Category: Environmental

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

EU – Ethical Reasons To Modernise The Global Animal Welfare Policy.

There are very strong ethical reasons to modersise the global animal welfare policy. ‘Forward For Animals’ is an organisation calling on EU decision makers to do just that.

On thousands of farms right across the EU, animals are constantly suffering in silence from both cruelty and neglect. We have exposed this so many times on WAV; along with the other excellent organisations (in this particular case) within the EU.

Laws that were created to allegedly give these same animals ‘protection’ in some instances are now over 40 years old. They never have given animals ‘protection’ – they are laws which have always been, and continue to be, unfit for purpose. As a result, sentient living animals continue to suffer daily.

Forward For Animals in the latest campaign from the Eurogroup for Animals network. It looks to expose the reality of life for suffering farm animals throughout the EU; to debunk the myths spewed out by the industry; and to provide positive ways forward for all stakeholders.

The European Commission launched a much needed revision for animal welfare some 5 years ago, with the promise of presenting the proposal by 2024. Suprise, suprise, the EU has failed to deliver once again – the promise to review the rules and make them open to the public – a commitment to modernise and change the rules continues to be pushed back and delayed further.

Responding to continued and increased pressure to deliver on the proposals, the Commissioner for Animal Welfare; Oliver Varhelyi, has promised updated updated legislation for animals on EU farms by 2026. This includes the promise to deliver a ban on all cage systems used in farming.

The laws must reflect citizens mandates, evidence from us in welfare, along with the scientific community.

There must be a firm and legal commitment to end animal suffering across farming, transport, trade, science and everything ‘environmental’.

The campaign highlights that dignity, kindness, compassion and safety should be the basic rights for all sentient beings in Europe.

Later in the year, citizens will have the opportunity to participate in, and to give their support for the campaign.

Link – Forward For Animals https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/forward-animals

Birds, Environmental, Fish, General News, pets, Stray Animals, Uncategorized, Wildlife

(Vatican – Italy) Ciao Francesco – Grazie

As many of you know of course, today was the day where the world said farewell to Pope Francis, of Rome. Francis, unlike so many before him, took this name upon ascension, in reference to the Patron Saint of Animals, St. Francis of Assisi.

The Hindustan Times explains …

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/who-was-st-francis-of-assisi-heres-why-pope-francis-named-himself-after-the-italian-saint-101745245049513.html

St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone around 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, is a prominent figure among Catholics. He was a renowned Italian mystic and poet who renounced his wealth to embrace radical poverty. Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan Order, ..
“He was particularly concerned for God’s creation and for the poor and outcast. He loved, and was deeply loved for his joy, his generous self-giving, his openheartedness. He was a mystic and a pilgrim who lived in simplicity and in wonderful harmony with God, with others, with nature and with himself. He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace,” the former Catholic Church leader added.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/earthbeat/why-francis-assisi-patron-saint-ecology

While of course, as all men (and women naturally) are, by our very nature, fallible creatures – Pope Francis was not perfect in his pursuit of the high moral example set by the Saint St. Francis in the important – for us, area of ecology and animal welfare – he was nevertheless a man who followed his path with honesty, humility, and great dedication.

Pope Francis and animals: remembering his powerful message after his death

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https://www.all-creatures.org/articles/an-tpr-pope-francis-mother-earth.html

Pope Francis and Mother Earth

Earth in Transition
June 2015

The full encyclical is available here. It’s less than 200 short pages, written in a simple, everyday style, and is the work of a thoughtful and caring person.

Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si, is much more than a commentary on climate change; it’s a sweeping indictment of the entire global capitalist system that’s wrecking the planet.

Those who say that the Pope shouldn’t get involved in the issue of what’s happening to Planet Earth and all its inhabitants are either very stupid or very afraid. Or, in the case of the political establishment, both.
……………..

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Even PETA sees fit to make a Pope the Person of the Year, 2015 …

https://www.peta.org/blog/pope-francis-is-petas-2015-person-of-the-year/

Why Is Pope Francis PETA’s 2015 Person of the Year?

