Category: General News

Farm Animals, General News, Stray Animals

South Korea: Finally An End To Dog Farming – Legislation To Phase Out All Farming Within 3 Years. Massive Victory !!

WAV Comment.

With thanks to Di for this update.

This is fantastic news for the welfare movement; and we send them our very best for what has been a massive campaign over so many years – they have had the tenacity to fight on regardless of some promises by politicians in the near past.

A 3 year phase out sounds long and is long; but with those in the business knowing their days are very limited; we may e a dramatic reduction in farming in say, the first year.  Once there is proper legislation in the form of a (legal) Bill; then this can be used for prosecutions etc.  The dog farmers will know it and the sooner we see them walk the better it will be for all.

We have attempted to give action and news support on this issue singe our foundation – you can see our past posts here :

Search Results for “south korea dog farms” – World Animals Voice

Congratulations again dear campaigner friends – in the end, good always wins over evil.

Regards Mark

Photos by HSI Korea

A historic announcement as the South Korean government has stated that before the end of 2023, it will introduce a bill to ban the dog meat industry, which farms and kills up to 1 million dogs per year for human consumption.

At a meeting in Seoul today, between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, representatives of the ruling Peoples Power Party and Korean animal groups, including Humane Society International/Korea, a government bill was confirmed with a three-year phase out period once legislation is passed, meaning the ban would come into effect in 2027.

Compensation will be offered to help legally registered dog meat farmers, traders, slaughter houses, and restaurant owners transition or close their businesses, similar to the Models for Change program run by HSI/Korea, which has worked with 18 dog meat farmers across the country since 2015 to switch to growing chili plants or parsley.

This news follows considerable public and political momentum for a dog meat ban, including the introduction of five legislative bills by National Assembly Members. The news is welcomed by HSI/Korea, one of the leading animal groups campaigning for an end to dog meat nationwide.

“News that the South Korean government is at last poised to ban the dog meat industry is like a dream come true for all of us who have campaigned so hard to end this cruelty,” said JungAh Chae, executive director of HSI/Korea, who attended the meeting with MAFRA. “Korean society has reached a tipping point where most people now reject eating dogs and want to see this suffering consigned to the history books.”


“With so many dogs needlessly suffering for a meat that hardly anyone eats, the government’s bill delivers a bold plan that must now urgently be passed by the Assembly, so that a legislative ban can be agreed upon as soon as possible to help South Korea close this miserable chapter in our history and embrace a dog friendly future,” said Chae.


With growing concern for animal welfare and over 6 million pet dogs now living in Korean homes, demand for dog meat has dwindled. Latest opinion polls by Nielsen Korea, commissioned by HSI/Korea, show that 86% of South Koreans won’t eat dog meat in the future and 57% support a ban.

HSI recognizes that a short phase out period is an inevitable consequence of dismantling the trade and helping farmers and traders transition to other livelihoods. However, HSI urges the government to use the phase out period to work with animal welfare groups like HSI/Korea to rescue as many dogs as possible in a state-sponsored, coordinated effort.


HSI/Korea’s Models for Change program has rescued more than 2,700 dogs from dog meat farms across South Korea. The program has found adoptive homes for the rescued dogs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, with a small number rehomed in South Korea. Most of the farmers with whom HSI/Korea has worked experience mounting societal, family, and financial pressure to get out of farming dogs for their meat.

“This is a momentous day for HSI’s campaign to end the horrors of the dog meat industry in South Korea, and one we have been hoping to see for a very long time,” said Kitty Block and Jeff Flocken, CEO and President of HSI globally, in a joint statement.

”Having been to dog meat farms and seen HSI/Korea’s Models for Change program in action, we know only too well the suffering and deprivation these desperate animals endure in the name of an industry for whom history has now thankfully called time,” continued Block. “This is the beginning of the end of dog meat farming in South Korea, and HSI stands ready to contribute our expertise until every cage is empty.”

Regards Mark

Link:

Victory! South Korea Announces Plans To Ban Dog Meat Industry By The End Of 2023 With A Three Year Phase Out – World Animal News

Environmental, General News

EU: Conference celebrates first year of revised Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking.

Conference celebrates first year of revised Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking

17 November 2023

AAP

Animal Advocacy & Protection, or AAP, is working to put an end to the suffering of exotic animals in Europe. They tackle the problem preventively by advocating across Europe for better laws and regulations to prevent animal suffering, as well as practically by rescuing, rehabilitating and finding safe permanent homes for exotic animals in distress. Their areas of focus are exotic pets, animals in entertainment and wildlife trafficking.

