Category: Stray Animals

General News, Stray Animals

Ukraine: Humane management of cat and dog populations.

3 November 2023

Four Paws

In the early days of the war in 2022, Eurogroup for Animals and its members reached out to other organisations working in Ukraine to set up a Task Force for companion animals in this country.

The initial objective of the Task Force was to identify what was needed in order to ensure welfare of companion animals overthere, and to increase information sharing between the international NGOs working in Ukraine. 

The Task Force members have a long history of helping animals in Ukraine: FOUR PAWS has been present on the ground since 2012, Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V. has been working in Odesa since 2000, Naturewatch Foundation since 1994. Others, such as GGI and Save the Dogs and other animals, have been present since the very first days of Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine.

We strive for systemic changes for animals in Ukraine and we are here to help in the long run. That also holds true during the war and the difficulties, which come with it”

Luca Secker, Scientific Officer for Companion Animals, Deutscher Tierschutzbund

The Task Force members have put in place many programmes to help alleviate the suffering of cats and dogs as a result of prolonged warfare. However, they agree that some of the solutions should focus on systemic change in Ukraine, rather than ad hoc responses to current problems. Cat and dog humane population management is one of the major tasks requiring systemic change because “as long as people own dogs and cats, there will always be a need to manage their populations”. 

The members identified three areas, on which population management in Ukraine should focus: 

Supporting the identification and registration of cats and dogs in Ukraine.

Supporting evidence-based cat and dog sterilisation programmes for owned and unowned animals.

Advising on minimum standards for shelters.

To find out more about our vision, read our opinion on cat and dog population management in Ukraine (also available in Ukrainian). The Task Force details in this document what could be done now by all the stakeholders to achieve better welfare for cats and dogs in Ukraine.

The approach requires the close involvement of the competent authorities, veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals to ensure the highest level of animal health, and welfare and to minimise risks to public health. 

If you would like to find out more about the Task Force or to join our work, reach out at uataskforce@eurogroupforanimals.org. 

File

Joint opinion on cat and dog population management in Ukraine (English version)1.51 MB

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Joint opinion on cat and dog population management in Ukraine (Ukrainian version)1.55 MB

Regards Mark

TIME OUT – Coldplay – Fix You (Live In São Paulo)

ABOUT COLDPLAY Since forming at university in London, Coldplay have gone on to become one of the planet’s most popular acts, selling more than 100 million copies of their nine Number One albums, which have spawned a string of hits including Yellow, Clocks, Fix You, Paradise, Viva La Vida, A Sky Full Of Stars, Hymn For The Weekend, Adventure Of A Lifetime, Orphans and, most recently, Higher Power and My Univers

Farm Animals, General News, Stray Animals

India: Animal Aid Unlimited End October 2023 News and Some Rescue Videos.

Past AAU posts and associated videos on WAV:

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/?s=animal+aid+unlimited

————————–

Dear Mark,   

Many of our sanctuary residents are un releasable because of twitching, bobbing and weaving caused by either accidents or illnesses. 

Click here below to see the video:

Beautiful Luna ☺️ Luna has a condition called Cerebullar Hypoplasia which causes her to wobble but she’s a happy girl and loves a cuddle… | Instagram

Luna, featured in this video, was born with a condition called cerebullar hypolasia, caused by problems in the part of the brain that control motor function.

Other cases of incoordination are caused by the Canine Distemper Virus, and some are from accidents that involved head trauma.

These survivors need extra help with eating, staying clean, and living in a protected area where they won’t get hurt if they suddenly fall down. 

These movers and shakers have an abundance of love to give and are feisty to boot, overcoming all obstacles to get the cuddles they want or their favourite spot on their doggie bed. 

Thank you for giving us the means to give permanent homes to these bright sparkling dogs who have flopped and bobbed their ways into many hearts here–and we hope yours will be among them soon. Plan your visit to meet Luna and the other sweethearts!

Gentle Floppy, saved from a horrible wound made worse by thousands of flies.

