Month: July 2020

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News

Powered By Plants – the ‘Highway to Health’.

 

We move on as Slavica would have wished us to do.

 

So – Powered by Plants:

 

 

New Series ‘Highway To Health’ Will Explore Plant-Based Diets And Health

 

The show will feature guests including Kevin Smith, Moby, and the crew of Sea Shepherd among others

MARIA CHIORANDO

JUL 17, 2020

 

 

 

A new T.V program showcasing the benefits of a plant-based diet is set to launch in 2020.

Highway to Health, co-hosted by Sepultura vocalist Derrick Green and top freelance bassist Tanya O’Callaghan, will explore numerous topics from food to social and environmental justice.

The presenters travel around the world, sharing meals with guests, including Moby, Kevin Smith, Kat Von D, and the crew of Sea Shepherd among others.

‘What we can do to make a difference’

 

In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Green and O’Callaghan said: “Sharing meals together has always been a catalyst for positive conversations, storytelling, teaching, and learning. Join us as we explore worldwide, from L.A to São Paulo, Ireland to Mexico and beyond.

“We are joined by incredible guests from film, tv, and music industry icons, as well as athletes, doctors, innovators, intellects, and hometown heroes to talk about food, health, inclusivity, ecological and economic impact, and what we can all do to make a difference.”

Highway to Health is set to launch in late 2020. Keep up to date with the show on Instagram

 

Regards Mark

 

 

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2020/07/17/dr-medicine-slavica-mazak-beslic-a-dear-animal-campaigner-friend-lost-today/

 

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2020/07/17/for-slavica-mazac-beslic/

 

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2020/07/18/sorrow/

 

 

General News

for Slavica Mazac-Bešlić

Single lit candle with quite flame on black background

Slavica has made the world a better place for animals.
If her animal friends knew she isn’t there anymore, they would come to her deathbed and cry.

She did a lot for them and she would have continued to do so even though her strength had already given way.
Because she knew it:  the best motivation for not giving up is to continue doing everything to reduce animal pain and suffering.

The world is poorer after the death of such people.
They have not only consumed goods and generated garbage, but they have done something worthwhile for those who have no rights, for the defenseless.
They never betrayed their friends, the animals.
They are people who have done their best, everything they could, and if they had one more life to go, they would give it to make this world a better place for the animals.

“It’s not about the theoretical question of whether life has meaning. It’s about the practical question of what meaning we give it” said Margit Spira
Slavica had given the right meaning to her life.

We are sad, infinitely sad.
We promise that we will continue the fight and, like you, will do everything we can for those you loved and protected, for the animals.

slavica

R.i.P. Slavica
your blog friends and Venus

Environmental, Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News, Live Transport, Stray Animals

Dr. Medicine Slavica Mazak Bešlić – A Dear Animal Campaigner Friend Lost Today.

 

 

Today, 17/7/20 I have been sent a very sad message from friends and welfare people, Branka and Pavel, who operate ARKA in Serbia.  The message reads:

 

Dear Mark,

We are so sorry to inform you that Slavica (EPAR) died Yesterday morning at 3h30’.

Recently, apart of her main illness, she fell and broke thigh bone. She had to go to the hospital for the surgery, unfortunately she didn’t recover.

She really loved animals and did so much for them, we’ll miss her very much.

Regards, Branka and Pavel
ARKA

 

Slavica first made contact with me back in 2004; and after deciding on a campaign route; ‘Serbian Animals Voice’ was formed.

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/about-us/

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/about-serbian-animals/

 

Slavica and I were in almost daily contact re the situation for animals in Serbia.  She was in Serbia; and I was in England; so communication (language) to get the correct message out on SAV was not an easy thing in those early days.  It was very much a case of info coming in check – draft and send to Slavica for the ok.  Only once that we were both happy with the content did we publish our data.

Two very large campaigns we worked on was to try and prevent the construction of a ski lift facility at Stara Planina – here are some links:

 

Destruction photos and more:

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2010/09/27/serbia-stara-planina-update-the-governments-illegal-environmental-destruction-continues-full-news-and-pictures-in-this-post/

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2009/09/03/golema-reka-draft/

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2012/05/31/serbia-stara-planina-update-june-2012/

 

This was not about stray animals, but an environmental issue we fought:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2009/08/24/240809-global-launch-of-campaign-to-save-stara-planina-animals-and-plants-international-supporters-your-individual-help-is-essential-please-copy-and-send-letter-given-in-post-below/

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2009/08/15/serbia-campaign-to-save-flora-and-fauna-at-stara-planina/

 

We battled with the EU about environmental issues at Stara; again, they did not want to take action regarding the endangered species (wildlife) lists we had provided.

