Category: pets

Birds, Environmental, Fish, General News, pets, Stray Animals, Uncategorized, Wildlife

(Vatican – Italy) Ciao Francesco – Grazie

As many of you know of course, today was the day where the world said farewell to Pope Francis, of Rome. Francis, unlike so many before him, took this name upon ascension, in reference to the Patron Saint of Animals, St. Francis of Assisi.

The Hindustan Times explains …

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/who-was-st-francis-of-assisi-heres-why-pope-francis-named-himself-after-the-italian-saint-101745245049513.html

St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone around 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, is a prominent figure among Catholics. He was a renowned Italian mystic and poet who renounced his wealth to embrace radical poverty. Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan Order, ..
“He was particularly concerned for God’s creation and for the poor and outcast. He loved, and was deeply loved for his joy, his generous self-giving, his openheartedness. He was a mystic and a pilgrim who lived in simplicity and in wonderful harmony with God, with others, with nature and with himself. He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace,” the former Catholic Church leader added.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/earthbeat/why-francis-assisi-patron-saint-ecology

While of course, as all men (and women naturally) are, by our very nature, fallible creatures – Pope Francis was not perfect in his pursuit of the high moral example set by the Saint St. Francis in the important – for us, area of ecology and animal welfare – he was nevertheless a man who followed his path with honesty, humility, and great dedication.

Pope Francis and animals: remembering his powerful message after his death

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https://www.all-creatures.org/articles/an-tpr-pope-francis-mother-earth.html

Pope Francis and Mother Earth

Earth in Transition
June 2015

The full encyclical is available here. It’s less than 200 short pages, written in a simple, everyday style, and is the work of a thoughtful and caring person.

Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si, is much more than a commentary on climate change; it’s a sweeping indictment of the entire global capitalist system that’s wrecking the planet.

Those who say that the Pope shouldn’t get involved in the issue of what’s happening to Planet Earth and all its inhabitants are either very stupid or very afraid. Or, in the case of the political establishment, both.
……………..

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Even PETA sees fit to make a Pope the Person of the Year, 2015 …

https://www.peta.org/blog/pope-francis-is-petas-2015-person-of-the-year/

Why Is Pope Francis PETA’s 2015 Person of the Year?

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.. and another comment again, recently ..

https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/pope-francis/

Pope Francis

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We at WAV would like to join the many around the Globe who today say Farewell to Pope Francis. He was an inspiration, and a steward to God’s Creation.

Rest in Peace, Francesco

General News, pets, Uncategorized, Vivisection

So, let’s try this again: April 24th, WORLD DAY FOR ANIMALS IN LABORATORIES ….

These are two articles referring to incidents filmed at a UK government-approved Lab in 2014 by an Undercover Investigator working for BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection).

Nothing, in over 10 years., has changed ..

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2571532/Video-shows-distress-puppies-kittens-waiting-dissected-animal-testing-laboratory.html

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https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/462546/Horrifying-BUAV-video-investigation-shows-puppies-kittens-ripped-apart-in-UK-animal-lab

(Video accessible on “Express” Page)

BUAV has since changed to …

https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/wdail-25

General News, pets, Uncategorized, Vivisection

Animal Experimentation

A difficult subject, one keeps hearing, that requires objective discussion. Does it? Like here, the German “Volkswagen Stiftung“, of all people, feeling the “topic deserved more visibility” (how very nicely put) .. whatever that means.

https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/news/news/animal-testing-topic-deserves-more-visibility

https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/news/news/experiments-animals-statement

(from the above publication)

… An open and honest discussion about the use of animals in research and, for example, a comparison with animal use in food production is only possible if everyone involved knows what an animal experiment entails, how much or how little the animals suffer in the process, and how the decision to undertake an animal experiment is reached. ..

Now, we have seen, here on this site, and elsewhere, what “animal USE” looks like – in all areas of such USE. And have come, collectively, to the conclusion that using animals, who are not able to lobby their own cause and interests in Human society, is wrong.

Time and again people think they must argue that objective discourse is necessary to decide how far one may go “using” beings for Human interests, who would never willingly submit to such use in the first place, if asked (o.k., with the advances in AI, man may in not too far a future be able to do exactly that: ask).

