Month: March 2024

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

Vast Majority Of Animal Transport Ships Deemed Unseaworthy. Ancient Rust Bucket Bathtubs As We (WAV) Call Them.

All photos – WAV Archive.

26 March 2024

AWF

64 animal transport vessels are allowed to cross European waters, but only 6 of them meet international safety standards.

Former ferry or cargo vessels that had their security clearances revoked are commonly used to transport live animals, meaning the average animal transport vessel in the EU is several decades old, and very unsafe to operate.

Animal Welfare Foundation, together with the French environmental organisation Robin Des Bois, published a comprehensive report on the true state of these sea vessels, concluding that urgent measures must be taken to stop their use.

Sea vessels for animal transport are far from welfare-friendly

Among the 64 animal transport vessels approved for use in the EU currently,  only 4 vessels were originally built for the purpose of transporting animals. All other vessels were retrofitted after around 30 years at sea. 

As this film documents, these vessels are filled with hazards, from sharp edges to rust and defective struts, creating a very high level of risk for both the animals and crew onboard.

With the majority of vessels being in such a dilapidated state, it’s not surprising that there have been a string of disasters during live animal transport by sea over the past years, such as in the case of the Karim Allah and Elbaik. 

Thousands of animals are spending weeks in these unseaworthy ships, where they are forced to stand knee-deep in their own excrement and are exposed to high temperatures, rough seas, crowded quarters, disease and more.

Nearly half of the EU’s live animal sea vessels are flying the black flag

AWF and RDB’s research also reveals that nearly half of the animal transport vessels approved in the EU flew the flag of a country marked by the Paris Memorandum of Understanding as a black flag (for example Togo, Sierra Leone or Tanzania). 

This flag indicates these vessels pose a high risk to maritime traffic, as well as to the animals, crew and environment. 

The fact these vessels continue to be used show there is a clear lack of concern for animal and human welfare within this transport sector. Three years ago, 17 vessels were identified as highly dangerous for use in transporting animals, but 15 of them are still operational today. 

Action must be taken to improve live animal transport at sea

Three years ago, the European Commission received an initial joint report by AWF and RDB on 78 animal transport vessels approved in the EU. This year’s report shows there has been continued inaction in regards to establishing the safety of these vessels and the welfare of animals in this industry, even against the recommendation of the Commission’s very own inquiry committees. 

If these vessels that are falling apart continue to be used, more transport disasters are inevitable. 

If the industry is not stopped entirely, sea vessels must at least fly the white flag and be IACS-standardised and fully functional, accommodating basic safety measures for the animals and personnel on board. Further, black and grey flags must be prohibited. Strict limits to journey times by sea must be included in the revised Transport Regulation, to mitigate the suffering of animals while they are transported across water.

EU legislation must finally confront the brutal reality of live animal transport by sea and take action. No animal belongs on a ship, [and the sector] cannot and must not continue like this.

Iris Baumgärtner, Animal Welfare Foundation Project Lead

Regards Mark

More reading – https://www.ciwf.org.uk/news/2024/03/governments-urged-to-end-live-exports-now

https://www.ciwf.org/resources/reports-position-papers-briefings/a-data-dump-of-eu-transport-suffering-exposed/?_gl=11otft50_gaNTQ0MTUzNzkyLjE3MTE1NDY1MTA._ga_RMC05PGGT7*MTcxMTU2NTg3Ny4yLjEuMTcxMTU2NjA1OS41My4wLjA.

Farm Animals, General News, Uncategorized

EU: Opinion – Why MEPs and Spitzencandidaten should sign the Vote for Animals pledge.

25 March 2024

Opinion

Written by Reineke Hameleers

Read more content from this author

Having lived close to three European borders, between the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, for most of my life, I consider myself a true European. Others might not feel the same. To a certain extent, this is understandable because European politics has so far failed to address some of the most pressing concerns of its citizens in crucial areas, such as animal welfare.

The upcoming EU elections present an opportunity to re-establish a much-needed connection between our citizens and the EU institutions, which many still perceive as abstract entities, far away from their everyday lives. Despite this, the past five years have seen unprecedented participation of European citizens in the democratic process, as shown by the enormous success of three European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) on animal welfare, recently further confirmed by the results of the 2023 special Eurobarometer. Yet, despite all the promises the closing political term held, there has been no substantive progress on an issue that is so dear to citizens.