In the end it was not good news – corruption won; but we did help with some other victories:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2014/02/15/serbia-150214-update-zvezadra-forest-park-has-now-been-saved-thanks-to-biologist-dr-miroslav-demajo-and-all-his-supporters-great-news/

 

And also the work with ‘Respect for Animals’, here in Nottingham UK, to achieve the fur farming ban, which came into force at the start of 2019.  Read more:

http://www.respectforanimals.org/?s=serbia

 

Respect for Animals – against all fur : http://www.respectforanimals.org/

 

 

serb sheep 3

 

Another issue we very much got involved with was regarding the export of live sheep to Israel.  The Serbian government denied that there was any involvement with Serbia and the exported sheep; so much so that attempted to make threats against all who were involved and exposing the business.  With help and advice and input from Salavica, I chased up the issue at the EU – see more here:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2015/09/21/england-sav-now-write-to-eu-commissioner-hahn-regarding-serbia-israeli-live-animal-transport/

 

You have to remember that the Serbian government made many threats to animal activists; and that included closing down Slavica’s stray dog shelter.  But all was not lost, in the end the Serbian government were forced (under activists pressure) to come clean and tell the EU that the exported sheep DID originate and get exported from Serbia.  This was confirmed in a letter from the EU to Mark, which you can read below:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2015/10/20/serbia-it-now-appears-the-sheep-exported-live-to-israel-were-from-serbia-despite-the-threats/

So you see, if you know you are right with what you say, you have to take chances and fight the fight; all the way.  This issue of sheep exports was a big win for us; especially Slavica, who was so very involved, despite the government threats to close down her shelter.

 

More reading on this:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2015/09/26/further-news-about-exports-to-israel/

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2015/10/20/serbia-it-now-appears-the-sheep-exported-live-to-israel-were-from-serbia-despite-the-threats/

 

We also worked together re the animals at Palic Zoo in Serbia; and especially relating to a brown bear which was kept in a very confined environment.  Here we worked with the Born Free group in London who had set up reports on animal zoos across the EU.  See it here:

https://www.bornfree.org.uk/storage/media/content/files/Publications/FINDINGS%20%26%20RECOMMENDATIONS.pdf

 

 

See the pictures and our info about Palic Zoo here:

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2012/08/06/serbia-can-we-go-and-see-the-animals-having-fun-at-the-zoo-daddy-the-real-side-of-palic-zoo-serbia-and-the-animals-that-exist-there/

 

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2012/08/09/serbia-part-2-palic-zoo-investigation-can-we-go-and-see-the-animals-having-fun-at-the-zoo-daddy-the-real-side-of-palic-zoo-serbia/

 

 

Slavica was a fantastic person to know; and an even better campaigner.  I am proud to have been able to call her a good friend and to have been involved with her fighting to improve the welfare of animals in Serbia..  As well as her dedication to animals rights, Slavica was also a medical doctor.  Slavica worked as the senior / manager of the department for tumours at the city hospital in Subotica (Serbia) for over 15 years.

 

She undertook numerous operations associated with tumours in gynecology, such as the Wertheim – Meigs technique.

She operated her own private gynecology facility known as “Ginekos”, within Subotica city, Serbia.

Slavica has always supported animal welfare / rights and allocated the vast majority of the finances from her gynecology speciality into funding the construction and operations of stray dog and cat shelters, and she often had to endure personal attack, criticism and negative experiences from many of the local authorities around the Subotica area.

Slavica endured personal criticism of her work for the animals by others working within administration departments of Belgrade City authority.

With massive input from Slavica; and using SAV as an information tool; we also managed to get the illegal hell hole (VUK) zoo at Novi Pazar closed down.  You can see the conditions in which the animals were illegally kept in the following:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2011/07/27/serbia-270711-investigation-reveals-illegal-zoo-operating-and-a-minister-who-does-not-have-a-clue-about-things/

 

From SAV ‘About Us’ – https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/about-us/

 

 

Dr. Medicine Slavica Mazak Bešlić

– Subotica, Serbian Republic

 

Slavica is the President of the organisation EPAR, which is based in Subotica, Serbia.  In 2010, Slavica stopped running the animal shelter part of EPAR, which was called Friend – EPAR.  The animal shelter section of EPAR has now been taken over by a lady named Adriana.  Friend – EPAR shelter was the biggest No Kill shelter in Serbia; and this policy is now continuing through Adriana.

