Category: Fur and Fur Farming

(US) Michigan? You really don’t want to know about bloody Michigan.

So – here we go. Found this truly wonderful publication serving the good people of Michigan, and their clearly totally derailed connection to nature and all that lives within her.
Calls itself the “Michigan Enjoyer” (?????). Your average nutcases’ daily publication.

Far be it from us to give this filth a forum here, we think we need to show what happens out there in remote uncivilised corners of the North-American continent – the better to understand why it is the US is such a great, internationally respected leader of the free world ….

https://enjoyer.com/category/man-v-nature/

And as if that wasn’t enough from lovely Michigan, here’s more:
(Nuisance???)

https://wkfr.com/nuisance-canada-geese-michigan/

A new lethal and legal way to deal with nuisance geese will be implemented in Michigan this year. As annoying and bullish as these Canada geese may be, I still don’t feel very good about this new method to remove them. Here’s what we know so far:

According to a report from MLive Michigan is moving forward with the new pilot goose removal program– despite pushback. While the state isn’t exactly encouraging the gassing of nuisance Canada geese it will be permitted in certain circumstances.

Canadian Geese v. Canada Geese

There is a difference. I, like many, have referred to the black and brown geese spotted all throughout Michigan as “Canadian geese” in the past however that’s not quite accurate. The term Canada goose refers to a particular species, Branta canadensis, while grammatically, the phrase Canadian goose could refer to any goose from Canada. Get it?

The Michigan DNR has long offered help and relocation services to private landowners and has even adapted hunting regulations when it comes to Canada geese in particular, but what are landowners, businesses, and golf courses supposed to do when they exhausted every option? DNR Wildlife Biologist and Acting Waterfowl Specialist Kaitlyn Barnes told MLive,

The Michigan DNR has long offered help and relocation services to private landowners and has even adapted hunting regulations when it comes to Canada geese in particular, but what are landowners, businesses, and golf courses supposed to do when they exhausted every option? DNR Wildlife Biologist and Acting Waterfowl Specialist Kaitlyn Barnes told MLive,

Why is This Necessary?

Not only is the highly contagious bird flu a factor but think about all the nuisance geese that pester children and families at parks, loiter outside nursing homes, and leave so many droppings that beaches are forced to close due to E.coli. I hadn’t even considered this, but MLive mentions goose feathers and feces can clog pipes at local wastewater treatment plants.

Again, I understand why this would all be necessary but I really don’t think it’s fair to the geese and their young. I’m not for the killing of innocent animals and that’s exactly what they are!


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Update: More Animals Added to Michigan’s Year-Round Hunting List

The Michigan DNR has added the following animals to the state’s year-round hunting list. Land owners may kill these animals on their property with no special permits required.

Gallery Credit: Lauren Gordon

FOX SQUIRREL

According to the Michigan DNR nearly 70% of the state’s Fox Squirrel population can be found in southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. You’ll see them everywhere from forest to farmlands to city parks– and everywhere in between.

GRAY SQUIRREL

Also called the Eastern Gray Squirrel, these critters typically nest and live the majority of their life within a single nest tree and is the least social of Michigan’s six squirrel species.

BEAVER

The majestic beaver was added to Michigan’s year-round kill list as their dams can cause flooding and block culverts.

MUSKRAT

It’s hard to tell a beaver from a muskrat, but the difference is in the tail! The Michigan DNR warns that muskrat burrows can weaken shorelines, dikes, and riverbanks.

COTTONTAIL RABBIT

Poor, Peter Cottontail. Much like squirrels, these rabbits are known to chew through structure or equipment wires.

Animals You Can Hunt All Year in Michigan

Gallery Credit: Maitlynn Mossolle

RUSSIAN BOAR

Uh…yeah…did you know these even exist here in Michigan because we sure didn’t until we saw the DNR say you can freely hunt these all year! According to Michigan.gov these are a highly invasive species that were only introduced either by “Intentional release” or “escape from captivity.” They are particularly dangerous which is why you are welcome to hunt them and encouraged to report when you do see them.

OPPOSSUM

While some may think these critters are pretty cute, they are also commonly known to be pests. That’s why, though people may not actively hunt these for their meat or for the “thrill of the hunt” but if you happen to kill one that’s been rummaging your trash, harassing your pets, etc. you are welcome to kill them as well.