I feel proud whenever I remind myself that the EU recognised animals as sentient beings in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) since 1997. Animal sentience refers to the ability of animals to feel and experience emotions such as joy, pleasure, pain and fear. It is the animals’ capacity to feel both positive and negative states that drives the animal welfare movement. It is also the reason why animal protection laws exist. Such recognition should offer enormous legislative scope to create a Europe that truly recognises and values animals for what they are.  However, EU law continues to treat them as mere commodities, goods, and products. To all effect, EU policies are in stark contradiction to the TFEU as regards the treatment of animals.

This glaring discrepancy between the EU’s highest legislation and the reality on the ground is a political failure as it falls short of the expectations of European citizens. This message resonated loud and clear in the cross-party interventions during the recent European Parliament debate calling on the Commission to fulfil its promises and live up to its commitments on animal welfare. 

Will the candidate MEPs and the Spitzenkandidaten use the elections to genuinely listen to citizens and renew their commitment to improving the animal condition? Undeniably, discontent among farmers has been a significant hurdle to progress in this area. However, the causes of this discontent are rooted in our distorted food system and have little to do with animal welfare rules. 

We must dispel the notion that increased animal welfare measures will make farmers more vulnerable. On the contrary, higher animal welfare standards can prove immensely beneficial for creating new market opportunities in the European Union and driving higher standards globally while responding to societal expectations, as echoed by the recent debate in the European Parliament on this topic.

As the elections approach, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The conditions of farm animals, animals used in science, traded wildlife, and pets demand immediate attention. While some initial steps were taken during the previous term, they are insufficient to meet European citizens’ expectations, not to mention their inadequacy in light of the most recent scientific evidence. 

For this reason, we created a pledge with ten points, which should guide public policy for the next political term, ensuring that European animal welfare legislation will look significantly different by 2029. 

See the pledges:

https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/vote-animals-pledges

I am a firm believer in the European project, but I am often questioned by our member organisations and their supporters about my faith in the European institutions. Indeed, these are critical times. It is easy to lose hope when faced with indisputable evidence of a lack of political courage. Yet, the EU can and must rise to its fullest potential and continue building a sustainable and kinder future for all. 

Dear candidates, please consider the transformative impact you could achieve by signing our Vote for Animals pledge. This pledge embodies our collective aspiration for a Europe that respects and values animals as sentient beings. By signing it, you will send a clear message to European citizens confirming the European Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of all animals and ensuring that the relevant legislation will look much different by 2029. 

Together, we can pave the way for a more compassionate Europe. 

Regards Mark

General News, Uncategorized

UK: We Have Had Lots Of Rain – So Bears Take Advantage On Naturally Formed Pond By Being Given Their Own Swan Pedalo Boat.

Pictures – Woburn Safari Park

UK – It has really rained a lot over the last few months; we are used to lots of rain but this is a bit more !

So, these black bears wasted no time clambering on to a swan pedalo when it appeared in their enclosure at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire.

Keeper Tommy Babbington added the quirky paddle boat to keep the animals entertained after a large pool of water formed at the site during the recent wet weather.

Read the full story at:

Bears take a ride on swan pedalo at Woburn Safari Park – BBC News

Regards Mark

General News, Uncategorized

Animal Protection Denmark: No Animal Should Suffer For Beauty: New Campaign Exposes Impacts Of Extreme Breeding.

Photos – Animal Protection Denmark

No animal should suffer for beauty: new campaign exposes impacts of extreme breeding

20 March 2024

Animal Protection Denmark

The demand for traits such as short muzzles, large eyes and excessive skin folds have resulted in extreme and unhealthy breeding.

A new campaign hopes to raise awareness and reduce demand for unhealthy dogs.

Dogs with extreme traits suffer from difficulty in breathing and regulating body temperature, eye problems, jaw and dental problems. Excessive skin folds cause skin infection and mobility problems. 

A new campaign by Animal Protection Denmark hopes to reduce the demand for extreme breeds, shedding light on the consequences that unethical breeding has on dog’s health.