An inner ear infection had drawn thousands of flies. Seeing him on the side of the road, shaking his head in so much agitation, was heart-breaking. Blood soaked his jaw and upper shoulder and the flies seemed to worsen his trauma. We hurried him to our hospital and began his treatment.

Floppy has been an amazing patient, quietly bearing the treatments which must have both hurt and frightened him. But he held completely still and made dressing his wound as easy for his care-givers as he possibly could. The wound took two months of daily dressings to heal, but Floppy felt much better almost immediately. Watch til the end, because now, Floppy sometimes seems to smile.

Give beautiful help for helpless beauties.

Make a donation today for street animal rescue.

Burned boy, Shiva, has his own temple! (Well, he thinks so!)

We don’t know how this young street dog, Shiva, became burned–possibly someone accidentally spilled hot water. He seems too accustomed to being loved to have been a victim of a deliberate cruelty. He has a special friend in his neighborhood who insisted on carrying him to the ambulance. Without intensive treatment, this large burned area could have easily become infected and taken his life. He needed daily wound cleanings, dressings, antibiotics and careful monitoring to ensure his rapid healing, so being hospitalized was essential.

Each day he became more and more adored by our staff and volunteers. His healing was beautiful, we neutered him, and because he’s such a popular guy at the temple area where he lives, we knew that Shiva would be in good hands there. When we released him, Shiva expressed a tremendous tail-wagging joy to be home. He still needed twice daily application of fly repellent cream which his caring friend faithfully applied, and our Street Treatment Team made regular visits to ensure the wound closed completely. This is what a great partnership for street animals can look like: community carer takers, a hospital for when they need more, and loving support from donors.

Everyone needs a safety net. Make a donation today.

Lovely Susie felt so much relief as soon as her eye surgery was complete!

Golden beauty Susie was spotted by a passer-by with her eye protruding from its socket and her horn broken off. At first we suspected she had suffered a blow to the head by a passing vehicle, but once we examined her, we discovered that she actually had a tumor growing behind her eye. We waited a few days to stabilize her, treat her horn wounds (both horns were affected by the tumor) and get ready her for eye removal surgery.

When her surgery was complete, we couldn’t believe how rapidly she stood and walked. Relief may have been almost instantaneous. She started eating again as soon as the anesthesia wore off, and her road to complete recovery was straight ahead. Like you, we find it unfathomable that her owner simply abandoned her in such dire condition. When this girl desperately needed help, it was provided by strangers. Thank you for being among the kind strangers who saved Susie’s life.

Be their hope. Please donate.

“Gentlemen Callers” gets a whole new meaning!

We typically have a majority of women volunteers, but it hasn’t been true for us during the past month, and we’re so delighted by this infusion of the gentlest of gentlemen.

Wouter, (Netherlands) has joined us for more than a month of loving care to the animals–and this is his third time here! He’s vivacious, hard-working, wonderful with the animals and has a great sense of humour to match it all. 

Dan (USA) hadn’t taken a vacation from his screen printing company in years. But when he got his chance for a prolonged break, he headed straight to Animal Aid where he lavished love on hundreds of grateful new friends. 

Alex (Australia) is a multi-lingual history and world politics teacher who is accustomed to helping kids, immigrants, and marginalized communities. This year he took a sabbatical and decided to share his kindness even further, by sharing his love with animals. And he’s made some new human friends while he’s at it! 

Help an animal glow like you!

100% of the proceeds go to our street animal rescues.

Go shopping here – https://shop.animalaidunlimited.org/

We thank you deeply for all you do, are, and inspire for animals.

Founding family Erika, Claire and Jim, and the Animal Aid Unlimited team.

Regards Mark

Time Out:

‘Belfast Child’ – Simple Minds.

General News, Stray Animals, Uncategorized

Rescue the abandoned dog with duct tape around its mouth wandering around and unable to eat or drink.

