The situation was so dire that the zoo cut nine dolphins’ daily food rations by a whopping 60%, and one dolphin lost more than 100 pounds. These intelligent, social animals should not even be in tanks to begin with, and the fact that they were forced to endure additional cruelty is terrifying.
Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), addressed the attendees of COP27 this morning to call for a Global Agreement on Food and Farming, as part of a new campaign they’re calling the ‘End of the Line for Factory Farming’.
Their goal? To ‘bring factory farming and high meat consumption to the end of the line once and for all’.
It’s an ambition we share. At Eurogroup for Animals, we’ve been lobbying to reduce meat consumption by 70% by 2030 in the EU/UK, as well as for food system transformation that shifts away from industrial agriculture to agroecology: a farming system in which nature is respected and high animal welfare standards are prioritised.
CIWF’s amazing initiative is therefore one that we’re delighted to support… and it’s off to a powerful start. Representatives from the NGO called on policymakers today at this year’s global climate conference to take action urgently, with evidence showing that intensive farming systems pose a huge threat to the planet.
A leading source of suffering for farm animals across the world – not to mention a key driver of greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation – industrial farming systems are at the heart of significant issues that world leaders can no longer afford to ignore.
Use your voice: call for the end of intensive farming systems
A report commissioned by CIWF last month, covering 13 UN regions and surveying over 14,000 participants, indicates that an overwhelming majority of the public has a negative view of factory farming. Among other things, they believe that industrial systems put profit ahead of:
“The science is clear that we need to reduce the number of animals farmed and eat more plant-based products if we are to have a chance to limit global warming to 1.5°C,” says our Political Adviser for Food Policy, Camilla Björkbom. “Ending factory farms is also important for the sake of animals themselves, as they suffer greatly within them. We need a farming system which focuses much more on plants, and respects the needs of all animals.”
We’re excited to help this movement grow. Will you be a part of it?
FOUR PAWS conducted the first ever survey in Ukraine on the welfare of companion animals during the war, to help mobilise support for shelters and volunteers in the country. 670 respondents took part in the survey, which revealed that the biggest problems are abandonment of pets, unsterilised animals living on the streets, and a lack of food for pets, strays and shelter animals.
FOUR PAWS carried out the survey to find out where its support is most needed.
The organisations’ local Stray Animal Care team has been active in Ukraine for the past ten years. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 FOUR PAWS, in coalition with other organisations, helped establish UPAW for efficient delivery of humanitarian aid to animals. Despite the challenging logistics in the country, 130 staff and volunteers of UPAW managed to distribute 944 tons of humanitarian cargo to animals over 8 months of their work.
UPAW is delivering aid based on the urgency of the need: the regions close to the combat zone, temporarily occupied and liberated by Ukrainian Armed Forces, are the areas of priority. But UPAW also covers the rest of the Ukrainian territory, where many animals were evacuated to. In addition to pet food aid, UPAW also distributes veterinary drugs to clinics, supports spay and neuter campaigns, and runs fundraising campaigns for the shelters in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, in-kind donations UPAW receives from international NGOs have decreased in recent months compared to February and March 2022. They are struggling to fill their warehouses, yet the many needs of animals in Ukraine continue to grow because of the prolonged war.
Coventry to hold purple poppy service to remember fallen serving animals
COVENTRY will remember the animals lost to war on Sunday with the laying of a wreath of purple poppies.
The special service will get under way at 2.30pm at the War Memorial Park Peace Garden and will see Coun John McNicholas, who laid the city’s first purple poppies as Lord Mayor last year, joined by animal rights and welfare groups.
The purple poppy was introduced in 2006 by the charity Animal Aid, which felt our four-legged friends who died in war, mostly horses and dogs, should also not be forgotten.
The appeal has since been adopted by the Murphy’s Army charity, which has since raised thousands of pounds for causes including K9 Heroes, The Horse Trust, Smokey Paws, Household Cavalry Foundation, Bravo Working Dog Rescue and Fireside K9.
Coun McNicholas said: “This year, as every year, I will be proudly wearing my red poppy to remember all the brave service personnel who have given their lives to protect us, and I will be wearing my purple one alongside to remember our faithful animals of all descriptions that have served in conflicts around the globe, and continue to do so.
“They are a part of our Armed Forces, and their love and loyalty deserve recognition.
“Last year’s event was very well supported, and this year I look forward to seeing even more people and their pets at the service to help our city pay tribute and remember.”
