Category: General News

General News, Hunting

England: National Trust pause trail hunting on its land following webinar police probe.

November 2020:

England:  National Trust pause trail hunting on its land following webinar police probe

The National Trust have said it will pause trail hunting on its land and will not be granting new licences this season.

The news follows a ITV News report that revealed webinars hosted by The Hunting Office, the sport’s governing body, are being examined by police officers in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service to see if any criminal offences have taken place.

In a statement shared by ITV News Wales & West of England Correspondent Rupert Evelyn, the National Trust said: “We have taken the decision to pause trail hunting on National Trust land and will not be granting any new licences for the remainder of the season.”

In a follow up tweet, the charity said: “We do not currently have a date when this decision will be reviewed.”

Forestry England has also moved to suspend trail hunting on its land.

Crown Estates also issued a statement advising it was “aware of the current investigation” and adding: “We do not condone any form of hunting outside of UK law and we are therefore looking into this matter.

“The majority of our rural portfolio is comprised of tenanted, working farmland. While any decision to allow hunting rests with the tenant, it must always take place in full compliance with UK law.  

United Utilities is also suspending trail hunting on its land until the investigation is complete, in a statement the company added: “At that point, we will consider what action we should take.”

 While Natural Resources Wales also confirmed it was “looking into [the investigation] to see what action, if any, we need to take.”

 A police investigation was launched after allegations were made to numerous forces about the contents of online meetings the hunting body held.

The Hunting Office say the seminars “clearly dealt with the operation and promotion of legal trail hunting and managing animal rights activism” but activists argue the seminars, organised to discuss trail hunting, raise questions about the motives of some in the sport.

Trail hunting involves laying a scent similar to that of a fox for hounds to follow.

Hunting groups maintain they follow the letter of the law but, they say, accidents happen.

When dogs follow a fake trail, it frequently leads them to a real fox instead. That is not illegal.

Animal rights activists have a long-held belief that legal exemptions like trail laying offer little protection to foxes and make illegal activities difficult to prove.

What is trail hunting and is it legal?

The police and the Crown Prosecution Service are investigating online seminars hosted by hunting’s governing body, The Hunting Office, ITV News has learned.

Traditional fox hunting – where the animal was chased and killed by dogs – was banned in England and Wales in 2005.

A number of alternative versions of hunting have continued in the wake of the ban, however, and are now the subject of controversy and fierce debate.

So what is the legal situation on the different forms of hunting and who’s who in one of the country’s most fiercely debated issues?

The variations on fox hunting

Following the ban on the chasing and killing of animals, different variations sprung up to allow the activity to still take place in modified, legal forms.

Drag hunting – a sport that existed before the ban – uses foxhounds to search for a scent laid by a drag pulled on a string.

The activity doesn’t involve an animal scent and doesn’t involve the pursuit or killing of wild animals.

Trail hunting uses an animal-based scent for the hunt to follow and is the form many hunts have switched to following the 2005 ban.

Groups on each side of the debate differ as to whether the scent is laid using a material laced with something like urine or whether body parts or carcasses are used.

Following the Hunting Act 2004, banning traditional hunts, the practice of trail hunting has been widely adopted.

Continue reading “England: National Trust pause trail hunting on its land following webinar police probe.” →
Environmental, General News, Hunting

EU to ban use of lead shot by wetland bird hunters; but they will still kill !

Photo – Magda2Geneve

EU to ban use of lead shot by wetland bird hunters

27 November 2020

Regulation will help prevent deaths of 1m waterbirds by lead poisoning every year

Lead shot is to be banned from all wetlands in the European Union, in a decision that is expected to pave the way for phasing out all toxic ammunition.

The European parliament voted against objections lodged by far-right parties, allowing the European commission to introduce the new regulations by the end of the year.

The ban will ensure that any wildfowl or waterbirds are shot with non-toxic steel ammunition after scientific studies found that 1 million waterbirds are killed by lead poisoning each year. Millions more wild birds, including raptors, are poisoned but do not die, with 40% of whooper swans found to have elevated blood lead levels.