Rescue the abandoned dog with duct tape around its mouth wandering around and unable to eat or drink

You can see just by the amount it drinks that it must have been suffering terribly – Mark


Hello all of you! In Vietnam, many people eat dog meat. People keep dogs to protect their homes and eat them Many people raise them and sell them to the slaughterhouse for money. On our way to the patrol residential area, we discovered and rescued them from being sold into the slaughterhouse. But those are the few that have been rescued, what about those who can’t be found? May everyone join hands to protect these pitiful and loyal animals. Spread the message “Don’t sell dogs! Dogs are friend !. They aren’t food!” to everyone! For every views, share, comments and subscribe from you was as a supporters are the most biggest motivation for us to continue this path as helping to save animal lives in this world. From the bottom of our heart, thank you! Warning: Each movie what you are watching will help a lot of poor homeless dogs and cats in Vietnam as well as another Asian countries. These scenes combine real rescue and edited real-life stories. Lack of constructive feedback will destroy human’s love for animals. If these images made you to be unhappy, so sorry. Thank you for supporting us, thanks so much. … Contact mail: Asian Pet Rescue Center ( asianpetrescuecenter@gmail.com ). –

DONATE Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/AdoptAPetCenter #petrescue #puppyrescue #asiapetrescuecenter

General News, Live Transport, Stray Animals

China: The Dark Trade of Cat Meat in China: A Tale of Profit, Animal Rights, and Food Safety.

In the bustling city of Zhangjiagang, eastern China, a grim discovery was made. Police rescued around 1,000 cats from a truck, believed to be transporting them to a slaughterhouse. Local animal rights activists alerted the authorities to this horrifying practice, leading to the rescue of these innocent creatures. The rescued cats were transported to a nearby animal shelter, offering them a temporary safe haven. But the question remained: how could this happen?

The Dark Trade of Cat Meat in China: A Tale of Profit, Animal Rights, and Food Safety© Provided by BNN Breaking

Read in full at:  The Dark Trade of Cat Meat in China: A Tale of Profit, Animal Rights, and Food Safety (msn.com)

Regards Mark

Environmental, General News, Stray Animals

Australia: Australians believe kangaroos should be protected from commercial killing as EU remains one of the biggest importers.

24 October 2023

Press Release

A new poll has found out that Australians want to protect kangaroos against commercial killing as non-profit organisations urge the EU, one of the biggest importers of kangaroo products, to ban imports.

98% of Australians think it’s important to protect kangaroos as part of a strategy to safeguard Australian ecosystems, while 64% believe that Australians should take a stance against commercial killing of kangaroos, a poll has found. More than 75% think it’s both unacceptable and inhumane how an estimated 400,000 of joeys are killed annually as part of this commercial killing.

Every year, approximately two million kangaroos fall victim to commercial slaughter for their skins and meat, with Europe wielding immense influence over what has become the largest commercial terrestrial wildlife slaughter on the planet. Kangaroo leather is used to produce football shoes, motorbike suits and other luxury fashion products while kangaroo meat is sold in European supermarkets, served in restaurants and used in pet food. 

Big businesses are however moving away from using kangaroo products, including Nike and Puma, who both announced that they will move on to synthetic materials instead.

67.3% of Australians agree that other nations should refrain from driving the commercial slaughter of Australian wildlife if it entails cruelty or ecological threats, akin to the EU’s ban on seal products. In addition, 64.2% believe that the trading of kangaroo body parts should stop. 

The EU has a key role to play to stop the massacre of millions of kangaroos, including dependent joeys. Just like the EU banned the import of seal products in 2009 because of cruel hunting methods, it is now time to act to end the suffering of these national Australian icons. This survey is a clear reminder that EU policy has an impact on animals and people beyond its borders and can champion a compassionate and sustainable movement.

Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals

The Eurobarometer results that were published last week are unequivocal: Europeans want the EU to protect animals and their welfare. On behalf of all Europeans, we ask for ambitious animal welfare legislation now. This also means the end of kangaroo products imports. This cruel hunt does not align with the values of Europeans, nor Australians, and it is time for the EU to act.

Manuela Ripa, MEP (Greens/Efa)

This wildlife trade is poorly regulated, jeopardising kangaroo populations, and the brutal fate of countless healthy joeys is nothing short of barbaric. The Australian government is failing to protect our kangaroos from the legalised commercial wildlife trade, but this new national survey demonstrates that Australians genuinely care.