FERAL PIGEONS

Now we’re not entirely sure what the difference is between regular pigeons and “feral” ones but the Michigan DNR says you can hunt the feral ones as you please. We assume there are some people keep for pets for some reason?

RED SQUIRRELS

Now, regular squirrels are pretty cute and pretty harmless (for the most part) but RED SQUIRRELS…well, they were put on this Earth for one purpose: Chaos. They get into everything, chew on electrical wires and just really do not know their place other than to ruin everything. The Michigan DNR says you are welcome to kill them as much as the day is long.

WOODCHUCK
“How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck, could chuck…” Yeah, these critters may have inspired a fun little rhyme but at the end of the day, MSU Extension’s Fisheries and Wildlife division says you can kill them if they are causing damage to private property. And boy, can it be extensive.

HOUSE SPARROW

Now these birds may look all teeny and cute, but MLive reports they are known for displaying behavior that can threaten the survival of other birds. You can CLICK HERE to read more but long story, short, these little guys are actually kind of a**holes. You are welcome to shoot them all year, though, it may be easier to find some way to trap them instead.

PORCUPINES

We probably don’t have to go into too much detail about what is wrong with these animals and why you are able to hunt them year-round…however, a point we would like to make is that people had pet hedgehogs forever and they’re basically just mini porcupines, no?

GROUND SQUIRRELS

Am I missing something here, these are what we commonly refer to as “chipmunks” right? Has our entire lives been a lie? Should it really be “Alvin and the Ground Squirrels”? Anyways, here is yet another animal that probably needs no explanation as to why you can kill it year round with no interference from the Michigan DNR…just don’t get ridiculous with it…that could mean you have some deeper issues.

STARLING

Much like the house sparrows, Starlings also pose a threat to other native bird species. Michigan.gov says, “English sparrows, feral pigeons, and starlings may be taken by hunting statewide, year around except within state park and recreation areas from April 1 to September 14.”

WEASELS

While like other animals on this list, weasels are cute, but they are considered pests here in Michigan. Of course, with our state’s history in the fur trade it’s not all that surprising, yet it still somehow is. According to Michigan.gov, “Opossums, porcupines, weasels, red squirrels, skunks, ground squirrels, woodchucks, and feral swine may be harvested year-round, statewide with a valid Michigan hunting license. There is no bag limit for these species.”

SKUNKS

As mentioned with the previous critter, skunk is still part of Michigan’s fur trade which means you are open to kill them. However, I have to wonder, are they like stink bugs where if you kill them, it releases the stench? Someone please explain.

. and so forth …

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

(EU) The fragmented landscape of animal welfare legislation in the European Union

https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/library/fragmented-landscape-animal-welfare-legislation-european-union

17 February 2025

From cage to fur farming and fish welfare, key animal welfare concerns are being addressed very differently across the EU’s 27 Member States.

In this report, we break down the steps that different countries in the EU are taking on a range of animal welfare issues – or lack thereof. The stark differences in their approaches highlights the critical need for the EU to publish its long-awaited revision to the animal welfare legislation, which has not been updated for decades, and which is not sufficiently protecting the wellbeing of animals across Europe.

Only by modernising and strengthening these laws will the EU be able to effectively harmonise the approaches of all Member States to animal welfare: improving the lives of billions of sentient beings, easing compliance for farmers, ensuring fair competition, and aligning agriculture with its sustainability and resilience goals.

EU: Animal Welfare Commissioner Must Show More Concrete Commitments.

23 October 2024

In the run-up to the candidate hearing of EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi, the European Commission (EC) published the answers to the written questions.

While Eurogroup for Animals welcomes aspects of the candidate’s answers to questions on animal welfare, it stresses the need for much more ambitious actions and concrete commitments to improving the lives of all animals in Europe, and to respect the wishes of citizens who have been calling for the EU to do much more in this respect.

In his answers, candidate Várhelyi promised to work on “policies [that] leave no one behind, creating conditions for truly inclusive health and animal welfare systems catered fairly to the needs of people and animals”.  

Eurogroup for Animals welcomes the commitment to modernise animal welfare legislation in line with the latest science, and acting on the End the Cage Age ECI through the phasing out of animal cages.

