Category: Farm Animals

Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News

Action – Urge Italy to Ban Fur Farms – Do It Here !

Animals in Italy need our help. The country has suspended fur farming amid COVID-19 outbreaks on mink farms. This is a great step forward, but we must urge the prime minister to shut down the industry permanently:

Fur farms have been hotspots for COVID-19 outbreaks in Italy, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the US.

When stressed animals are confined next to each other in filthy, unsanitary conditions, it’s no surprise that diseases spread easily. As minks are particularly susceptible to respiratory illnesses, mink farms around the world are dangerous breeding grounds for diseases including COVID-19. Indeed, a mutated version of the coronavirus originating in minks is posing a risk to the effectiveness of future vaccines.

For the sake of the animals who are suffering terribly and the humans whose lives are being put at risk by these festering cesspools, PETA is appealing to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to close the country’s remaining mink farms permanently. Will you send him a message, too?

Urge Italy to Ban Fur Farms

Around 200,000 minks a year are still imprisoned on Italy’s 13 remaining fur farms. It’s time to shut these facilities down.

Investigations into Italian mink farms have found that animals spend their short, miserable lives in wire cages, with no access to grass or water to swim in. Many were severely injured, and some were driven to self-mutilation or cannibalisation of their cagemates by the stress of captivity.

The minks are killed when they’re only about 6 months old – crammed by the dozens into a box and gassed to death.

These fur farms are putting public health at risk, too. When it comes to the risk of disease, they’re no different to the live-animal market in which the novel coronavirus is believed to have originated. It’s very easy for infectious diseases to spread on fur farms through the exchange of urine, excrement, pus, and blood. Minks with infections, sores, and festering, open wounds caused by the wire flooring they stand on are a common sight. Fur farmers and handlers are among those who most commonly suffer from the zoonotic bacterial disease tularaemia.

Following reports that minks tested positive for COVID-19 on fur farms in the Netherlands and workers are believed to have contracted the virus from the animals, the Dutch parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to bring forward the implementation of a fur-farming ban in the country. Such bans are already in place in Austria, the Czech Republic, Israel, the UK, and several other countries.

Italians know that fur belongs in the history books, not in our wardrobes. Over 90% of the country’s population is against fur farming; iconic Italian designer brands such as Armani, Gucci, Elisabetta Franchi, Prada, and Versace are all fur-free; and in the past 30 years, the number of fur farms in Italy decreased from 125 to 13.

Take Action:

Urge Italy to Ban Fur Farms | People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (peta.org.uk)

Regards Mark

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News

Animal and Environmental Groups Have Their Say At UN General Assembly Special Session on COVID-19.

covid 19 – Google Search

What do you call the disease caused by the novel coronavirus? Covid-19

UN General Assembly Special Session on COVID-19

3 December 2020

World Animals Net

Press Release

Animal protection and environmental groups call for animal welfare to be included in COVID-19 recovery policies at special session of the UN General Assembly addressing pandemic

Today, animal protection and environmental NGOs from across the world are calling on global leaders meeting at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly on the coronavirus pandemic, taking place 3-4 December, to address the wellbeing of animals in COVID-19 recovery and financing efforts, as well as policies intended to “build forward better”. 

As world leaders meet to consider the international cooperation required to deal with COVID-19, animal protection and environmental groups from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas and Europe have signed a new joint-manifesto outlining actions required to transform farming systems, shift food consumption habits, end the unnecessary exploitation of wildlife, increase vaccine development efficiencies, and ensure animal wellbeing.

Reports that the COVID-19 crisis likely arose from the exploitation of animals, as well as recent revelations about potential COVID-19 variants emerging from mink farms, has drawn greater attention to how human uses of animals can increase the risk of future pandemics. In July, a study released by the UN Environment Programme and the International Livestock Research Institute identified the increase in consumption of animal products, intensification of animal production systems, and wildlife exploitation as primary drivers of pandemic risk. 

To reduce the future risk of pandemics the manifesto implores global decision-makers to take concrete steps to incorporate policies linking the health of animals, the environment and humans into COVID-19 policy and financing to ensure a resilient, sustainable and humane future.