If the regulations come into force before the end of the Brexit transition period, they will become UK law. This would compel some grouse shoots to use non-toxic ammunition because certain grouse moors are peatlands and are classified as wetlands according to the EU definition.

“It’s absolutely fantastic news,” said Prof Debbie Pain, an independent ecological toxicologist and honorary research fellow at the University of Cambridge who has studied the effects of lead shot for nearly 40 years. “Lead shot kills 1 million waterbirds each year, it contaminates the environment and it’s a cumulative poison, so the problem is getting worse and worse.

“This ban is going to make a huge difference to the health of wetlands and the health of waterbirds across the EU. It’s absolutely the right thing to do and non-toxic alternatives have been available for a long time.”

Although Denmark outlawed lead shot in 1996, most other EU nations continue to use it. In Britain, a coalition of shooting groups earlier this year pledged to move to non-toxic alternatives within the next five years. Waitrose has banned the sale of game shot with lead.

In England, the use of lead shot is banned for the shooting of all ducks and geese and on foreshores and other sensitive sites, but campaigners say compliance is poor. Research has found that more than 70% of ducks are still shot with lead.

If the ban does not come into force before the Brexit transition period ends, Britain will not be compelled to adopt it, but government sources say it supports the principle of addressing the impact of lead shot.

Countries will have 24 months to bring in the ban, which will result in shooters only being able to use non-toxic steel ammunition across vast swathes of northern European countries, where a lot of land meets the EU definition of wetland.

The European Chemicals Agency is now developing restrictions on the use of all lead ammunition and the use of lead in fishing weights in preparation for a full ban on lead ammunition.

Ruth Cromie of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust said lead poisoning caused lowered immune systems in wild birds, potentially facilitating the spread of diseases such as avian flu.

“Progressive hunters have known for a long time that lead ammunition has to go. This is a clear sign that the policy is finally catching up with this no-brainer. We’ve got all the evidence and we’ve got a practical solution – non-toxic ammunition.”

Read more at source

The Guardian  London – Brilliant as always !

Regards Mark

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

South Africa: Live Exports – The Journey So Far. Further Information and Donation Links.

https://nspca.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nspca-live-export.mp4?_=1

THEY NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER

It has been a long and trying year as we continue to fight against a trade that is inherently cruel.
We have lost battles and we have won some, but the war is far from over ….

On 06 August 2020, the National Council of SPCAs was back in the Grahamstown High Court fighting to interdict the impending export of live animals by sea to the Middle East. On 25 August 2020 Acting Judge Dukada handed down an order, allowing the Kuwaiti exporters, Al Mawashi and KLTT, to export no more than 56,000 sheep over the equator on the Al Messilah vessel in the hottest month of the year.


Acting Judge Dukada also ordered the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to monitor the loading process and provide reports to the court – this is the same Department that the NSPCA has laid animal cruelty charges against in previous shipments.
The Al Messilah, filled with some 51000 sheep, left South Africa on the 05 September 2020. A further two criminal dockets were opened against the exporters and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.


In October 2020 written reasons for Acting Judge Dukada’s order was received from the Grahamstown High Court. The application was not dismissed nor granted, it seems to have been an impractical compromise. Furthermore, in his judgement, Acting Judge Dukada stated that the NSPCA had ignored the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, published by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) – Specifically, chapter 7.2 of the OIE Standards Transport of Animals by Sea. These guidelines are not even recognized as international law by the very body who developed them. These guidelines are in place as bare, minimum “recommendations” for countries which do not have adequate legislation for the protection of animals.

The Acting Judge further stated that Al Mawashi and LTTC would be expected to adhere to this ‘law’ during the loading and transportation of the animals aboard their vessel. This, however, was not the case as these basic guidelines were still observed to be disregarded by members of Al Mawashi and LTTC. It is interesting to note that the Red Meat Industry Forum (RMIF) who opposed the NSPCAs application has now launched a contempt of court application against the South African Government for not following the Acting Judge Dukada’s directives.