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.. and another comment again, recently ..

https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/pope-francis/

Pope Francis

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We at WAV would like to join the many around the Globe who today say Farewell to Pope Francis. He was an inspiration, and a steward to God’s Creation.

Rest in Peace, Francesco

Birds, Environmental, General News, Hunting, Uncategorized, Wildlife

(GR – Island of Zakynthos) Poachers assault conservationists in Zakynthos

https://www.birdguides.com/news/poachers-assault-conservationists-in-zakynthos/

Masked hunters have ambushed and beaten up a team of international ornithologists from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) on the Greek island of Zakynthos.As a result of the attack three birders were injured and taken to hospital for treatment, CABS said. Local police have launched an investigation.The incident, which happened on 16 April 2025 at 12.30 pm, occurred at the Keri peninsula, an area that is known for the illegal shooting of migratory birds. Despite a total ban on spring hunting on the island many hunters were reported to be present, with most of them were carrying shotguns.


A Slovenian member of CABS had his nose broken in the incident on Zakynthos (CABS).

Brutal attack

CABS explained that while documenting the situation, some poachers approached its team and started to hurl insults and threaten them.

Stefania Travaglia, an Italian member of the CABS team, said: “Within minutes they were joined by other angry hunters and the situation went totally out of control.”

Emma Phipps, also of CABS, added: “They also threw stones and warned us never to return to Keri again if we would value our lifes.”

Travaglia added that, without warning, her team members were punched in the face, thrown to the ground and kicked in the stomach. A body camera and a smartphone, both of which recorded the incident, were also stolen by the attackers.

The men only stopped their attack and ran off when they realised that the police had been called for help and a patrol was on the way to the scene. While the officers were trying to find and identify the attackers, one female and two male birders were transported to the Saint Dionysios General Hospital in Zakynthos where doctors treated a broken nose as well as several open wounds and bruises.

Suspects identified

It is understood that local police have already identified a number of suspects which have been brought in for questioning.

CABS president Karl-Heinz Kreutzer condemned the attack as a “brutal and cowardly assault” and called upon the authorities to leave no stone unturned to bring those responsible to justice. He added that CABS will not bow to violence and intimidation tactics and that its members will continue with its activities on Zakynthos until the end of the month.

To find out more about CABS or support its work, visit www.komitee.de.

Environmental, General News, Uncategorized, Wildlife

(Brazil/Global Witness) Jaguars vs cows: The biodiversity crisis under JBS’s shadow

https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/forests/jaguars-vs-cows-the-biodiversity-crisis-under-jbs-shadow/

Published: 19 April 2025

The jaguar’s future looks increasingly uncertain as Big Agribusiness tears down its home in Brazil’s tropical forests to make way for cattle ranching.

Jags_vs_cows_PDF_FINALDownload

Jaguars are key for healthy ecosystems. Gerald Corsi / Getty Images

In a fight between a jaguar and a cow, who do you think would win? If you guessed South America’s most powerful predator, you’d be wrong.

As industrial agriculture like cattle ranching destroys Brazil’s forests, it also threatens jaguars – a keystone species vital to biodiversity and climate stability.

This new investigation reveals that JBS, the world’s largest meat processor, is one of the actors behind this crisis.

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Birds, Environmental, General News, Uncategorized, Wildlife

(US – Virginia Beach, VA) Sign: Find Man Who Brutally Beat Goose With Curtain Rod In Front Of Goose’s Mate

https://animalvictory.org/petition/sign-find-man-who-brutally-beat-goose-with-curtain-rod/

The battered goose was left “almost lifeless in pain.” Rescuers rushed him to a veterinarian in an attempt to save his life, but he went into cardiac arrest and died while being sedated for surgery.

Now the slain goose’s mate is left alone. Canada geese mate for life, making this horrific crime even more heart wrenching.