No dog owner wants their animal to suffer, but we find that many people who acquire new dogs are not aware of the many health challenges that flat-nosed dog breeds often have.

Jens Jokumsen, Animal Protection Denmark

Lack of EU-wide legislation 

Animal Protection Denmark has disseminated adverts for a fake plastic surgery clinic for animals, through which the organisation aims to start a conversation about extreme breeding. In Denmark, it is illegal to perform operations on animals if the intention is solely to change the animal’s appearance. On the other hand, there is no legislation that protects animals from breeding that deliberately produces an extreme appearance that is harmful to their welfare. 

The campaign informs potential owners on what they should consider before getting a dog, whilst demanding legislation that can help push breeding in the right direction.

Extreme breeding has become a widespread problem in Europe, with severe impacts on animals and emotional distress for owners and veterinarians. Countries like Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria have taken the first step to ban certain extreme breeds, but the legislation needs further reinforcement. 

The European Commission’s new proposed legislation for cats and dogs, despite its many positive aspects, does not address extreme breeding. Eurogroup for Animals calls for an EU-wide ban on extreme breeding, an ownership ban, as well as a ban on the use of extreme featured breeds in the media and in exhibitions and competitions.

Extreme breeding in Europe – click here to access reports and information:

Extreme breeding in Europe | Eurogroup for Animals

Regards Mark

Animal Protection Denmark aims to help animals in need, stop animal abuse and fight for a respectful and sustainable relationship between animals, humans and nature. They engage at national, European and international levels for animal welfare, biodiversity and climate. Their work includes rescue and care for animals at local level across Denmark.

Link

Visit the Animal Protection Denmark website

Enjoy – a song that means a lot !

China Cat Torture, General News

UK / Germany – Update: Chinese Cat Torture Petition + Past WAV Links.

Hi everyone; it’s Mark here.

Just to give you all a brief update on the Chinese Cat Torture Petition which I started a few weeks ago; thanks to you all we have tonight (22/3/24) gathered at least 8,716 signatures.

Diana is running a very similar petition in Germany which will be sent to the Chinese Ambassador there – German Version of Petition “China: Katzen-Folter-Ring (Cat Torture Ring)” – World Animals Voice – and the great news is that this petition currently tonight has 6,140 signatures.

So combined we are pushing at the moment very close to 15,000 signatures.

The UK petition can be found at Petition · Chinese Cat Torture – Time For Action To Stop It. – United Kingdom · Change.org

I have also now included Mr Zheng Zeguang, Ambassador of China to the United Kingdom; London, as a ‘Decision Maker’; this means he will be the recipient of the UK petition once it is closed and submitted, and the person then who we expect formally to make representations on this very issue to his Chinese government.

I have sent out a mail update to everyone who has helped with the petition so far, and here below is a copy of what I said.

The petition will continue to run for a lot longer yet. 

Reliable sources tell me that to date we have reached 67,757 petition views; that is 67,000+ plus people who now know what is going on regarding the terrible abuse, suffering and killing of cats within China without intervention or actions in the way of legislation (to stop it) by the Chinese government.

Thank you all; the fight goes on.

Mark

————————————————

Hi everyone;

this is Mark at World Animals Voice (WAV); based in Kent, England.  I am the creator of the petition about Chinese cat torture; https://chng.it/XZmKSQmLj5

I want to thank you all for helping me getting the word out globally about the demented abuse and suffering of Chinese cats.  Tonight, 22nd March 24, we have 8,716 wonderful people support by signing.  This is just a quick line to tell you all that the petition is by no means finished; I am continuing with it and ask for your additional help with promoting it for me to press, media and your contacts, where ever you may be in the World.

When I have collected more signatures – enough to make a dent in the Chinese Embassy, London; they will be officially sent over to the Ambassador asking him to make a formal representation to the government / authorities in China to introduce formal legislation which will enable these abusers to suffer prosecution for their disgusting deeds.  But this will not happen yet; the petition remains open enabling me / us / you to pass on the petition link and at the same time educating people about this torture.  Education is key as there are a lot of folk who do not know this kind of things goes on.

So, in closing; please continue to support me with this petition by promoting in any way possible.  There is a saying that evil flourishes only when good people do nothing – so together we can work to keep evil where it belongs – in the history book !