Visit theyalsoserved.org to buy purple poppies from the Murphy’s Army charity.
Animal rights activists hold ceremony at National War Memorial for animals lost in war
Animal rights activists held a memorial ceremony for animals lost in war at the National War Memorial on Sunday, distributing purple poppies in their honour.
Groups such as the Animal Alliance of Canada, which helped organize the memorial ceremony, say they are fighting against the modern-day use of animals in live training and experiments, and condemn their use in wars throughout the world. The purple poppy is meant to mirror the red poppies worn in memory of people who served in war.
Not far from the National War Memorial, in the centre of Confederation Park, there is a smaller memorial honouring the animal casualties of war. A dog sits patiently at its base, tongue permanently stuck out and set in stone. Hoof marks and paw prints are etched into the concrete around the memorial.
So, why did Animal Protection Party member Kimberly LaMontagne hold Sunday’s ceremony for fallen animals half a kilometre away at the National War Memorial?
“I decided to host the memorial service here because although there is a memorial to the fallen pets of war, it does not do justice to the millions of animal victims incurred. I wanted to equate the lives of these animals with the human veterans.”
LaMontagne emphasizes how, in Confederation Park, the South African war memorial overshadows the animal one, setting the dog’s statue at the feet of a soldier with his helmet outstretched.
LaMontagne also states that the animals were victims, not heroes.
“They did not sacrifice their lives for their country, they had no say in the matter. And those who did survive the horrors of war were often discarded on the battlefield after being injured. We are here to honour these animals, and to help prevent more from falling in their wake.”
The animal protection cause has close ties with veganism and some people who were at the service had been in the city for the previous day’s International Vegan Film Festival. Among these was activist Peter McQueen from Toronto.
“When I heard at the film festival that Kimberly was hosting this event, my wife and I knew we had to come here to show our support.
“I really feel as though we need to treat animal veterans as well as our human veterans, finding them placements once they are no longer in service, so they are not just abandoned after they have served their purpose.”
In London, England; there is a beautiful memorial tribute to remember animals that have fallen in war:
The Animals In War Memorial
A major monument designed for London.
This monument is a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served, suffered and died alongside the British, Commonwealth and Allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century.
The trustees of The Animals in War Memorial Fund obtained planning consent from Westminster City Council to erect the memorial at Brook Gate, Park Lane, (map here) on the edge of Hyde Park. It was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal in November 2004, the 90th anniversary of the start of World War I.
The court heard that their father, a pig farmer for 50 years, had been the only operative at the farm during the time of the investigation.
The farm failed to provide suitable flooring, suitable enrichment for the pigs and there was a broken panel on one pig pen.
The Gilmorton pig farm were charged over the care of their pigsCredit: ITV News
How did the pig farm investigation unfold?
In 2020, Flat House Farm, which no longer keeps pigs, was the subject of an undercover investigation by animal rights group Viva! Campaigns.
The animal welfare group released footage it claimed shows “barbaric conditions” at the farm.
Over a four month period, the campaigners placed hidden cameras in sheds at the farm.
They subsequently submitted the footage to the RSPCA, Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards, and Red Tractor.
The farm, which is based in Gilmorton, was then placed under investigation by Trading Standards, with Red Tractor also removing Elvidge Farms Ltd from its scheme and launched its own investigation.
This footage, released by the welfare group, played no part in the court proceedings, which representatives of the charity say is “the perfect example that the law just doesn’t exist to protect farm animals”.
Another representative added: “I was horrified and I’ve been working with animals for a long, long time and you do get used to it.
“The horrors at that pig farm stayed with me for a long, long time.”
Sentencing District Judge Nicholas Watson told the court the case had started with a large number of wide ranging charges against the company, Elvidge Farms Ltd.
These include:
Pigs being kept in unsuitable conditions
Too high a density of animals in areas
Dark and dirty conditions as well as insufficient water and stimulus
He said the charges suggested the problems had been long standing but that these had been discontinued at Crown Court because the prosecution had either failed to provide enough evidence or it was no longer in the public interest.
The court heard that Elvidge Farms Ltd had once enjoyed an annual turnover of £1 million, but now no longer trade as a pig farm business as they have no money.
The siblings left court today by a back entrance to avoid reporters, Alan and Rachel Elvidge have been told they have just three months to pay the fine.