The NSPCAs’ legal team launched an application for leave to appeal Acting Judge Dukada’s order which was heard on 06 November 2020 and then declined by the Acting Judge Dukada On 17 October 2020. The NSPCA is left with no choice but to approach the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.


It has been a long and trying year for the NSPCA as we continue to fight against a trade that is inherently cruel. The undeniable suffering that these animals experience during these journeys to the Middle East is both unnecessary and unacceptable.

Unfortunately, this appeal process is a very costly battle as we continue to pursue the ban of live export.

We need YOUR help to protect these animals from unnecessary suffering.

YOUR support can help us win this fight and leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren for a much kinder world!

Donate to the NSPCA –

Donate to The National Council of SPCAs | Donation Details for NSPCA

Read lots more about live exports to the Middle East by clicking on this link:  ‘The Journey So Far’ – 

The NSPCA’s Battle Against the Live Export of Animals to the Middle East

General News, Vivisection

Get Personally Involved: Survey on Experimental Models in Research; Take Part Link Below.

Survey on Experimental Models in Research

26 November 2020

This survey is centered on European research, and is an instrument to be made available freely to interested stakeholders to shape the public discourse on biomedical research.

It will be used to map the reality of the European biomedical research models – animal or non animal, tracing as accurately as possible the state, perspectives, needs, and expectations of those that made research their call.

An ever growing number of stakeholders, from within and outside research practice, participate in the shaping and definition of key research policies, each with specific agendas and values. A credible depiction of the reality, articulation, and complexity of European research will be a meaningful instrument to help the public dialogue remain focused on the effective needs of research itself, embedding outside considerations but not suffering undue influence.

The survey includes multiple questions on the use of animals in research. 

To take part – Click on the word ‘here’; or follow the EU Survey link given below.

Take the survey here.

EUSurvey – Survey (europa.eu)

Read more at source

EU Survey

General News, Vivisection

Germany: Positive News – Animal-free method predicts nanoparticle toxicity for safer industrial materials.

Animal-free method predicts nanoparticle toxicity for safer industrial materials

26 November 2020

Germany:

At Helmholtz Zentrum München, the research group of Dr. Tobias Stöger, in collaboration with partners from the SmartNanoTox EU project, gathered insights on the toxicity of nanoparticles and managed to predict the spectrum of lung inflammation using only in vitro measurement and in silico modeling.

Our lungs are exposed to a multitude of hazardous airborne particles on a daily basis. Nanoparticles, due to their small size, may reach the sensitive alveolar region of the human lung and trigger inflammation even after a single inhalation leading to severe diseases such as heart disease, brain damage and lung cancer for prolonged exposure.

In manufacturing, toxic nanoparticles may be released into the environment during the production, processing, degradation or combustion of materials. Despite advances in models for nanotoxicology, currently neither in vitro nor in silico testing tools can reliably predict adverse outcomes or replace in vivo testing. In order to facilitate the introduction of safer materials into our lives, novel testing strategies are needed to predict the potential toxicity of industrial nanoparticles before and during the manufacturing process. 

Currently, safety testing relies heavily on animal studies.

While animal experimentation is still indispensable for mechanistic and chronic toxicological studies, they are less suited for predictive tests within a safe-by-design production of new materials. This study introduces an alternative animal-free testing strategy, capable for high-throughput testing and connectable with in silico modelling.

Read more at source

EurekAlert

Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News

First Cases of COVID-19 in Polish Mink.

First cases of COVID-19 in Polish mink

26 November 2020

Polish scientists have identifies the first cases of coronavirus in mink at a farm in the north of the country.

The Medical University of Gdansk said that eight animals were found to be infected at a breeding farm in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. 

Poland, a major producer of mink fur, started coronavirus tests among its farmed mink and workers this month after a mutation of the virus was found in Denmark. 