The answers however, are far from ambitious enough, and the candidate makes no reference to:

  • A clear timeline of the revision of the legislation
  • Comprehensive species-specific regulations that take into account the unique needs of certain species, like fish and meat chickens
  • A ban on fur farms, as per the demands of the Fur Free Europe ECI. 
  • Plans for a transition to animal-free science
  • Actions to tackle the illegal pet trade
  • Ensuring that animal welfare standards apply to imported products
  • The introduction of and EU-wide Positive List for animals that should be kept as pets
  • Enabling food environments that make healthy and sustainable diets widely available and affordable – this is crucial for a OneHealth approach.

Despite the introduction of Animal Welfare in the Commissioner’s name, a news that was widely welcomed, the mission letter barely mentioned animal welfare (only 1 of 14 items).

In reaction, in September, Eurogroup for Animals sent an ideal mission letter to EC President Ursula von der Leyen, detailing the priorities that were missing. MEPs are invited to sign the mission letter during an event that Eurogroup for Animals will host with GAIA at the European Parliament during the week starting 4 November.

With animal welfare being right there in the title of his role, we expect much more ambition on the part of candidate Várhelyi. After decades of new scientific evidence, and resounding calls from citizens, we urgently need more concrete commitments and timelines that ensure better standards for all animals in the EU, with none left behind. We call on MEPs to represent the demands of citizens and request specific answers during the hearing.

Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals

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Related news

Animal welfare commissioner must show more concrete commitments

Silent Suffering: photo exhibition highlights cruel realities of animals in Europe

Strategic dialogue urges EC to deliver the revision of animal welfare legislation by 2026

Mark

EU Brussels: Missing posters spotlight EU’s stalled animal welfare progress.

7 October 2024

A billboard campaign has been launched in the heart of Brussels’ EU quarter, urging the European Commission to fulfil its promises on the animal welfare legislation, now overdue by a year.

The European Commission had committed to a comprehensive overhaul of animal welfare legislation by October 2023. However, a full year has passed without the promised proposals for kept animals and slaughter being unveiled.

Countless animals continue to suffer in factory farms across the EU under outdated and inadequate laws that fail to protect them or meet their most basic needs. 

As part of our No Animal Left Behind campaign, Eurogroup for Animals placed 40 billboards across 17 metro stations in the EU capital to send a strong message to the European Commission: citizens are still waiting for meaningful legislative change for the animals. 

Despite the delayed proposals, it was promising to see consensus by all stakeholders of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture on the urgent need for a revision of EU animal welfare legislation by 2026 and a phase-out of cage systems. In a historic move, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also announced the creation of the role of Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare. This new role will ensure animals have more representation on the political stage.

Next steps will see candidates for the Commissioner roles face hearings in the European Parliament in November 2024, where their priorities and plans will be scrutinised. Finding the right candidate is crucial to keep animal welfare legislation a top priority in the next legislative term.

Regards Mark – PS They always were bloody useless !

Related news

Common Agricultural Policy found to lack ambition by European Court of Auditors

Popular TV programme reveals calves in Ireland endure abuse and long journeys

Missing posters spotlight EU’s stalled animal welfare progress

EU: Silent Suffering: photo exhibition exposes realities of animals in Europe.

27 September 2024

Four Paws

All across Europe, billions of animals endure unimaginable suffering every day, as current EU laws continue to fall short in providing them the protection they desperately need. NGOs Eurogroup for Animals and FOUR PAWS have teamed up to host the photo exhibition Silent Suffering which will expose the pain and distress endured by farmed, companion, wild, and aquatic animals.

The invite-only event will take place on 1 October at the Royal Library of Belgium in Brussels, bringing together MEPs and representatives of animal protection organisations from across Europe.

The photos, put forward by Eurogroup for Animals’ member and partner organisations are spread across nine categories: cage farming, transport, broiler chickens, aquatics, fur farming, animals in science, large carnivores, pets, and trade.

Why this exhibition matters now

As the European Commission prepares to enter a new term, FOUR PAWS and Eurogroup for Animals call for animal welfare to be a priority, and for a revision of the outdated animal welfare legislation to be put forward without further delay.

Regards Mark