Adriana has now given a new name to the shelter that she works with; the old Friend – EPAR shelter.  This shelter is now called (shelter) ALEX.

Slavica continues to run EPAR as an organisation, but this is now specifically dedicated to more legal matters such as campaigning for the implementation of existing national legislation; bringing charges against those who are illegally doing cruelty to animals, and charges against hunters, environmental destruction work etc.

 

Important – the links below show many photographs of the old Friend – EPAR shelter. 

Here below are some old photograph links to what was originally Friend – EPAR shelter, and which is now called ALEX:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/serbia-latest-pictures-from-epar-shelter-subotica/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/serbia-june-2010-new-pictures-of-the-rescued-stray-dogs-at-epar-shelter/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/serbia-more-photographs-from-epar-shelter-subotica/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/serbia-new-photographs-from-epar-shelter/

Slavica is a medical doctor with specialist practice in gynecology and obstetrics, and a superspecialist for untrasound techniques in gynecology.

Slavica worked as the senior / manager of the department for tumors at the city hospital in Subotica (Serbia) for over 15 years.

She has undertaken numerous operations associated with tumors in gynecology, such as the Wertheim – Meigs technique.

She now operates her own private gynecology facility known as “Ginekos”, still within Subotica city.

Slavica has always supported animal welfare / rights. She allocates the vast majority of the finances from her gynecology speciality into funding the construction and operations of stray dog and cat shelters, and has often had to endure personal attack, criticism and negative experiences from many of the local authorities around the Subotica area.

Slavica has endured personal criticism of her work for the animals by others working within administration departments of Belgrade City authority.

Slavica shares her home with animals that she has rescued from the local streets as strays.

 

Slavica was a great personal friend and an even better campaigner friend for all the animals.  She lived her life to the full in so many ways and tried to make Serbia a better place for animals.

I close by saying if there were a lot more ‘Slavica’s’ in the world, then it would be a much better place.

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farm Animals

Chicken barracks: suffering, dirt, and death

July 15, 2020

In Germany, up to 50 million male chicks are killed each year on the first day of their lives because they are not profitable for the egg industry. They cannot lay eggs and they put on meat much more slowly and less than chickens that are specially bred for meat production.

kücken am fließband
These so-called ones– day-old chicks are mostly suffocated by gas or shredded alive.
Germany and France aim to phase out this practice by the end of 2021.

Until then, new technologies for sex determination in the egg should be available (in-ovo sex determination).

In order to increase the pressure on international politics and to end the cruel chick killing as widely as possible, our colleagues from Animal Equality in Italy, Spain, and Brazil have now started a campaign.
The aim is to convince the respective governments of the countries to set a good example, to find alternatives, and to subsidize them financially.

kücken default

There are already different approaches for alternatives to chick killing. A basic distinction is made between three alternatives:

the above-mentioned gender determination in the egg,
the rearing of male chicks for meat production (broiler fattening mast) and
the breeding of so-called dual-use breeds.
Both the fattening of the rooster cocks and the “dual-use chicken” are already practiced to a certain extent, especially by organic farms.

However, only every tenth egg in Germany comes from organic farming and not all of these farms do without killing the male chicks. The percentage of eggs for which no male chick was killed is therefore negligible.

Kücken 3 default

Buying eggs support not only financially the cruel killing of male chicks. The female chicks also suffer almost unimaginable torments.

Huhn an blutiger Wandjpg
As so-called laying hens, they are used for the production of eggs. With a laying performance of around 300 eggs per year, they have to achieve completely unnatural high performance.

Therefore, the most effective way to reduce the suffering of all chicks is by eating a plant.

We can all make a conscious decision against animal agony and remove eggs from our menu. Try it!

https://animalequality.de/neuigkeiten/2020/07/15/internationale-kampagne-gegen-kuekenschreddern

the petition from Italy: https://campaigns.animalequality.it/stop-strage-pulcini/

the petition from Spain: https://igualdadanimal.org/actua/pollitos-triturados

https://youtu.be/U36xkN5w4OA

the petition from Germany: https://animalequality.de/kampagnen/horror-ei

And I mean…The walls have long been made of glass. An enormous number of undercover investigations have created this transparency, which is even broadcast by the public media.
But meat consumption is increasing.
Worldwide meat consumption has quintupled in the past 50 years.