My regards and thanks to you all;

Mark

Founder – World Animals Voice; England.

Links to WAV Past Posts:

(CN) Cat Torture Groups – Many Participants Are Shown To Be Minors – Disturbing ! – World Animals Voice

The Killer On My Doorstep; Down The Road; Across The River; Anywhere !! – World Animals Voice

England: Breaking – Cat Killer and Murderer of Jorge Martin Carreno Jailed for a Minimum of 24 Years.  – World Animals Voice

China: ‘Crush’ Information. – World Animals Voice

China: Did You Hear the One About the Sick Pervert of a Doctor Who Lures Teenage Girls Into Pornography and Then Uses Them In An Animal ‘Crush’ Video Website ? – World Animals Voice

China: INVESTIGATION: Inside the sadistic world of the gruesome cat torture craze, campaigners call on Chinese authorities to act NOW. – World Animals Voice

EXPOSING AND COMBATING CAT TORTURE NETWORKS. 6/1/24. – World Animals Voice

China: Cat Torture Actions Follow Up – No. 1 – World Animals Voice

China – Cat Torture – Major Information and Actions – Follow Up No. 2 – World Animals Voice

The DARK NET/WEB – a short Summary.

And this is why … – World Animals Voice

(US) NEW YORK CITY March 8, 2024: Protest Cat Torture Rings – World Animals Voice

(CN) Lest we forget …

China: China Cat Farm – Why Chinese Farmer Raises Millions Of Cats For Meat? – World Animals Voice

Environmental, General News, Hunting

UK: 2024 General Election Year (2024) – The LACS Campaign To Abolish Wildlife Hunting Starts Here.

The League Against Cruel Sports, (LACS), with our 110% support launch their 2024 election campaign.

https://www.league.org.uk

Its time for change for British wildlife.

100 years of fighting wildlife abuse: https://www.league.org.uk/who-we-are/our-history/

Standing on the side of animals – https://www.league.org.uk/who-we-are/our-history/

From the League:

National parks are some of our country’s most beautiful landscapes, combining stunning scenery and beautiful wildlife.

Unfortunately, all is not as it seems. Hunters with packs of hounds maraud across the parks, chasing and killing wildlife, causing havoc to the public and the environment.

This fundamentally undermines the National Park Authorities’ aims to protect its land and preserve its flora, fauna, and wildlife for future generations.

https://www.league.org.uk/nationalparks

lacs-1-2024Download
lacs-2-2024Download
General News, Uncategorized

USA: Moby Announces Play 25th Anniversary Tour Dates For 2024 With 100% Of Profits Going To Animal Rights Organisations.

Moby is set to celebrate 25 years of Play with European dates for 2024. Picture: Press, Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Moby has announced European dates to celebrate 25 years since the release of his Play album.

The electronic musician achieved critical and commercial acclaim with the record, which was released in 1999 and included the singles Porcelain, Natural Blues and Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?

Now the artist – whose real name is Richard Melville Hall – has confirmed he’ll be celebrating the record-breaking record, in shows which include a date at The O2, London on Thursday 19th September.

Announcing the news, he said: “It’s been over 10 years since I’ve toured, but someone reminded me that 2024 is the 25th anniversary of the release of ‘Play’, so it seemed like it might not be the worst idea to do a short European tour to commemorate and celebrate”.

Continue reading at:

Moby announces Play 25th anniversary tour dates for 2024 with 100% of profits going… – Radio X

Regards Mark

General News, Uncategorized

Gaza: In Solidarity With Humans And Animals In Gaza.

18 March 2024

Animals International

News

The violence against humans and animals in Gaza needs to stop. Eurogroup for Animals joins the numerous voices demanding an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza, and that aid is let through to alleviate the hunger and the suffering. Both humans and animals are lacking food, water and medicines, as well as access to shelter, health and veterinary care.

The violence against humans and animals in Gaza needs to stop. Eurogroup for Animals joins the numerous voices demanding an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza, and that aid is let through to alleviate the hunger and the suffering. Both humans and animals are lacking food, water and medicines, as well as access to shelter, health and veterinary care.