Mick McIntyre, Founder, Kangaroos Alive

The EU and Australia are nearing the end of negotiations for a free trade agreement, with both sides expecting talks to conclude soon. It is therefore critical that the partners take the opportunity of these final stages to achieve ambitious provisions on animal welfare in the agreement and put an end to cruel trade.

Nine out of 10 Australians said kangaroos should remain part of the Australian landscape and believe that co-existence is key, compared to a mere 9.7% that considers kangaroos to be a pest, mostly due to road hazards.

The survey was commissioned by Kangaroos Alive, a non-profit organisation committed to  campaigning nationally and globally for a moratorium on the killing of kangaroos. The organisation has been part of an ongoing campaign in Europe lobbying to stop kangaroo imports into the EU. 

Regards Mark

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport, Stray Animals

EU: The rules of the game: will the views of EU citizens make the Commission finally deliver the new animal welfare legislation?

23 October 2023

WAV Comment – In addition to making things a lot better, lets have EU wide legislation that gives stray (homeless) dogs and cats much more rights – they are homeless; not wild !

  • I could show you dozens more photos I have on file re EU strays, but I dont want photos, I want legislation.
  • Pack EU Commissioners in a livestock transporter for 2 days, urinating over each other – then see how quickly EU animal transport rules will change !

Opinion

Written by Reineke Hameleers

The past few weeks have been among the hardest in my position as the CEO of Eurogroup for Animals but also, in some respects, the most surreal. In the ten years I have proudly spent leading this organisation, I experienced many political hurdles. Together with my team and our member organisations, we went through long years of lobbying and campaigning that were met with political inaction on the part of the European Commission.

After hitting the rubber wall so many times, we were thrilled by the prospect of new and updated animal welfare legislation, which the European Commission promised to deliver in line with the aims of the EU Green Deal and in the wake of our incredibly successful citizens’ mobilisations. It was refreshing for us to finally collect all the science, prepare our concrete asks, and talk about change for billions of kept animals. 

This week it became clear that, at least for this political term, the European Commission does not intend to deliver all of the promised and much-needed reforms of animal welfare legislation. There are reasons why this is happening and I won’t analyse them in detail here. All I can say is that none of them holds water in a healthy democracy because this backtracking represents a betrayal of the trust millions of European citizens had put in the European Commission to take action for farmed animals. 

Today, the disconnect between civil society and European politics has become even more evident. For one, the plenary debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the European Citizens’ Initiative “Fur Free Europe” demonstrated that there is incredible cross-party parliamentary support for a ban on fur farming. Secondly, the results of the latest special Eurobarometer on animal welfare, only just published, show once again and without a shadow of a doubt that European citizens deeply care for farmed (and domestic) animals and want their policymakers to act.  We know, however, that the pressure from the industrial agriculture lobby is immense and that the stakes are high due to the impending European elections in 2024. 

We had anticipated that any attempt at passing legislation to reform animal farming would encounter fierce opposition from our opponents. I do not think we were wearing rosy glasses. After engaging for years with all stakeholders in countless meetings and occasions, and with all the scientific and field evidence on our side, we thought there were solid bases on which to build a revised farmed animal welfare legislation. 

But then the pandemic hit, then war, causing international instability and an ongoing economic crisis. The promises of a greener, more sustainable food and farming system and good lives for animals became controversial in light of the events. As elections approach, one must be “realistic”. What was promised to millions does not count anymore when there’s a re-election on the line. These are the rules of the game. 

Now that European citizens have spoken again, loud and clear, directly and through their elected representatives, what will the European Commission do? I believe the European Commission still can (and should) do the decent thing and put forward all the planned legislative proposals on animal welfare. When it does, we will be there to ensure that the new laws really make a difference in the lives of billions of non-human animals. 

Regards Mark

Younger days planning something ! – probably involving live animal exports.

Environmental, General News, Stray Animals, Uncategorized

“As Long As Men Massacre Animals, They Will Kill Each Other” – World Migratory Bird Day, Today 14/10.

Thanks Stacey

world migratory bird day | Our Compass (our-compass.org)

Yes, it is now a very troubled World.  Mark.