Germany is not only one of the largest meat producers, but also one of the largest milk producers worldwide. Subsidized with tax money!

Germany produces 8 million tons of meat every year!
While in the Third World and according to UN statistics, 43,000 children die of hunger every day. Per day!
Why?
Because the West feeds its “useful” animals with the grain.

All of this is already known, and at some level, we know the truth.
But as soon as we recognize this reality and recognize our meat consumption as the main cause of animal suffering and the climate catastrophe, we have to take responsibility and radically change our actions.
But that’s exactly what we don’t want to do.

In this sense, this fascist system of the meat and milk mafia has done an excellent indoctrination work and made 7 billion human specimens its collaborators.

kücke mit löffeljpg

My best regards to all, Venus

Farm Animals, General News

USA: Walmart Cruelty Exposed.

american-flag-120402148

 

 

https://investigations.peta.org/walmart-great-value-eggs-horror/?utm_source=PETA::E-Mail&utm_medium=Alert&utm_campaign=0720::veg::PETA::E-Mail::Hens%20Cruelly%20Killed%20at%20a%20Walmart%20Supplier%20Help%20the%20Survivors::::aa%20em&ea.url.id=531217

 

A breaking PETA undercover investigation into a typical American egg farm that supplies eggs to Walmart—which sells them under its “Great Value” brand—reveals that more than 100,000 hens were yanked out of their cages and crudely gassed.

Workers tried but failed to break other hens’ necks—causing them a prolonged, agonizing death.

Hundreds more hens suffered and died in their cages. PETA’s investigator found that many of them were simply left to decay. The surviving hens were crowded together with these rotting corpses for days on end.

 

Hens had no place to stand, sit, or lie down except on the wire flooring of their cages, which dug into their feet.

You can make a tremendous difference today for the millions of intelligent, gentle hens who are suffering so severely right now at this Walmart supplier’s farm.

We can bring these and billions of other hens closer to a day free of unrelenting stress, fear, misery, and agony. Please, take a minute to lend your powerful voice in defense of these animals.

Thank you for all that you do for animals.

Sincerely,

Daniel Paden
Vice President of Evidence Analysis
Cruelty Investigations Department
PETA

 

 

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

England: Investigator Friend Richard Helps Viva ! With Expose of Animal Cruelty; and a New Book.

England

 

 

Mark (WAV) and Richard (Rich) worked together on live animal transport issues a long time ago; and they were good friends for years – Richard is one smashing bloke and a true friend of the animals !.  You can see a photo here taken by Mark of Richard (on the right) at the EU HQ in Brussels during a protest against live transport organised, what 20-25 years ago.

Mark remembers; the last time Rich and I met up was at Dover docks here in Kent, England.  Of all times and places;  it was about 0300 hrs and I was at the harbour myself doing live calf and sheep export work; as many UK calves were heading to the Netherlands for crating; which is a terr8ible process. .   He had arrived at the port to catch a ferry across the (English) Channel to do some work in Belgium I think it was.  We came across each other and had a quick chat about export issues and other things before we shook hands and he departed into the darkness to catch the ferry.  I remained at the docks for loaded transporters to arrive; again to catch the ferry.  Sad work, but when you meet people like him; it kind of gets better – Mark.

As you can see below – there are a lot of trucks to keep an eye on.  Fortunately; Dover is not used now for animal exports – it was a major victory for us to stop it.

 

Here you can see a crated calf ; that’s why we fight for them:

 

Veal EU 2

Great to see Richard is now doing work for the team at Viva ! – and we wish him every success  !.

A young Richard is on the right in this photo by Mark.

Centre is another great friend and animal campaigner; John C; whop sadly passed a short while back.  You can read our tribute to John here:

 

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/04/25/england-another-terrible-loss-john-callaghan/

 

John C and Richard H Brussels

Relying on a hidden camera, a bluff and a little bit of luck, award-winning investigative journalist Rich Hardy finds imaginative ways to meet the people and industries responsible for the lives and deaths of billions of animals used to feed, clothe and entertain us.