Personally, I am sick and tired of the rampant ABuse we see each day, seen by far too many as a “necesssary evil” visited upon the utterly helpless. There can NEVER be a justification of that – ever.

There can be no “objective discussion” of something that, by its very nature, is a “subjective issue”. An animal is not an object, but a subject – like a Human. How can personal feelings, and emotions not matter relating to the suffering of sentient beings?

No one would demand to discuss child abuse as an objective issue ..

(and again from the above publication)

And what does this debate currently look like? The discourse is strongly characterised by emotions,’ says Roman Stilling, speaker at the platform ‘Understanding animal experiments‘. The emotions raised around the debate arise primarily because people believe animal testing always means potentially inflicting pain, suffering and harm on an animal. ‘That’s the legal definition – otherwise it wouldn’t formally be animal testing.’ We shouldn’t forget, he adds, why experiments are carried out on animals: ‘It’s because we can’t do it on humans.’  

Quite, “because we can’t do it on Humans“. So off we go and find some poor non-Human sod who cannot stop us subjecting him/her to invasive, painful and ultimately fatal procedures.

Like at LPT, Germany, ..

https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/toxicity-testing-lpt-germany

I own a book on the subject, titled “Slaughter of the Innocent”, by the Author Hans Ruesch. With 1978, not a recent publication, and hard to get these days, but as important and relevant today as it was then ..

(from GOOGLE books)

“SLAUGHTER” is the first book ever written which directly discusses the scientific arguments regarding the needless use of animals, as a part of medical progress. Mr. Ruesch spent countless years compiling this gut wrenching masterpiece. He successfully lifts the veil of secrecy which has always been an important part of research establishments & the medical community as well, giving the reader a peek at what REALLY goes on, after the laboratory doors are closed. His words reveal some of the worst atrocities anyone could possibly imagine. Without ignoring the ethical questions – “it’s just one of life’s necessary evils, isn’t it?” – The author gets right to the point advising the reader, “Somebody up there is lying to you.” With his creative style & excellent documentation, Mr. Ruesch washes away the excuses of doctor apologists for animal experimentation, with facts showing not only that animals aren’t needed for Medicine/Health to move forward, but the use of which often leads to detrimental & misleading findings, & catastrophic results. This wonderful yet disturbing volume is a must read for any person entering the field of medicine or the people already there.

There CAN NEVER BE a justification for Vivisection, in whatever form, for whatever reason, wherever.

Mahatma Gandhi quotes:
“Vivisection is the blackest of all the black crimes”.
“I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man,’ and I abhor vivisection with my whole soul. All the scientific discoveries stained with innocent blood I count as of no consequence.”

Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News, Live Transport, pets, Stray Animals, Uncategorized, Vivisection, Wildlife

(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.

11 02 2025_The fragmented landscape of animal welfare legislation in the European Union_report_efa_eng_0Download
General News, pets, Uncategorized

(US – Florida) Sign: Man Kicked, Stomped, and Slammed 10-Week-Old Puppy, Fracturing Her Skull

https://animalvictory.org/petition/sign-man-kicked-stomped-and-slammed-young-puppy-fracturing-her-skull/

Published: April 11, 2025 at 02:10 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Live Oak, FL – On March 31, Eric Ivan Roldan viciously attacked a young puppy, causing severe injuries. The Live Oak Police Department said they were contacted by Jenny Lynn Mayes with an animal abuse complaint; responding officers found Mayes holding a bloodied, injured, 10-week-old puppy.

The authorities described the pup’s injuries, writing:

Officers observed the puppy had several cuts around her ear, swollen eyes, and blood coming from her nose and ears.

Describing the severe injuries found at a local veterinary hospital:

Officers later transported Mayes and the puppy to a local veterinarian where she was assessed, treated, and determined to have a skull fracture and severe swelling around the head and skull. The puppy was in obvious physical distress and pain as she yelped each time she was touched or moved.

Mayes told officers that 45-year-old Eric Ivan Roldan was responsible for the puppy’s injuries.

