal testing for cosmetic purposes by 2009.
The wording of the bill indicates that the experiments "cause enormous suffering to animals and are conducted without painkillers," despite the option of alternative methods for determining the effectiveness and poison levels of cosmetics that do not cause pain to animals.
A document released by the state comptroller in 2004 indicated a lack of supervision by the Council on Animal Experimentation.
In recent years, it said, the council has hardly advanced the use of alternative testing techniques.
The experiments of more than 20 industrial companies are currently conducted using permits issued by various internal committees.
In many instances, the members of such committees are the same people conducting the experiments, and are in effect authorizing their own experiments or those of colleagues.
The bill stipulates a reversal of the council's power of authorization on experiments to develop cosmetic and detergent products.
Article:
Ministerial committee approves bill banning animal testing for cosmetics
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/818673.html
By Tamara Traubmann, Haaretz Correspondent
A bill banning animal testing for cosmetics and cleaning products was approved Sunday in the Knesset Ministerial Committee for Legislation.
Following the decision, the bill will be brought Wednesday to the Knesset plenum for a preliminary reading.
The current law allows the Council on Animal Experimentation to issue permits to cosmetics and detergent industries for conducting experiments which serve no medical purpose.
The bill indicates that 2,000-3,000 animals are currently used in such experiments annually.
Animal rights activists demonstrated opposite the Knesset building Sunday morning calling for committee members to approve the bill, as well as another bill prohibiting the importation of cosmetic or detergent products developed through animal testing.
The second bill was rejected by a margin of one vote.
The activists distributed lists to passersby of companies that do not employ animal testing and urged them to boycott companies that do.
The bill, introduced by MK Gideon Sa'ar (Likud), is intended to bring Israel in line with states in the European Union, which three years ago passed a law banning all animal testing for cosmetic purposes by 2009.
The wording of the bill indicates that the experiments "cause enormous suffering to animals and are conducted without painkillers," despite the option of alternative methods for determining the effectiveness and poison levels of cosmetics that do not cause pain to animals.
A document released by the state comptroller in 2004 indicated a lack of supervision by the Council on Animal Experimentation.
In recent years, it said, the council has hardly advanced the use of alternative testing techniques.
The experiments of more than 20 industrial companies are currently conducted using permits issued by various internal committees.
In many instances, the members of such committees are the same people conducting the experiments, and are in effect authorizing their own experiments or those of colleagues.
The bill stipulates a reversal of the council's power of authorization on experiments to develop cosmetic and detergent products.
The Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Task Force and the Dog Whisperer: Forces of Change in Addressing Animal Cruelty
What a great program. Very progressive and very needed. We can only hope that other cities will follow suit. In summary, the program consists of four Los Angeles Police Department officers and five investigators from the city's animal services agency.
“The task force has scored nine felony convictions since fall 2005, and several defendants have been sent to prison for their crimes.”
Now that’s a good record.
The task force can be reached at (213) 847-1417. Officials ask that callers please be judicious about reporting problems.
Article:
The Dog Whisperer sheds tears at City Hall
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/
la-me-localgovtqa29jan29,1,3989959.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california
By Steve Hymon, Times Staff Writer
January 29, 2007
The Dog Whisperer was in the house. And he was weeping.
Cesar Millan was in City Hall a couple of weeks ago to be honored by Councilman Tony Cardenas for his work in helping people get along better with problem pets.
In case you've been living under a rock, Millan has his own television show on the National Geographic Channel, a best-selling book and was recently profiled in the New Yorker. His Dog Psychology Center in South L.A. has become so popular that Millan needs more land.
Before the main event in front of the full City Council, Cardenas introduced Millan at a private ceremony atop City Hall and Millan quickly choked up in epic fashion.
Why? Despite all of his success, what really got to Millan — a Mexican immigrant — was the notion that he had performed a public service.
Cardenas is hoping to work with Millan on a program to teach students to treat animals with respect.
And before rolling your eyeballs….
*
How big of a problem is animal cruelty in Los Angeles?
It is difficult to say, because for years no one kept track.