On 16 November, a year after the publication of the Revised EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, representatives from Member States, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the private sector, and civil society gathered in Brussels to discuss the implementation of the Action Plan and solutions to end the illegal wildlife trade. The event was co-organised by Eurogroup for Animals, AAP, IFAW, Humane Society International and Pro Wildlife.

Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest international criminal activities. It contributes significantly to biodiversity loss, increases the risk of zoonotic diseases and has negative socio-economic impacts, particularly in countries where animals and wildlife products are sourced.

The EU is a hub for wildlife trafficking and therefore has a crucial role to play. The revised EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, published in 2022, provides improvements compared to the previous Action Plan and foresees ambitious actions to tackle the issue. Our conference, marking the first year of the release of the revised Action Plan, was opened by a video message from Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, who highlighted the role of illegal trafficking in loss of biodiversity and undermining peace and security,  followed by a message from César Luena MEP (Socialists and Democrats), who stressed that the success of the Action Plan depends on dedicated implementation by all actors.

The first panel discussed care for confiscated live animals. Representatives from rescue facilities across Europe emphasised the difficulties they are facing to accommodate seized animals and called for increased capacities and resources to offer proper care. Maria Pita Fernandez from the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges detailed the actions taken by the country in this regard, especially to facilitate information-sharing and coordination. IFAW presented a new Online Learning Program for enforcement authorities on handling confiscated live animals. The panel stressed the challenges in setting adequate conditions for a wide range of species and called for dedicated funding for rescue centres in national Action Plans without impeding activities to address the root causes of wildlife trafficking.

Participants then heard the experiences of Member States regarding the implementation of the EU Action Plan and innovative solutions at the national level. Representatives from Spain and Czechia presented their plans to fight illegal wildlife trafficking, while Lithuania, the Netherlands, Cyprus and Belgium detailed their experience in implementing innovative measures such as the positive list of allowed pets, emphasising the importance for such lists to protect animal welfare, public health and biodiversity. This is relevant in the context of the upcoming study from the European Commission on the added value and feasibility of an EU Positive List for Pets. Panellists highlighted the added value of an EU positive list to better regulate intra-EU trade and the need to retain national lists that would be stricter than the EU list.

The third panel focused on enforcement challenges and consisted of French and Spanish law enforcement authorities, the representative of the German online platform DeineTierwelt, IFAW and the European Commission. The panellists discussed the state of play and opportunities to properly enforce the legislation in place to combat wildlife trafficking. They emphasised the need for ambitious and harmonised rules to regulate wildlife trade online. Training and awareness raising of enforcement officers on environmental crime, including cyber crime, is crucial to enforce these rules. Financial crimes closely linked to wildlife criminal activities can also facilitate prosecution and must be carefully considered by enforcement authorities.

The final panel exchanged on the loopholes in the current EU legislation which enable species that are illegally caught and smuggled in their origin countries to legally enter the EU market. The example of the Macedonian Grayling, an endangered nationally protected butterfly sold online across the EU was presented. Experts and enforcement authorities described the problem while lawyers and civil society proposed solutions, including a model legislation for the EU, in view of the upcoming Commission’s feasibility study on this issue. Panellists underlined that such legislation could complement an EU Positive List and is an important opportunity for the EU to protect biodiversity worldwide.

The event was closed by MEP Martin Hojsík (Renew) on a hopeful note, calling for the timely and proper implementation of this ambitious Action Plan, increased capacity to seriously tackle illegal wildlife trade and the need for new legislative tools at EU level including the positive list and the criminalisation of illegally sourced wildlife trade in the EU.

Illegal wildlife trafficking is not only a major threat to conservation, it also condemns millions of animals to a life of suffering. This event demonstrates that solutions exist! We hope that these fruitful discussions will lead to positive change in the legal framework, in particular the implementation of an EU positive list that is deeply needed to better regulate this trade.

Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals

Wildlife traffickers are increasingly going online to reach a vast virtual marketplace. Dismantling wildlife cybercrime requires the acquisition of specific equipment and competencies by law enforcement and judicial authorities, but currently, there are huge disparities in the level of efficiency of detection and prosecution of wildlife cybercrime in different countries. New tools, training and collaboration are needed to fight criminal networks in and outside the EU.