Listen in to this month’s podcast to hear more about his journey and click below to purchase a copy of new book, Not As Nature Intended, direct from the Viva! Shop.

 

Listen here  https://www.viva.org.uk/vivapodcast?mc_cid=aac989c91f&mc_eid=26c03356b8

 

 

The new book by Richard –  https://vivashop.org.uk/collections/books/products/not-as-nature-intended?mc_cid=aac989c91f&mc_eid=26c03356b8

 

Richard Hardy

RICH HARDY

Undercover investigator has exposed some of the most heinous examples of animal abuse around the world for nearly 20 years.

Rich’s pictures and video footage from inside places such as abattoirs, factories, circuses and livestock markets have been used worldwide by more than 20 international animal protection charities, helping to launch campaigns, change laws and inspire people to take action for animals.

He has documented animal suffering in 28 countries, providing organisations with key evidence to push for new welfare laws, pursue animal cruelty prosecutions or raise public awareness about the need to treat animals with kindness and respect.

His many assignments have included infiltrating fur trappers in the USA and monkey breeding farms in Asia, as well as undercover investigations into the meat industry, live exports, ritual slaughter of sheep in Singapore, and the horrific battery farming of rabbits for use in pet food sold in Britain.

The former leader of Surfers Against Sewage has worked with charities including Compassion in World Farming, Born Free, Humane Society International, Eurogroup for Animals, Cruelty Free International, Four Paws and World Animal Protection.

Although his work has been widely featured in campaigns and news outlets, he has always remained anonymous to allow him to continue working undercover. His identity can now be revealed as he is giving up undercover work to focus on activism and campaigning.

Now working with the Veganuary campaign, he also runs a micro-sanctuary for dogs, cats, chickens and ducks he and his partner have rescued from shelters and factory farms.

 

https://www.animalheroawards.co.uk/2019-winners/item/183-rich-hardy?mc_cid=aac989c91f&mc_eid=26c03356b8

General News, Uncategorized

Wales: Start the Day With Great News – From December 2020 Wild Animal Circuses are Banned In Wales. Cruel Circuses are Now Banned In England, Scotland and From 12/20, Wales Also.

wales

 

Circus March 3

 

BREAKING: We did it! Wild animal circuses will be banned in Wales

 

Dear Mark,

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I am delighted to share the great news with you that as of 1st December 2020,

wild animal ciruses will be BANNED in Wales!

Yesterday the Welsh Senedd UNANIMOUSLY voted the new bill into law, which will make the use of wild animals in circuses illegal from 1st December 2020.

This now means that from December these cruel circuses will be banned across Britain, with bans already in place in Scotland and England.

Read more here: https://www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/breaking-welsh-government-votes-to-ban-wild-animals-in-circuses/

This victory has been a long time coming, with dedicated activists like you fighting for a ban for years. And it has taken a mix of campaigning tactics to achieve – from protest on the ground outside circuses, to lobbying lawmakers to support this ban.

 

circus no smile

 

Of course we still have work to do, as not all animals will be covered by this ban. Sadly ‘domestic’ animals were excluded from the bill despite the fact that they too suffer for entertainment. But we can take this victory today and use it to fuel our efforts for these animals too – until all are free!

For now, please go and celebrate this fantastic news, and come back tomorrow ready to campaign once more.

Thank you so much again for your efforts in this fight. You have made history for animals!

For the animals,

Sam Threadgill
Director

 

P.S. Thank you for all your efforts in this long fought campaign.

What a fantastic victory for animals!

 

circus2

you did it 2

 

 

 
General News

England: Stay Foxy.

England

 

Hi all;

 

The system has been down most of the day and has only just returned – it is now 9-30 in the evening (UK time) and it is late to do posts.  Instead I thought I would show you a few fox photos that I have taken in the last couple of years in my front garden.  Over time they got to know me, and because I used to give them some food they knew that they were safe and would not be harmed – as if – me !

Enjoy them – keep wildlife in the wild !

I have a lot – these are just a quick few.

Regards Mark

 

1

3

4

5

IMGP0067

fopx july 19 two

fox in office 1

Above – this little guy used to pop into the office when I was working on the computer – jump up onto the window ledge and just chill for a while.  Then he would go down out the door and return to his life in the wild.  I had to get a few pictures as when I told friends I had a fox pop into the office; they never believed me !

 

Long time supporter of:

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