UN Women reports that more than 24,620 Palestinians were killed in Gaza between 7 October 2023 and January 2024, of which 70% are estimated to be women or children. Over 1.9 million people, or 85 percent of the population in Gaza, have been displaced from their homes. It is almost impossible for aid to reach the humans and animals of Gaza, as the security situation is severe and entries are blocked, allowing only a small number of aid transports to enter.

The war spares no one; animals are no exception. There is no information about how many animals have been killed or died from thirst, starvation, untreated injuries, lack of veterinary care or being trapped under the rubble after the bombings. 

Sulala Animal Rescue is the only organisation we know of that is active on the ground in Gaza, helping cats, dogs and working animals in spite of the severe and dangerous situation. 

Our member Animals International collects donations for animals in Gaza. Learn more about their emergency grants.

Regards Mark

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport, Uncategorized

EU: MEPs Urge European Commission To Deliver On Animal Welfare Proposals.

Above – Foie Gras Force Feeding

Below – The Result

14 March 2024

News

In plenary today, Members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission (EC) to come forward with the outstanding legislative proposals on animal welfare, the future of which remains uncertain. They stressed that the delay is putting the credibility of European institutions in question, as citizens’ demands remain unanswered.

The EC had committed to publish four animal welfare proposals by the end of 2023, but backtracked from this promise by only publishing an unambitious Transport Regulation, and not putting forward the promised Kept Animals, Slaughter and Labelling regulations. The proposals were also set to include phasing out cages by 2027, in reply to the End the Cage Age ECI in which 1.4 million citizens asked for a transition to cage-free systems. 

During the plenary today, a record number of MEPs (41) intervened in the oral question tabled by Neils Fuglsang (S&D, DK). 30 MEPs stressed that while the EC continues to delay action, millions of animals continue to suffer in horrible conditions across all stages of their lives; from farm to transport to slaughter. They criticised the EC for doing “very little” for animal welfare in the past legislative term, and questioned the democratic aspect of ECIs if policymakers do not react to the demands of the citizens. “You are letting down 3 million citizens,” many reiterated, making reference to the End the Cage Age and Fur Free Europe ECIs – both of which remain pending action by the EC.

They urged the EC to come forward with a concrete timeline and answer to the demands of millions of EU citizens.

Elisa Ferreira, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, while admitting that more needs to be done for resilient food systems, said that work on these legislative files is “still ongoing”, and the EC “is analysing the best course of action”. She did not make any commitments on timeline. 

In the run-up to the European Elections, Eurogroup for Animals has launched the Vote for Animals campaign which encourages candidate MEPs to take a pledge for animals, while informing citizens about the importance of these elections for progress on animal welfare.

European citizens can send a message to their candidates asking them to commit to the pledge.

The EC broke its promise on presenting the animal welfare legislation package. And while we wait for a clear timeline, millions of animals continue to live in cages, male chicks continue to be gassed at a day old, while chickens are bred to grow so fast their bodies cannot keep up. These animals deserve a legislative proposal, but there is none. We call on the EC to present a concrete timeline.

MEP Neils Fuglsang (S&D).

What has happened to the promised legislation?

What about the ban on cages?

We have been fighting for years.

How long will these animals have to wait?  Not a day longer.

MEP Anja Hazekamp (The Left)

Not answering to the demands of ECIs would threaten the credibility of EU institutions – the animal welfare legislation should be a priority in the next mandate. We are disappointed – we need to see changes.

MEP Tilly Metz (Greens/efa)

The ECI is an excellent tool to improve democracy, but it only works if those who make the law react to what the citizens want. 1.4 million citizens asked for a ban on cages – more than four years have passed and 300 million animals continue to spend their lives in terrible conditions.

MEP Róża Thun Und Hohenstein (Renew).

Regards Mark
Environmental, Farm Animals, General News

What ? – The omission of meat-eating reduction from ‘roadmap’ strategy set by UN.

I am not allowed to reproduce the article here, so can only give the link:

‘Bewildering’ to omit meat-eating reduction from UN climate plan (msn.com)

The omission of meat-eating reduction from proposals in a UN roadmap to tackle the climate crisis and end hunger is “bewildering”, according to academic experts.

The group also criticised the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s report for “dismissing” the potential of alternative proteins, such as plant-based meat, to reduce the impact of livestock on the environment.

Regards Mark

Busking in London – Cocaine:

Hotel California