Animals Australia says:

The IMF estimates that the cost to the global economy of dealing with COVID-19 will eventually reach US$28 trillion.  The costs of transitioning away from intensive animal farming and other high-risk animal industries, which would reduce animal suffering and the risk of future pandemics, is a fraction of that.  The fact that over 150 global animal welfare and other organisations have come together to highlight the need for a more scientifically considerate and sustainable approach to rebuilding our food systems after the devastations of 2020 is a testament to the importance of these crucial investment considerations.  It is imperative that at this historic moment in time decision-makers around the globe recognise the need to transition to sustainable plant-based agriculture – and we implore them to do so.

Asia for Animals says:

The Asia for Animals Coalition proudly supports this manifesto and the call for it to be addressed at the forthcoming General Assembly Special Session. The UN must seize this opportunity and lead the way in showcasing a One Health and One Welfare approach for the treatment of animals and the environment, and ensure Asian governments prioritise these actions. On behalf of our network organisations around the globe and the many millions of members they represent, we respectfully ask that the UN considers the stringent action points set out in this document as a move towards safeguarding our future globally and the sustainability of our planet as a whole.

Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organisations says:

There has never been an opportunity like we have today ‘to build back better’, Covid-19 is giving humanity a chance to reset and acknowledge our interconnectedness with nature.  Science has proven time and again that zoonotic diseases spread faster and are deadlier when animals are kept in overcrowded conditions.  Africa can not be dealt a blow by ‘paying for the sins’ of the developed world – a world which industrially farms animals.  We call on the United Nations General Assembly to endorse and guide a transition towards a better life for all by promoting sustainable food systems that farm as close as possible to nature.

Eurogroup for Animals says:

As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world, the question of how we treat animals has become even more central than before. One of the major drivers behind the spread of zoonoses is the pressure on biodiversity created by the loss of habitat. We’re sacrificing the habitat for agricultural purposes, especially intensive animal farming. A booming wildlife trade also contributes to this phenomenon. If we do not address the way we treat animals, we will only postpone the next pandemic. It is high time for the UN to include this question on its agenda.

The Global Forest Coalition says:

Increased intensification of agricultural products has not only shown the strong links between an increase in demand for meat, deforestation and climate change, but also its effects on human health. Previous swine and avian flu events already warned us about possible future outbreaks, but despite this, intensification of farm animal production has continued. Animal exploitation has reached unthinkable scales, as live animals are being exported without regard to animal welfare or the potential for zoonotic diseases. Today we pay the price. Hence, we need to ensure that sustainable food systems address these risks and put us on the desired path of living in harmony with nature, including the way we relate to other animal species in relation to our consumption habits.

ENDS

Regards to all;

Mark.

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

England: UK Consultation To End Live Animals Exports. It Appears to be Open Also For Contributions From OUTSIDE the UK. Read On if you Wish to Take Part.

Dear all

I am sending this out to folks who visit the site; some of whom who are involved with live animal transport in European organisations.

The UK government is looking at making legislation in law for a ban on live animal exports and transport issues such as stopping export for further fattening. We welcome this as it is a big issue here in England.

After lots of wrangling the last few days; I ended up back with CIWF hours later, and Meg has kindly mailed me today.  It would appear (from the Defra guidelines) that anyone can answer; so I assume non UK contributions are also allowed to take part in the consultation.

The consultation is open until the end of January 2021 so there are still what, 6+ weeks to complete.

Regards Mark

Audience 12. Anyone may respond to the consultation.

Those who have an interest include: • Animal welfare organisations; • Breeding associations; • Farming unions; • Livestock and genetics businesses; • Livestock and poultry farmers, and horse owners; • Livestock, poultry and horse traders; • Livestock or animal vehicle manufacturers; • Local authorities (LAs); • Show, competition and race organisers; • Trade bodies; • Transport companies; and • The veterinary profession. 4 Responding to the consultation 13.