In her statement to law enforcement, she described Roldan wrapping the puppy in a blanket and then simultaneously kicking, stomping and slamming the puppy against the ground. The blanket, which had obvious blood stains on it, was observed on scene and photographed.

This tiny, 10-pound puppy suffered horrific injuries because of Roldan’s violent behavior. This grown man brutalized a tiny, innocent puppy – it is quite literally a miracle that she is alive today.

If you are disgusted by this vile man’s actions, please add your name to the petition and help Animal Victory hold him accountable for the pain and suffering he inflicted on this young puppy!

Please Sign on Page

UPDATE: MEDICAL CONDITION OF PUPPY “Sweet Pea”

The puppy, dubbed Sweet Pea, has been taken under the wing of the Livin’ Like Larry Sanctuary, and is receiving care from Oviedo Veterinary Hospital. On 4/11/25, the organization let social media followers know that Sweet Pea underwent surgery to repair her fractured skull. She made it through surgery and is stable! A portion of the update following surgery:

Mesh over skull pieces to hold everything into place while it heals. +/- removal of mesh depending on if it becomes an issue later. Will monitor with CT scans on a routine basis through the next several months. Was able to flip large part of displaced skull back which Is great! They removed piece that had died, then left a small fragment out of place bc it had adhered to her brain and removing it was too risky. Flushed brain due to some pus. Not unexpected. Sending out culture and sensitivity to lab to ensure right antibiotics on board.

Gaza, General News, pets, Stray Animals, Uncategorized

(GAZA – Palestine) Sulala Animal Rescue

SULALA is one of the very few organisations in the area providing urgent support and care to the animals trapped in this horrific conflict – and let us say openly here: Outright Genocide of the Palestinian People by Israel! – and is in dire need of funds to carry on doing so.

Once again, however, they are, as are many who work on the “wrong side” of this issue (especially in the US these days), targeted by anti-Palestinian sentiment. This recent development with “GoFundMe” seems even more proof of that.

(from SULALA FB page)

https://www.facebook.com/SulalaSociety/

PLEASE SUPPORT

There are other routes:

https://chuffed.org/project/124803-help-us-raise-funds-for-sulala-animal-rescue

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sulalaanimalrescue

https://www.idonate.ie/cause/GAZAGOBRAGHcom

FREE PALESTINE

Asia, General News, pets, Stray Animals, Uncategorized

(Sth. Korea) Break the Chains, Stop Burning Dogs Alive

Say NO to South Korea …

.. hosting the 2036 Olympics!

Break the Chains, Stop Burning Dogs Alive: Say No to South Korea Hosting the 2036 Olympics!

posted by KoreanDogs.org team April 10,2025

South Korea’s pursuit of the 2036 Summer Olympics is marred by a profoundly concerning issue: the ongoing, severe neglect of animals. Despite legal revisions, the cruel practice of lifelong dog tethering continues, leaving countless animals in misery. Tragically, this neglect leads to horrific and preventable deaths of burning alive during disasters like wildfires, where chained and caged dogs are abandoned to burn alive. The International Olympic Committee must consider this stark reality. Awarding the Games to a nation with such demonstrable animal welfare failures would contradict the values of compassion and respect the Olympics should represent.

We urge you to take immediate action. This campaign demands that the IOC recognize the ethical imperative to prioritize animal welfare in their decision for the 2036 Olympics. By adding your name to this petition, you directly amplify the global call for South Korea to end lifelong tethering, strengthen animal protection laws, and ensure the safety of animals during emergencies. Your signature sends a clear message: the world is watching, and we will not stand by while such cruelty persists. Join us to break these chains of suffering and prevent future tragedies. Our collective voice can influence the IOC and compel South Korea to enact meaningful change. Take a stand for these vulnerable animals now.

👉

Send an online message to the IOC HERE.

https://www.change.org/p/end-dogs-burning-alive-demand-hessen-condemn-cruelty-in-sister-province-chungcheongnam-do

👉

Send emails to the South Korean Olympic Committee and to the members of the South Korean National Assembly.

CONTACTS, as always, on the page!