World migratory bird day

OCTOBER 14, 2023

by karenlyonskalmenson

❤️World migratory bird day 2023❤️

The 13th of May

The 14th of October

Today

For birds to fly

Far

Above the troubled world below

To navigate above us

In ways only they know

Regards Mark /Stacey.

Pythagoras

Pythagoras of Samos (Πυθαγόρας; c. 570 BC – c. 496 BC) was an Ionian Greek philosopher often revered as a great mathematician, mystic, scientist, and putative founder of the traditions referred to as Pythagoreanism.

Environmental, Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News, Stray Animals, Uncategorized

Man Knows Best – I Think Not !!

Latest EFSA report on avian influenza cause for concern

5 October 2023

Infections now regularly occur not only in wild and domestic birds but in an increasing number of mammalian species, with occasional human cases.

According to the latest report published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), between the end of June and 1 September 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks continue to be reported worldwide. 

These are worrying results, especially regarding infections in mammals: numerous cases occurred in raccoon dogs, foxes, and American mink kept for fur, as well as in wild otters and seals. Occasional infections in domestic cats and dogs have also been recorded. Some strains now have developed mutations that improve the virus’ ability to infect human cells, increase its resistance to certain antivirals, and augment its virulence. Research is ongoing into the effects of such mutations, but these new subtypes could have a higher zoonotic potential (not yet demonstrated). 

What is clear is that some of the circulating HPAI variants have the ability to jump from one species to another. For instance, it is believed that A(H5N1) which carries markers for adaptation to mammalian cells jumped from chickens to cats in one outbreak in Poland. On Finnish fur farms, the virus jumped from wild birds to kept mammals and further mutated once inside the farms. For this reason, the EFSA recommends increasing biosecurity in fur farms and promptly culling all animals in case of a HPAI outbreak. As long as fur farming remains lawful in the EU, we can thus expect more mass culling events like those witnessed in recent years and even very recently due to COVID infections in animals. 

For now, human infections are infrequent and are therefore considered sporadic, usually as a consequence of direct human contact with infected poultry. However, the situation is evolving and the EFSA recommends consistent and continued monitoring of outbreaks in wild and domestic animals.

Recommendations from the report include:

Increased surveillance of the circulation of the virus both in wild birds and in free-living domestic carnivores;

Increased biosecurity in fur farms with prompt culling of all animals in case of a confirmed outbreak of HPAI, because of the increased risk of mammalian adaptation of the virus;

Timely and accurate reporting of cases in mammalian species for epidemiological purposes;

Both people and domestic carnivores should avoid contact with infected carcasses;

Hospitalised human patients with severe respiratory symptoms should be assessed for exposure risk to HPAI.

Of particular concern is the finding that “about 47% of the characterised viruses contain at least one of the adaptive markers associated with increased virulence and replication in mammals […]. These mutations with potential public health implications have likely emerged upon transmission to mammals.” 

Additionally, in April 2023 a HPAI virus identified in farmed dogs in China had a key mutation that would allow it to jump directly from birds to humans. 

As this report was published, South Africa was (and still is) dealing with the devastating economic consequences of its latest HPAI outbreak, which has resulted in the culling of several million broiler chickens and laying hens. A vaccination program will probably begin in the coming weeks.

Regards Mark

General News, Stray Animals

India: Fantastic News For Stray Animals. Animal Aid Unlimiteds New Hospital and Shelter will be one of the Biggest and Best Multi-Species Hospitals for Unowned Animals in Asia.

Check out all of our past AAU links by clicking here to read news and watch rescue videos – Mark

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/?s=animal+aid+unlimited

Dear Mark,   

We’re thrilled to share the latest developments of the land for our new hospital. Two years ago we purchased 14 acres of land just outside Udaipur where we will build Animal Aid’s forever home. We now have zoning permission (an arduous process required before construction) and electricity has been brought to the land. This month, we were thrilled to engage an Animal Shelter Facility expert who will work with us throughout the design and planning phase over the course of the next several years. With the experience of managing the facilities and construction at one of Asia’s best animal shelters, Soi Dog in Thailand, for 10 years, we are incredibly lucky to have an expert of the highest caliber joining us in this landmark phase of Animal Aid’s history.