This consultation starts on 3 December 2020 and closes on 28 January 2021.

We would ask you to respond to the consultation questions using the online tool which can be found on Citizen Space at

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/transforming-farm-animal-health-and-welfare-team/improvements-to-animal-welfare-in-transport/consultation/intro/

However, responses could also be sent to Defra by email or post.

Please state: • Your name • Your email address • Your organisation

Farm Animals, General News

England: ‘Black Sabbath’ Bassist Geezer Butler Has Not Eaten Meat Since He Was 8. He Now Fights To Stop Puppy Mills With His Wife. Rock Stars Do This; Don’t They ?

Geezer Butler - Wikipedia

England:  Gezer Butler – Bassist with ‘Black Sabbath’ – why I am a Vegan; campaigning for puppy mill dogs and the rest.

‘Black Sabbath’ were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. 

Pin on Vegan

A massive, massive international following when they were a band in the past.  They had many big hits including ‘Paranoid’:

Bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward have been long time vegans; which people often find unusual. Geezer and his wife do a lot of campaigning to stop puppy mills; check out his video at: https://www.peta.org/videos/black-sabbaths-geezer-butler-is-a-vegan/

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/geezer-butler-why-i-m-a-vegan/

BLACK SABBATH/HEAVEN & HELL bassist Geezer Butler has teamed up with peta2 — the world’s largest youth animal rights organization — to shoot a brand-new pro-vegetarian ad featuring Butler as he picks at his bass next to the tagline “I’m Geezer Butler, and I’m a vegan.”

“I used to eat meat when I was a little kid, but I didn’t know where it came from,” says Butler, who was born in Birmingham, England. “And one day, I cut this piece of meat open, and blood came out of it, and I asked me mother, ‘Where did this come from?’ and she said, ‘From animals,’ and that was it.”

In an exclusive interview with peta2, Butler talks about how he enjoys having friends over for dinner, serving them faux meat, and waiting for the compliments to start rolling in before telling his guests that they just ate a delicious vegan meal.

And his compassion for animals goes beyond the dinner table. Butler and his wife are very involved in the battle against puppy mills and the cat and dog overpopulation crisis. “There are so many dogs and cats and all kinds of animals [who] need homes,” he says. “You know, there’s no reason to go out and buy them from a pet shop when you can just get them from your local shelter.”

 

WAV Comment – Top Man !

Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming

EU Related: Leading animal protection organisations call for the permanent closure of fur farms in Europe.
Members of Danish health authorities assisted by members of the Danish Armed Forces dispose of dead mink in a military area near Holstebro in Denmark, 09 November 2020 (issued 10 November 2020).

 

December 8, 2020

Leading animal protection organisations call for the permanent closure of fur farms in Europe

Humane Society International

BRUSSELS—In the wake of COVID-19 outbreaks on mink farms throughout Europe – which have also laid bare the cruel conditions under which these animals are intensively confined – leading animal protection organisations today held an online conference to address the animal welfare and public health concerns associated with fur production. This event was organised in collaboration with the European Parliament’s Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals.

Hosted by MEPs Anja Hazekamp (GUE/NGL) – pictured below, Niels Fuglsang (S&D) and Anna Deparnay-Grunenberg (Greens/EFA), this timely event brought together politicians and policymakers with prominent experts on animal welfare, veterinary epidemiology, NGOs and even a former fur industry insider to consider the animal welfare and disease risk problems related to exploiting fur-bearing species, such as mink and foxes, for their pelts. Recent footage from fur farm investigations was also screened to illustrate the inherent welfare problems involved in fur production.