“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” – Albert Einstein

General News, pets, Stray Animals, Uncategorized

(US – Texas) Sadistic Animal Shelter Employee Killed Dozens Of Innocent Kittens At Facility: SENTENCE – 40 Years in Prison!!!

https://animalvictory.org/petition/sign-sadistic-animal-shelter-employee-killed-dozens-of-innocent-kittens-at-facility/

Published: August 23, 2023 at 05:29 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

Weatherford, TX – A former employee of the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter is accused of killing an estimated 80 kittens at the facility. The authorities have identified 21-year-old Gabriel Skyler Caswell as the person responsible for the innocent kittens’ deaths.

Caswell started working at the shelter facility in February 2023 and he was terminated on July 14. During that span of time, there were 80 “unexplained” kitten deaths.

including a review of the shelter’s surveillance video; the footage was shocking. Weatherford Police Sgt. Tiffany Vanzant commented about what the footage revealed:

“It’s something we don’t want to have to put out there in detail, but it’s just enough for these kittens to have died… so it’s graphic in nature. We’re all shocked and disgusted by this case.”

Caswell was captured on video physically abusing kittens. One instance involved a black kitten who was beaten so severely that the spine was severed.

beat the kitten to death – discarding the body in the trash the next day.

Staff and employees at the shelter are heartsick over the kitten deaths. Dustin Deel, Weatherford Director of Municipal and Community Services, said:

“Our shelter team of staff and volunteers take a lot of pride in the love and care that we provide to the animals that visit our shelter. For something like this to happen is unfathomable.”

Gabriel Skyler Caswell was arrested twice in July on animal cruelty warrants. He is currently free on bond. Please add your name to the petition to help us put this man behind bars for as long as possible!

We the undersigned demand that Gabriel Skyler Caswell face the maximum punishment for each and every charge stemming from the kitten deaths at the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter between February 2023, and July 2023. It takes a truly sadistic person to intentionally hurt and kill innocent, vulnerable kittens. Caswell must be punished severely enough to prevent him from ever harming another living being and he must never be allowed to work with, or live with, animals in the future.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News

Weatherford Democrat

Fox 7 Austin

MEDIA RELEASE – City of Weatherford Animal Shelter_202308102043291677

Update March 20, 2025: Just in! Gabriel Caswell has been sentenced to MORE time in prison after pleading guilty to 12 remaining charges. This week, Caswell was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The sentences will run concurrently but will be stacked on top of the 30 years he had already received in three previous trials, Parker County District Attorney Jeff Swain said. Animal Victory is thrilled with this impressive sentence, and we thank everyone who helped to make it possible!

Final update 9/17/2024: VICTORY!!! Animal Victory is thrilled to announce the sentencing of Gabriel Caswell! On September 11, Caswell was sentenced to 10 years in prison – the maximum sentence for his crimes! He is also ordered to pay over $20,000 in fees/fines. We thank each and every person who signed our petition, helping us achieve this incredible victory. Together, we will continue our quest to end animal cruelty. Please see linked PDF for details of Caswell’s sentencing. 

Update 11/30/2023: Animal Victory sent petition to the attorney and judge.

Update 11/28/2023: Gabriel Caswell has an arraignment hearing on December 6, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. C.S.T. at the 43rd District Court.

Update 11/21/2023: On November 16, 2023, a Parker County grand jury indicted Gabriel Skyler Caswell on 15 counts of animal cruelty. District Attorney Jeff Swain said, “If Mr. Caswell is convicted of cruelty to non-livestock animals, he will face a sentence of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, His cases were assigned to the 43rd District Court, Judge Craig Towson presiding.” A court date has not been set yet. 

Update 10/24/2023: Gabriel Caswell does not have a case number because he has not been indicted by a grand jury yet. 

Update 10/16/2023: Caswell has been charged with 32 separate cases of cruelty and remains out of jail on bond.

Update 9/6/2023: Gabriel Carswell posted bond – bond was set at $25,000 on one charge, and $10,000 on the second charge. Investigation Record number: I230001794.

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Comment of our own:

40 years!!!

A truly exceptional sentence, and a great victory for all those who worked so hard to see justice done for these 80 Innocents.
Even a fraction of that would go a long way in China, where animal abuse of this kind is rampant and basically legal ….

Photograph: Private