Veterinary and sanitary authorities in Poland said last week that 18 coronavirus cases had been identifies among mink farmworkers since the start of the pandemic, but it was unlikely that to have been spread by the animals.

“The obtained results indicate the possibility of transmission of the virus from humans to minks,” the Medical University of Gdansk said in a statement. 

Poland is the world’s third-largest fur producer after China and Denmark, according to animal rights groups that are campaigning for an end to breeding animals like mink for fur. 

Read more at source

Euronews

 

WAV Past posts on Polish fur:

Poland: The Price of A Fur Coat. Terrible animal suffering revealed on huge Polish fur farm. – World Animals Voice

Some Very Recent Positive News From Poland Regarding Fur Farming and Animals In Entertainment. – World Animals Voice

England: This Is Huge ! Respect for Animals – Fighting the Fur Trade – Poland Close to Historic Fur Farming Ban. – – World Animals Voice

Poland: Mecca of the fur industry – World Animals Voice

Poland: The blood business with fur – World Animals Voice

Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News

Hungary Bans Fur Farming Of Minks, Foxes And Ferrets Due To ‘Public Health Concerns’ Amid COIVD-19. But No Ban on Chinchilla Fur Production.
Fox fur farming has been banned in Hungary

Hungary Bans Fur Farming Of Minks, Foxes And Ferrets Due To ‘Public Health Concerns’ Amid COIVD-19

The announcement follows a slew of COVID-19 outbreaks on mink fur farms across the globe

Hungary has announced a ban on mink fur farming due to ‘public health concerns of zoonotic diseases’.

The ban also includes the farming of foxes, polecats/ferrets, and coypu. However, it does not include chinchilla.

The news follows COVID-19 outbreaks on slew of mink fur farms across the globe. Reports now suggest the COVID-19 variant found on a Danish mink fur farm could spark a new coronavirus pandemic.

‘A good outcome for human health’

Dr. Joanna Swabe is the senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe.

In a statement sent to Plant Based News she ‘applaued’ the Hungarian government for enacting the ban.

Swabe said: “Although these species are not currently farmed for fur in the country… This ban is more than just symbol politics. There’s a very real and present danger that fur farmers from elsewhere in Europe may attempt to move their operations to Hungary.

“This is a precautionary measure that shuts the door to that happening. [It] is a good outcome for human health and animal welfare.”

‘Make fur farming history’

Moreover, Swabe points out the ban ‘fails’ to include chinchila, who ‘could also be susceptible to viruses’.

She added: “As long as the animal exploitation of fur farming is tolerated, the potential for reservoirs of animal to human pathogens will persist….

“HSI hopes that the Hungarian government will also consider strengthening its ban by shutting down the country’s chinchilla fur farms too, and make fur farming history in Hungary.”

General News

Petition: Stop Sunshine Coast Council from Destroying Beloved Sarge. Immediate Action Required.

Stop Sunshine Coast Council from destroying beloved Sarge | Our Compass (our-compass.org)

Please sign HERE

Source Change, Facebook

We are in a fight to save our beautiful family dog Sarge from being killed by Sunshine Coast Regional Council in Queensland.

Sarge has been a part of my family for 8 years, and it’s been nothing but pure love since I picked him up at 8 weeks old. Sarge had a very normal life interacting with all kinds of dogs at off-leash beaches and off-leash parks where he had no issues. He has lived happily with babies, children, a rabbit, cats, guinea pigs, and other dogs. He went to puppy pre-school and passed everything and was always well-behaved.

Unfortunately, in 2016 at age 6, Sarge was declared a dangerous dog following an incident where a small dog was killed. There were no visible injuries to the small dog; we were all incredibly devastated as we knew this is not what Sarge had intended to happen, he was just trying to help his pack member who he thought was in trouble. This declaration was imposed by Noosa Council with no objection from me as his owner. There were no further incidents or problems when we lived in the Noosa council area.

Please read rest on Facebook

Please sign HERE

Regards Mark – Info from Stacey.