Above – the brilliant Anja Hazekamp – a strong voice for animals,

Dutch MEP, Animal Welfare Intergroup President and Vice-Chair of the Parliament’s Environment Committee, Anja Hazekamp said:

“Confining wild animals in small wire cages for the trivial purpose of fur production should be consigned to the past. The horrific footage from Polish and Finnish fur farms, which we have seen at today’s meeting, are far from unique. We saw exactly the same kind of images of animal suffering on fur farms in the Netherlands over a quarter of a century ago when the political debate on banning fur production began. In the past days, the very last mink on Dutch farms were gassed to death and the cages stand empty after the industry phase-out was brought forward to eliminate potential coronavirus reservoirs. Fur farming is now over in my country. I look forward to the day when we can end the suffering of all animals on fur farms and see a completely fur-free Europe”

Dr Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe, added:

“In the past months, the public has been confronted with the fact that fur farms are not only places of enormous animal suffering, but they can also act as virus factories. The living conditions on fur farms, which confine wild species at high densities and in close proximity, fail to satisfy the animals’ most basic welfare needs, leaving them highly stressed, which can lead to their immune systems being compromised. The outbreaks of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on fur farms have confronted us with the terrifying reality that fur factory farms create ideal conditions for diseases to propagate from one animal to another, and for viruses to mutate into forms potentially virulent to humans. We don’t need frivolous fur fashion. And we certainly don’t need these unnecessary reservoirs for coronaviruses. More than ever, it is time to make fur history.”

Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals, noted:

“Given the urgency of the situation we believe it is high time for the Commission to show leadership and introduce measures to suspend fur farming across the EU. The potential risks of the SARS-CoV-2 virus further spreading and potentially mutating, pose serious threats across borders and require an EU approach. We trust that this proposal will be made at the forthcoming AgriFish Council meeting. In the longer term we believe the moment is ripe to phase out this sector once and for all. Several EU surveys have shown that the vast majority of EU citizens do not approve of fur farming and 11 EU countries have already banned or restricted this industry or are in the process of doing so. The pandemic has put the spotlight on the vulnerability of fur farming which end is long overdue.”

Facts:

  • Eight EU Member States have officially identified COVID-19 positive animals on mink farms: Denmark (289 farms), France (1 farm), Greece (12 farms), Italy (1 farm), Lithuania (1 farm), Netherlands (70 farms), Spain (1 farm), Sweden (13 farms).
  • Researchers at the Medical University of Gdansk also found eight COVID-19 positive mink on a fur farm in Poland.
  • SARS-CoV-2 virus has also been found in mink on 16 US fur farms and one Canadian mink farm.
  • Mink-to-human transmission was first identified in the Netherlands through whole genome sequencing and has also been found in Denmark. The emergence of a new mink variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in Denmark leading to fears that this COVID-19 mutation moving from mink to humans could jeopardise future vaccines. This variant had already been found in 12 people in northern Denmark.
  • On 4th November 2020, the findings of the State Serum Institute led to Danish government announcing the radical step of culling all mink on the remaining fur farms and a temporary ban on mink production in the country.
  • In 2013, the Netherlands adopted a ban on fur farming. The industry was due to be phased-out by 1st January 2024. However, the Dutch government forced an early shutdown of its mink industry due to continuing outbreaks of COVID-19 – despite the adoption of strict biosecurity measures and preventative culling of all affected mink herds – on its remaining fur farms.
  • The Irish Department of Agriculture recommended that farmed mink in Ireland should be culled and restocking prohibited on its remaining three fur farms. A ban on fur farming was already pending.
  • Fur farming has already been prohibited and/or is in the process of being phased-out in various EU Member States, such as Austria Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium.
  • Legislative proposals to ban fur farming are currently also under consideration, or have been announced, in 6 countries including Poland, Lithuania, France, Ireland, Bulgaria and Estonia.
  • In addition to these fur farming bans and industry phase-outs, Germany adopted stricter regulations, which have effectively eliminated the breeding of all animals for fur; Sweden similarly eliminated fox and chinchilla production in this way. Denmark has also prohibited and is phasing out the breeding of foxes on animal welfare grounds.
  • Hungary has also just announced a ban on mink, fox, ferret and coypu production as a precautionary measure due to animal welfare and COVID-19 concerns to prevent fur producers from moving their operations there.

ENDS 

 

 

Farm Animals, General News

China Builds World’s Largest Multi-Storey Pig Farm Just 1 Year After Swine Flu Prompted Mass Cull.