The slain goose’s mate is now alone (via Tidewater Wildlife Rescue)

The man who bludgeoned this goose not only committed a shocking act of animal cruelty—he also broke the law, as Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making this a federal crime.

Please sign the petition today to help Animal Victory hold this individual accountable for his abhorrent behavior when he is found and arrested! Animal Victory is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible!

Bludgeoned to death in front of his mate

Target: Department of Wildlife Resources, Wildlife Crime Division

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, want the man responsible for this crime to be found and charged. We demand this individual be prosecuted for each and every law he violated!

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice for the innocent goose he brutalized but also endangers the community at large. It is imperative that we send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: Efforts are underway to find this man. The goose was attacked in the area of 144 Business Park Dr, Virginia Beach, VA Anyone with information is asked to call Tidewater Wildlife Rescue by calling 757-255-8710.

NEWS

https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/virginia-beach/tidewater-wildlife-rescue-looking-for-man-they-say-beat-goose-to-death-in-virginia-beach

https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/virginia-beach/va-beach-goose-dead-after-allegedly-being-beaten-by-man-with-shower-curtain-rod/

Please sign Petition on Page

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

Europe and On – Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Causes International Mayhem. Take Your Pick Of The News.

Take your pick of the F&M news –

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/other/what-is-foot-and-mouth-disease-the-most-feared-livestock-disease-in-the-world/ar-AA1CTJV8?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-eu-meat-dairy-ban-foot-and-mouth-disease-enforcement-smuggling/

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/full-list-of-products-brits-can-no-longer-bring-into-uk-from-eu-from-cheese-to-beef/ar-AA1D6g8o?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14602447/British-tourists-new-travel-rules-stop-spread-disease.html

https://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/kuwait-shuts-down-kabd-livestock-market-amid-foot-and-mouth-disease-outbreak/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/foot-and-mouth-disease-outbreak-leads-to-border-closures-in-europe/ar-AA1COHA9?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/terrifying-virus-shuts-europe-borders-35037628

https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/on-footandmouth-disease-in-kzn–john-steenhuisen

https://www.msn.com/en-za/public-safety-and-emergencies/health-and-safety-alerts/urgent-action-needed-to-combat-foot-and-mouth-disease-in-kwazulu-natal-says-minister-steenhuisen/ar-AA1DfOBs?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/uk-puts-ban-on-eu-travellers-to-stop-spread-of-foot-and-mouth-disease/ar-AA1D0WFc?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/what-to-know-about-the-foot-and-mouth-outbreak-closing-borders/ar-AA1CP3ly?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/foot-and-mouth-disease-outbreak-in-central-europe-leads-to-animal-culls-and-border-closures/ar-AA1CMEx1?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-confirms-fifth-foot-and-mouth-outbreak-as-virus-persists/

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/map-shows-full-list-of-foot-and-mouth-cases-as-europe-shuts-borders/ar-AA1CL9Sn?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/biological-attack-fears-soar-as-spreading-disease-shuts-european-borders/ar-AA1CINqW?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/concern-over-the-spread-of-foot-and-mouth-disease-grows-amongst-croatian-farmers/ar-AA1CD8Zy?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/pets-and-animals/veterinary-medicine/hungary-suggests-foot-and-mouth-outbreak-could-be-biological-attack/ar-AA1CFMI2?ocid=BingNewsVerp

https://www.politico.eu/article/bioterrorism-hungary-and-slovakia-unleash-an-unconfirmed-theory-on-foot-and-mouth-disease-origin/

Environmental, General News

Why Red Foxes Are Moving Closer To Human Suburbs.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/why-red-foxes-are-moving-closer-to-human-suburbs/ss-AA1D6ahu?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=DCTS&cvid=1b0fe57ea8fd4b88a4a7f539c2920673&ei=82

Above – One of many who visit and are welcomed into my garden – Mark.

Last year we even had a cub who was bold enough to wander indoors – not to be encouraged, and he was lured back outside with a few nibbles !

Beautiful little guest though.