Thanks to your outstanding support over Animal Aid’s life-time, the future Animal Aid hospital and shelter will be one of the biggest and best multi-species hospitals for unowned animals in Asia. We will be greatly expanding our hospital services to include diagnostics like X-ray and in-house laboratory; we’ll provide various types of housing to specifically accommodate animals based on their species, condition and length of stay; we’ll have large pastures, walking trails and off-leash areas; and great facilities for our staff such as an on-site cafeteria, and so much more! 

We look forward to sharing our milestones each step of the way. Thank you for making the future bright for animals. We couldn’t do it without you!

After chemo, Dev’s tumor shrank and his beautiful face returned

At first, Dev looked like he’d suffered a badly broken nose. Pus drained and his entire face was deformed from the swelling. We found him in a state of abject confusion and pain, pawing at his face. After catching him by net since he was very frightened and likely to flee as soon as we approached, we saw that it was a tumor open in several places and severely infected.

The tumor was so big that one of his eyes was completely closed shut. We determined after testing that the tumor was a less common presentation of a cancer called a transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). TVT usually manifests in the reproductive organs but occasionally migrates to the face. TVT can be treated with chemotherapy, administered over the course of many weeks, and sometimes even months, depending on the dog’s condition.

With a tumor as big and infected as his, we could only hope that the chemo would take effect quickly. Thankfully he responded well, and the tumor began to shrink in size.

After enduring so much pain, Dev not only healed but his face returned to his base-line “handsome!” And best yet, he got back the sparkle in his eyes.

Make a donation today for street animal rescue.

It looked like half of Jeeyo’s face was gone. But look at him now!

Our rescue staff who caught Jeeyo had to keep a cool head. To lose him now would be his death for sure. It was simply astounding that he was still alive. And strong enough to stand! Strong enough to try to get away. Maggots had filled a facial wound and consumed an unbelievable amount of tissue. 

We did not know at all whether we had reached him in time to save his life. Indeed, when you see him thrive in the happy part of this video, you’re going to be amazed. We don’t like to use the word “miracle” when so much human effort has gone into the treatments, but even with all this effort, his complete recovery feels nothing short of miraculous. Meet Jeeyo today!

The magic word is “Try.” Make a donation today.

Thank you Bernie, for 4 years of non-stop loving help

When Bernie (UK) arrived at the gates in late 2019, she she was expecting to volunteer here for about a month. She’d closed her boutique shoe shop in London, rented out her house, and started a life of new adventure helping animals along the way.

And then came Covid. Travel became hugely problematic and Bernie decided to wait it out. Well, what the animals got in the deal turned into almost 4 years of non-stop loving help. Each day Bernie conducted nose to tail checkups for more than 100 dogs (including many disable) who live here permanently; she did daily care including cleaning eyes and ears; she became a massage artist, a dog whisperer, and regularly drenched herself in all kinds of weather to make sure dogs needing hydrotherapy received it. 

A few weeks ago Bernie left for Sri Lanka to continue her adventures, scouting out new animal help centers where she can once again throw herself into assisting in whatever way she’s needed. 

Saying goodbye was hard. Bernie has left a gap that only she can fill, and we look forward to whatever times ahead will bring her back to the family of Animal Aid, to which we feel she will forever belong.

New mailing address for donations by check! (cheque)

For those of you who donate by check, please save the address of our new PO box:

Animal Aid Unlimited

PO Box 94001

Seattle WA 98124-9401

Help an animal glow like you!

100% of the proceeds go to our street animal rescues

Go shopping here:  Animal Aid Unlimited Shop

We thank you deeply for all you do, are, and inspire for animals.

Founding family Erika, Claire and Jim,

and the Animal Aid Unlimited team.

Regards Mark

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport, Stray Animals

India: Major Animal Rights Rally In Commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary .

Rally on animal rights at Jantar Mantar on Sunday | Pune News – Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Read more at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/104069266.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

PUNE: In commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary ..

Regards Mark