WAV Comment:  So the human race never learns; as it is more superior to everything else and does not need to be told.  Well we are telling in the following; check them all out.

We also ask; in reality, where are the WHO, the UN, etc? – with global crisis issues and the following where a new 84,000 sow facility begins in China; the origin of Corona; should they really be allowed to do this ? – and why no global action from the same with regard wet market operations globally – they should all have been closed down months ago.  Buy money talks louder than anything we guess.

 

China Builds World’s Largest Multi-Storey Pig Farm Just 1 Year After Swine Flu Prompted Mass Cull

The mega farm is roughly 10 times the size of a typical breeding facility in the U.S, and has the ability to hold 84,000 sows and their offspring

Chinese hog producer Muyuan Foods has built the world’s largest multi-storey pig farm – despite fears of a new swine flu strain causing a ‘potential pandemic’. 

The food giant’s mega farm is located near Nanyang and can hold around 84,000 sows and their offspring – with plans to produce more than two million pigs annually. 

‘Cash flow is ample’

According to Reuters, this is roughly 10 times the size of a typical breeding facility in the U.S. In the first nine months of this year, Muyuan’s profits skyrocketed a staggering 1,413 percent. 

Qin Jun, Muyuan’s vice general manager told the publication: “We have hit a very favorable period for development. 

“Pig prices are very high, our profits are really good, and cash flow is really ample.”

Swine flu

Last year, it was reported that up to 200 million pigs could be culled or die from outbreaks of African swine fever that spread across the country. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs declared China’s hog herd had plummeted a staggering 41 percent in October compared to the year before.

This caused the price of pork to spike 110 percent – the highest level of inflation the industry has seen in eight years.

Pandemic potential

More recently, a new strain of swine flu discovered in China is said to have the ‘characteristics of viruses with the potential to cause a human pandemic’. 

The strain has genes from a mix of pig, avian and human viruses and genes from the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic virus. 

According to Dr. Munoz, a member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, the findings should not be ‘taken lightly’. 

“We shouldn’t let our guard down with influenza because there’s always going to be a possibility of new threats from emerging strains, and hopefully we can learn from our experience with COVID to be better prepared,” she added.

“This is also a reminder of why we need to be part of the global community and the WHO for sure.

China Builds World’s Largest Pig Farm 1 Year After Swine Flu Outbreaks (plantbasednews.org)

 

 

Investigation Reveals Starving Pigs At ‘High Welfare’ Farm

Read more:

Investigation Reveals Starving Pigs At ‘High Welfare’ Farm (plantbasednews.org)

Government Must Listen To Warnings As New Swine Flu Poses Threat Of Next Pandemic

A new strain of flu with the potential to become the next global pandemic has been identified in pigs in China.

Read more:

Government Must Listen To Warnings As New Swine Flu Poses Threat Of Next Pandemic (plantbasednews.org)

 

UN Report Links Factory Farming To Increased Pandemic Risk

The report identifies seven trends driving the increasing emergence of zoonotic diseases – including a rise in intense and unsustainable farming

Read more:

UN Report Links Factory Farming To Increased Pandemic Risk (plantbasednews.org)

 

 

 

Farm Animals, General News

England: Response by Viva! to the EU Giving Financial Aid to Make More ‘Beefatarians’.

The following is a response from Juliet – founder and CEO at Viva! – an English animal welfare organisation; in response to an issue we recently reported on – the EU giving financial aid to help prop up the fading meat industry and to get people to be ‘Beefatarians’.

Here is the link to our post:

EU: Be A Man – Eat Beef. – World Animals Voice

Release date: November 25, 2020

The European Commission has given financial support to a campaign which aims to promote a “balanced diet without deficiencies” and to “strengthen the knowledge and competitiveness” of the European beef sector.

The European Commission has agreed to finance 80 per cent of the €4.5 million budget for the “Become a Beefatarian” campaign, meaning they are pumping €3.6 million into marketing beef in France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Spain. The campaign makes some outrageous claims about the beef industry, including highlighting their ‘respect for animal welfare standards, the environment and sustainability’.