Siblings Alan and Rachel Elvidge, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning Credit: ITV News
Dairy farmers in Australia are being forced to inject dangerous mRNA vaccines that contain spike proteins into cattle just so they can remain in business. Just like in humans, the jabs are causing severe reactions in many of the animals and a large percentage of them are dying instantly.
Animal rights activists accuse ex-president of abandoning North Korean dogs
‘A commitment to be an animal’s guardian is a commitment for life’
By Jung Min-ho
Animal rights activists are criticizing former President Moon Jae-in for his decision to return his dogs ― given by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a gift following their 2018 summit ― to a government facility, saying that he should not treat the dogs as if they are objects.
“Mr. Moon should not abandon the dogs or be forced to abandon them. As their guardian, it is his responsibility and privilege to care for their physical and emotional needs,” Patti Kim, head of Jindo Love Rescue, an animal rights group, told The Korea Times. “A commitment to be an animal’s guardian is a commitment for life.”
The statement came after Moon decided to give up a pair of white Pungsan dogs ― “Gomi” and “Songgang.” While they are currently undergoing medical examinations at a veterinary hospital in Daegu before being sent to a state facility, which remains undecided, their puppy named “Daun” will continue to live with Moon at his house in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province.
A lack of government support was the main reason behind the decision. In his message on social media, Wednesday, Moon said the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has delayed approving an enforcement ordinance for him ― an agreement made while he was in office.
The administrative rule change would strengthen the legal basis for his right to keep the dogs ― state property as a gift given while in office ― and provide him with the proposed financial support of about 2.5 million won ($1,800) a month.
But given that “an institution” ― the secretary office of a former president, in this case ― is already allowed to manage animals under Article 6 of the current enforcement ordinance on presidential records management, critics believe the key issue was money. After being elected, Yoon Suk-yeol, known as a dog lover, also openly supported the idea of Moon taking the dogs with him. They lived with Moon for more than four years.
“There are people talking about the cost of dog food. I do not know whether they know the retired president (I) paid for all the expenses,” Moon wrote. “I even paid for the expenses of bringing the dogs to Yangsan (from the presidential office) and taking them to a Presidential Archives-designated place (the veterinary hospital). It should be appreciated that I took care of them with affection free of charge over the past six months.”
Moon added he would continue to live with the dogs only if he can gain legal ownership.
Regardless of legal issues, animal rights activists say his view of animals is deeply flawed.
“Animals are not objects, and they are not our property. Gomi, Songgang, and their puppy should never have been misclassified as state property, when in fact, they are part of former President Moon’s family,” Kim said.
Eun-young, lead organizer at the Korea office of Direct Action Everywhere, an animal rights organization based in California, lamented that the sorry episode of the Pungsan dogs shows how Korean society as a whole treats animals.
As a presidential candidate, Moon pledged to strengthen animal rights in an apparent bid to appeal to more than 10 million voters living with their animal companions. After a summit in Pyongyang in September 2018, Moon’s office uploaded the pictures of him interacting with the animals from the North on social media from time to time. Many viewed them as the symbol of ― or at least meaningful progress toward ― peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Beagle Rescue Network, a Korean animal rights group, expressed disappointment in Moon, questioning the sincerity of his political steps supposedly for animal rights.
“Regardless of the reasons, giving up adoption is giving up responsibility, which is the virtue of a leader who was once respected as the (South) Korean president,” the group said in a statement. “We are witnessing the leader giving up the responsibility for life due to political reasons. We implore you to end the era in which living creatures are being used for politics. Animals are not objects.”
We (WAV) covered a lot on ex President Moon over the years on our other site, SAV which campaigned for stray animals in Serbia; and his election pledge to do a lot better for animals – especially animals kept on South Korean dog meat farms.
Sadly, like so many election promises, once elected, the politicians turn their backs on the subject in question. Check out our past posts below which show the dire conditions in which S. Korean dog farms operate.
‘Never have I ever regretted flying the flag for vegans as much as I do now after seeing this pathetic and unacceptable attempt at protesting. Back in my day at least we had the common decency to show some respect and dignity.’
She protested the fur trade by standing naked outside Harrods almost every day for a year in 2015.