Ilaria Di Silvestre, Head of EU Policy & Campaigns, IFAW

Today’s event has illustrated just how vital it is that the EU closes the loopholes in the current EU wildlife trade regulations. By failing to criminalise the import of nationally protected wildlife species that have been taken in violation of the laws of other countries and allowing this stolen wildlife to be traded legally in Member States, the EU continues to be complicit in the loss of biodiversity elsewhere in the world. This cannot and must not continue.

Dr Joanna Swabe, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Humane Society International/Europe

Many range states do not even know that their threatened and nationally protected species are stolen and smuggled to Europe to be marketed as exotic pets. Our event today confirmed that the European Union, with its responsibility as a main hub and destination, urgently needs to take action against this particular form of wildlife crime.

Dr Sandra Altherr, Pro Wildlife

Today multiple Member States who have implemented a Positive List shared their experiences and lessons learned. These are not only crucial for the EU to consider when conducting their feasibility study, but also other Member States who have yet to implement such an instrument. The message today is clear: a Positive List is a highly effective way to combat illegal wildlife trade, being one of the major risks the exotic pet industry confronts us with.

Laurens van de Noort, AAP

Regards Mark

General News

India: IN MEMORY OF RANI, THE FIRST CAMEL CREMATED IN RAJASTHAN. ALL ANIMALS HAVE DIGNITY AND DESERVE CARE.

Forwarded from Di in Germany:

https://www.oipa.org/international/in-memory-of-camel-rani/

IN MEMORY OF RANI, THE FIRST CAMEL CREMATED IN RAJASTHAN (Northern India). ALL ANIMALS HAVE DIGNITY AND DESERVE CARE

Inserito da oipainternational | Nov 2, 2023

Our member league APS received a request for help about a female Camel named Rani. Her owner abandoned her to die on the street after she suffered severe injuries due to a vehicle accident. As soon as APS heard of this, they arranged a truck and crane for her rescue, while one of their volunteers rushed immediately on site. They managed to save Rani after 30 minutes, and they took her to the Udaipur Animal Husbandry Department in Udaipur. Her health was seriously compromised. One eye was completely destroyed, and her skin completely diseased. She suffered a fracture to her leg’s radius. She had been applying dressings and antibiotics.

Unfortunately, despite all efforts, she couldn’t overcome her injuries and sadly passed away after four days. It’s always tough to lose an animal you’re trying to save.

Even though there is not a facility for cremating camels in the region, they are recognized as Rajasthan’s state animal. In order to carry out Rani’s cremation, APS hired a truck and crane once more and headed to the forest. The Team organized a cremation process in the forest to give Rani a dignified farewell. It was the first time a camel has been cremated in the entire state of Rajasthan.

It’s also unfortunate that there were no facilities available for the cremation of camels in Rajasthan. This sad ending is a reminder of the importance of creating proper infrastructure and providing proper care for the state animal.

You can support them by sharing their work or donating to them

Website: www.animalsprotectionsociety.org

Instagram/Twitter:@animalproindia

Regards Di and Mark

Farm Animals, General News

EU (Eurogroup for Animals): Insect farming: our three biggest concerns with the rapidly growing sector.

16 November 2023

Did you know that several insects are authorised for farming in Europe?

Insect farms are on the rise in the EU, and the growth of the sector has been rapid, with trillions of insects set to be farmed by 2030. Not only is insect welfare not being taken into account as this sector explodes, but the industry could have a major impact on intensive livestock farming as a whole.

Insect farming is not being widely talked about by key decision-makers at EU level, but it should be. 

Research into the welfare of insects is scarce compared to other vertebrates, but the science so far reveals they are sentient beings, with a range of feelings and needs.

Further, research into insect farming shows the growing sector could have a big impact on the planet if allowed to proceed at its current growth rate, without policies in place to manage it. 

Our three key concerns:

Insects are sentient beings

Insects are sentient beings that can feel pain, experience emotion, socialise, play, and much more. Like with any other animal, they should therefore have their welfare needs protected – however, no EU policies to this end are currently in place, leaving trillions of insects open to suffering in the coming years.

This must change – and policymakers could start by developing measures to improve insect diets on factory farms. Our report uses the latest research to make recommendations.