The campaign goes on to claim that beef provides ‘quality proteins’ with no deficiencies. They state that beef production provides “pastures as a great carbon sink, soil fetilisation, effects against erosion and desertification, prevention of fires etc.” 

In response, Juliet Gellatley, founder and director of Viva! said:

“This campaign is utterly delusional. It has been proven time and time again that red meat, such as beef, is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, due to its high level of saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt. In addition, it is packed with animal hormones, antibiotics, and a whole host of other unsavoury ingredients which our bodies simply aren’t designed to digest. The scientific evidence against red meat is backed by government bodies and leading agencies, such as the World Health Organization. Beef doesn’t contain anything of nutritional benefit that you can’t find in healthier foods. A wholefood plant-based diet, on the other hand, provides all the nutrients you need to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle, without all the added hidden nasties.”

“The environmental aspects of this campaign are laughable. Animal farming is at the heart of the climate crisis. Beef farming in particular is causing mass deforestation as land is cleared for grazing and to grow animal feed, which in turn contributes to desertification. These crops could instead be fed to the human population, producing enough food to feed the entire world. The science is clear: vegan diets result in 76 per cent less land use and 50 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions.12 It is quite simply the most effective way to improve your health and save the planet.”

“This campaign is another example of biased, harmful marketing which is funded by the meat industry. We are disappointed in the European Commission for backing this campaign. It’s high time they paid attention to the latest scientific evidence and listened to consumer demand, by supporting plant-based food initiatives and encouraging the public to go vegan. Just think of the positive impact we could have on the planet with those financial resources!”

For more information about the environmental impact of meat, read Viva!’s Envirocidal report: https://viva.org.uk/materials/envirocidal/

ENDS information: 

  • Viva! is a registered charity 1037486
  • Viva! is Europe’s largest vegan campaigning charity www.viva.org.uk

References: 

  1. Government Office for Science. 2011. Foresight Project on Global Food and Farming Futures Synthesis Report.

For comments, interviews or more information please contact roisin@viva.org.uk

Tags: beef, Diabetes, Diets, Environment, Health, Heart Disease & Stroke, marketing, Meat, Obesity and Overweight, red meat, The Environment, Vegan

Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News

Denmark: Danish Prime Minister Breaks Into Tears Over Mink Culling – But Not Tears for the Mink.

WAV Comment: Denmark has made a 110% hash up of this right from the very start. A vote of no confidence in this woman sounds like a positive move. Does she shed tears for the 17 million Mink that have been murdered by her nations blood lust for a dying financial business ? – no; not for the mink but for the 6,000 fur farmers who are now being seen by the world for what they are.

UPDATE – 8/12/20 – this may be a good time to tell you, as we are on the subject of Danish mink; that we have still had NO reply from the Danish Ambassador in London re our letter of 12th November.

England: WAV Writes to the Danish Ambassador In London re Denmark’s Mass Mink Murders. – World Animals Voice refers.

We are nearly a month on from when the letter was sent. What is wrong with them we ask ? – does the lack of reply from a Danish official overseas (in the UK – London) maybe tell us that they do not know what to say really ? – all we want is a reply to our letter, but they seem unable to even do that.

Farm Animals, General News

England: From Viva! – Share Our Dramatic End Factory Farming Short Film – *Warning* – Disturbing Footage of Pig Suffering.

https://viva.org.uk/

 

Share our dramatic End Factory Farming short film

Mark, join our second action and help expose what’s happening behind the closed doors of one of Britain’s worst pig farms. 

We confronted the owner of this place, watch to see what he had to say for himself!

It’s vital to the pigs at Flat House Farm that we get our film seen by as many people as possible!! So please share our video far and wide. 

No matter whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater, you are sure to agree that this cruelty has to end!

Shocked by those conditions? 

Send us a quote or, even better, a reaction video of your friends after they’ve watched our film! Ask them how it makes them feel to see this and what shocked them most. 

Thank you for helping Viva! to End Factory Farming Before It Ends Us with our huge week of action.