Ms Porter’s activism is often shocking and she wants it to lead to discussion – but she says she did not go out of her way to cause major disruption like current protesters
‘It has almost cost me my sanity’: Animal rights protester who stood naked outside Harrods reveals the true toll of her activism… but her only regret is sharing her cause with ‘pathetic’ modern eco-zealots
Heidi Porter has no regrets about her activism, despite admitting it has ‘cost me my sanity many times’
But even she says the current eco zealots wreaking havoc on the streets of London are in the wrong
She said the new crop of activists turned on her because her own views didn’t align exactly with theirs
Ms Porter’s comments come amid a month of chaos in the United Kingdom due to repeated protests
WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
Eco activists targeted the world famous Girl with a Pearl Earring painting by Johannes Vermeer in the Netherlands in the latest brazen gallery attack
Below – This is the moment a passerby intervened with a paint-wielding protester vandalised the MI5 building on Millbank, London, on Monday morning.
Police intervened after Tez Burns, 34, sprayed orange paint on the exterior of the MI5 building on Marsham Street.
There is right and wrong Direct Action.
Having been involved myself with direct action, you need to get public support on your side by facts and education, not by destruction.
Regards Mark
Below – Myself and Barb protest at Dover (England) against the live export of baby calves destined for the veal crates of Europe.
In what spells as positive news for millions of farm animals, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture has declared it will restrict the export of various species used for breeding to third countries from Germany.
What are Germany’s new export rules?
From July 1 2023, German veterinary certificates for the export of cattle, sheep and goats used for breeding to several countries outside the EU will be withdrawn, a recent press release from BMEL states.
This is not the first time Germany has tightened up their export rules to support higher animal welfare, having already withdrawn certificates for animals used for fattening and slaughter purposes to third countries. However, by extending these restrictions to breeding animals, too, the country is taking an even stronger stand against the issues of international animal trade and the cruelties that livestock faces in this system: sending a powerful message about the importance of good welfare at every stage of an animal’s life.
Germany has made the first move… now, over to the EU
Germany has set a compelling precedent at national level… but if we are to address live exports globally, it’s important that the rest of the EU takes the initiative to radically change the rules of this trade.
This is something that Germany’s Federal Minister, Cem Özdemir, understands well. Commenting on their recent decision, he stated “we urgently need better common rules in Europe” to make sure that national restrictions such as theirs “are not circumvented” and undermined. For instance, despite Germany’s new law, suppliers could technically export animals to other countries in the EU to then be re-exported to third countries: taking advantage of a problematic loophole that an EU-wide law could close.
Eurogroup for Animals are campaigning for the EU to ban the transport of live animals outside its borders entirely, and eventually revolutionise the trade to end their live export completely. In the interim, we’re also asking policymakers to devise stricter species-specific requirements for transport as well.
What do Members think of Germany’s new export restrictions?
Several of our member organisations have been concerned with the consequences of live animal exports for years. Germany’s news thus comes as a victory, though it’s clear there’s much more to do.
Animals International has worked tirelessly to expose the conditions animals face while being exported outside of Europe – including, specifically, from Germany, with their investigations into German exports tracing back as far as 2017.
“We want to see the EC listening to the fresh wave that Germany has started, by installing an EU wide ban on live exports,” Director Gabriel Paun states. He adds that despite this, the recent restrictions come as “news worth celebrating” that heeds “the call of millions of compassionate EU citizens who want an end to this cruel and ruthless trade”.
Deutscher Tierschutzbund has also vocalised their support for this change via Twitter, but are conscious of the further developments that are needed. “This is not about the end of transport, and so we still demand that the German ministry bans exports completely from Germany to countries outside of Europe,” states Frigga Wirths, their Specialist for Transport, Slaughter and Cattle.
Four Paws International is of a similar mind, and have campaigned extensively for change within the live animal export trade in Europe. Livestock Expert Ina Mueller-Arnke commented that “the BMEL withdrawing the bilateral veterinary certificates is a good first step, but insufficient, as it is not equivalent to an export ban.” She adds that, to seal lasting change, “we need to prohibit live animal exports at the European level, including to all third countries.”
The Animal Welfare Foundation is strongly against the long-distance transport of animals across Europe, as well as exports from Europe to third countries. Iris Baumgärtner, their Vice Chair, told us “we expect a national export ban of German animals from our Green Minister of Agriculture”, though their most recent restrictions are “the fastest measure to send a clear signal to the EU Commission.” That being said, they’re concerned that this move “will hardly reduce exports. For this reason, we need a national export ban with better enforcement options for the authorities to stop indirect transports.”
Ultimately, the message is clear: while this restriction is a win for several farm animals in Germany, to make it a win for all animals, we need the EU to step up and create EU-wide legislation to seriously improve the export trade. We hope to see it rise to the challenge.
World Animals Voice 