Shortly after taking office in 2003, Cardenas learned that major cruelty cases were often not being pursued as felony crimes. So he introduced legislation that ultimately led to the creation of the city's Animal Cruelty Task Force, consisting of four Los Angeles Police Department officers and five investigators from the city's animal services agency.
"We were a city about protecting people from animals but not animals from people," Cardenas said.
The task force has scored nine felony convictions since fall 2005, and several defendants have been sent to prison for their crimes.
Among those convicted was a gang member sentenced to three years for using a Taser gun on and scalding his girlfriend's dog during an argument with her (the dog survived); and a heroin addict who beat his roommate's dog to death. Police caught him taking the dog's body to a trash container. He got a 16-month sentence.
A woman is also awaiting trial for allegedly killing a kitten as a way to teach her sons to listen to her.
"One of the reasons I wanted to come on here is because people could commit crimes against animals in the city, and by and large it wasn't considered a very big deal," said Det. Sue Brumagin, a member of the unit. "What I tell people now is that if you do this, you're going to state prison."
Not everyone believes the task force is living up to its potential. Marie Atake, an animal services commissioner, said she wants the unit to respond more to everyday abuses of animals, such as illegally tethering dogs in yards or leaving them out in the hot sun. Brumagin agrees, but said the unit must first deal with the most egregious cases.
The task force can be reached at (213) 847-1417. Officials ask that callers please be judicious about reporting problems.
“The task force has scored nine felony convictions since fall 2005, and several defendants have been sent to prison for their crimes.”
Now that’s a good record.
The task force can be reached at (213) 847-1417. Officials ask that callers please be judicious about reporting problems.
Article:
The Dog Whisperer sheds tears at City Hall
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/
la-me-localgovtqa29jan29,1,3989959.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california
By Steve Hymon, Times Staff Writer
January 29, 2007
The Dog Whisperer was in the house. And he was weeping.
Cesar Millan was in City Hall a couple of weeks ago to be honored by Councilman Tony Cardenas for his work in helping people get along better with problem pets.
In case you've been living under a rock, Millan has his own television show on the National Geographic Channel, a best-selling book and was recently profiled in the New Yorker. His Dog Psychology Center in South L.A. has become so popular that Millan needs more land.
Before the main event in front of the full City Council, Cardenas introduced Millan at a private ceremony atop City Hall and Millan quickly choked up in epic fashion.
Why? Despite all of his success, what really got to Millan — a Mexican immigrant — was the notion that he had performed a public service.
Cardenas is hoping to work with Millan on a program to teach students to treat animals with respect.
And before rolling your eyeballs….
*
How big of a problem is animal cruelty in Los Angeles?
It is difficult to say, because for years no one kept track.
Shortly after taking office in 2003, Cardenas learned that major cruelty cases were often not being pursued as felony crimes. So he introduced legislation that ultimately led to the creation of the city's Animal Cruelty Task Force, consisting of four Los Angeles Police Department officers and five investigators from the city's animal services agency.
"We were a city about protecting people from animals but not animals from people," Cardenas said.
The task force has scored nine felony convictions since fall 2005, and several defendants have been sent to prison for their crimes.
Among those convicted was a gang member sentenced to three years for using a Taser gun on and scalding his girlfriend's dog during an argument with her (the dog survived); and a heroin addict who beat his roommate's dog to death. Police caught him taking the dog's body to a trash container. He got a 16-month sentence.
A woman is also awaiting trial for allegedly killing a kitten as a way to teach her sons to listen to her.
"One of the reasons I wanted to come on here is because people could commit crimes against animals in the city, and by and large it wasn't considered a very big deal," said Det. Sue Brumagin, a member of the unit. "What I tell people now is that if you do this, you're going to state prison."
Not everyone believes the task force is living up to its potential. Marie Atake, an animal services commissioner, said she wants the unit to respond more to everyday abuses of animals, such as illegally tethering dogs in yards or leaving them out in the hot sun. Brumagin agrees, but said the unit must first deal with the most egregious cases.
The task force can be reached at (213) 847-1417. Officials ask that callers please be judicious about reporting problems.
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