Insect farming is risky

Due to its fast growth, industrial insect farming poses several threats to the environment and other animals, especially by:

Facilitating the spread of pathogens

Possibly disrupting ecosystems

Using GMO to increase productivity on farms, the consequences of which are so far unknown.

This could lead to major issues for animal welfare, public health and the planet – making it even more critical that this expanding sector is closely monitored and regulated as soon as possible.

Regards Mark

Farm Animals, General News, Vegan Recipes

England: Keeping hens clucking, pigs oinking and cows mooing. Free to live their best lives. Now that’s what we call plant positivity.

Disclaimer.

The purpose of this site is to be informative of animal welfare / rights issues.  I never take any financial support for advertising products or anything else at all; what you see is input, nothing else.  What you see here in this post is my input to a food which I fully support.  It can be purchased here in the UK no problem – overseas ?; for more info and products go to Vegan organic Bakery baking delicious pies, quiches, tarts and nut roasts (clivespies.com)

They say:

We want to make eating animals a thing of the past.

With your help, we’re changing the world, one irresistible bite at a time. Choosing Clive’s keeps hens clucking, pigs oinking and cows mooing. Free to live their best lives. Now that’s what we call plant positivity.

We say:  Last night for dinner, as we have many times before, had a Clives nut roast with vegetables, seeds and herbs.  Click on link above. It was great as always; if you are able, then please give it a try.

Regards Mark

Enjoy – Going to the city by Hugh Cornwell.

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News, Vegan Recipes

England: German Analysis of 37 Studies Shows Meat and Dairy Out, But Changing to Whole Grains, Beans, Nuts and Olive Oil Significantly Reduces Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes. (Guardian London).

Plant-based swaps may cut diabetes and heart disease risk, major review finds

Analysis of 37 studies finds largest health benefits come from replacing processed meat, with 20% reduction in type 2 diabetes

Replacing meat and dairy with whole grains, beans, nuts and olive oil may significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, according to a major review into the impact of diet on health.

Researchers in Germany analysed 37 published studies to assess the benefits of switching from red and processed meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products to plant-based foods such as beans, nuts, whole grains, oils, fruit and vegetables.

Read in full at:

Plant-based swaps may cut diabetes and heart disease risk, major review finds | Health | The Guardian

Regards Mark

General News

Italy: Escaped Lion Fuels New Calls for Circus Animal Ban.

Escaped lion fuels new calls for circus animal ban in Italy.

Animal rights campaigners have renewed calls to ban the use of wild animals in Italian circuses following the escape of a lion from a circus near Rome at the weekend.

The adult male lion roamed around the seaside town of Ladispoli for about six hours on Saturday, before being sedated and returned to its cage at the nearby Rony Roller Circus.

Local residents stayed indoors while the lion was on the loose, with several online videos of the animal strolling around the town’s deserted streets going viral.

Italy faces calls to ban use of wild animals in circuses (wantedinrome.com)

News of the escaped lion made headlines around the world, sparking much criticism on social media over the fact that animals are still performing in Italy’s circuses.

A police investigation is underway into how the eight-year-old lion, called Kimba, managed to escape from the circus.

Lion tamer Rony Vassallo claims that he found the enclosure unlocked, suggesting that somebody had deliberately let the animal loose.

There was nobody injured by the escaped lion, and Vassallo insisted that Kimba posed no threat to the public.

On Sunday dozens of animal rights activists demonstrated outside the circus in Ladispoli, demanding that the government implement a circus animal ban drafted several years ago but postponed until 2024.

“It’s time to implement a ban on animals in circuses” – said Francesco Borrelli of the Italian green party Europa Verde – “The images of Kimba’s capture are not worthy of a civilised country.”

One of Italy’s foremost animal rights organisations, LAV, also renewed its calls for a ban on circuses with animals following the incident in Ladispoli.

It is estimated that there are still around 2,000 animals used in circus shows in Italy, of which a third are horses and domesticated animals, according to Italian news reports.

In a statement, the Italian branch of the International Organization for Animal Protection (OIPA) said the case of the escaped lion highlights “the dangers of circuses with animals from a public safety point of view” as well as “the discomfort of poor creatures forced into captivity for entertainment”.

Following the lion’s capture on Saturday night Ladispoli mayor Alessandro Grando said: “I hope that this episode can stir some consciences, and that we can finally put an end to the exploitation of animals in circuses.”

Regards Mark