BOASTS: Rob Weir (left), who boasted about helping to kill 13,000 doves and blasting a baboon, poses with a dead buffalo in 2017
Millionaire trophy hunter, 68, is caught boasting how he helped to shoot 13,000 doves over four days on trip to Argentina – as pressure grows on UK government to implement long-promised ban on the deadly sport
In phone call with undercover investigator, businessman Rob Weir recounted a £2,800 hunting trip
Mr Weir said: ‘There were five of us – one of them was a lady – and we shot 13,000 doves over four days’
Mr Weir owns H. J. Weir Engineering, one of world’s largest manufacturers of industrial laundry machines
He also said: ‘The very first time I went out there I wanted to shoot a baboon. I had a thing about shooting a baboon, I don’t know why but I did’
I just get a feeling that this week, judging by what has arrived by e mail this morning; is not going to be a ‘nicer’ week.
So I thought that would start with some friends who visited the garden over the weekend; this little fox (one of around 4 who visit) is the youngest, and understandably, cautious. But he is getting some treats and gradually we are getting his confidence more all the time.
France: A fox released by walkers who sent the images to friends and wish to remain anonymous.
(⚠ To attack a trap installed in the rules can be considered as an offense if the trapper lodges a complaint)
Civil courage is in demand everywhere nowadays.
Most wildlife only experience violence, suffering, or captivity from the hunter.
All over.
That is why we need brave activists all over the world.
There are people who argue that animals are happy in zoos, or are at least content. Are they? Keep reading to learn about zoochosis and what it tells us about the degree to which captive animals suffer.
Zoochosis is a form of psychosis that develops in animals held captive in zoos. Most often, it manifests in what are called stereotypic behaviors, or stereotypies, which are often monotonous, obsessive, repetitive actions that serve no purpose. Stated plainly, zoochosis is mental anguish made visible by abnormal behavior, and it’s a common indicator of poor welfare.
Animals evolved in the wild, where they could roam freely, interact socially, problem solve, and in general live a rich sensory life. Captivity, whether in zoos, circuses, aquariums, or elsewhere, denies them all of this and more. As a result, animals suffer.
Thousands of different species are kept in zoos, and each one has specific physical and psychological needs that can never be met in captivity, even with the best husbandry practices. The most common stereotypies seen in captive animals can depend on species, and individuals, but often include:
Animals in captivity are restricted in countless ways. They live lives of extreme sensory deprivation. We restrict what they can do and with whom they can socialize. We often separate them from their families and friends. We decide with whom they can mate, or deny them access to a mate entirely and artificially inseminate them using sexually abusive and invasive procedures. We limit their movements, their behaviors, their decision to have offspring, and their ability to fully realize their higher order needs, such as the desire to live autonomously, to make decisions, to do meaningful work.
Research has found the effects of captivity so detrimental, it can actually cause physical changes to brain structures, which can alter health and behavior.
When animals are denied the ability to live sensory rich lives, and their experiences are limited to the dullest, most blank canvas, mental illness develops.
Is Zoochosis a Sign of Suffering?
Definitely.
Again, stereotypies are a concerning sign of poor welfare that clearly show us animals’ stress and frustration over not being able to engage in instinctive behaviors. Some facilities have gone so far as to administer antidepressants and antipsychotics to a range of different kinds of animals, but that doesn’t solve the underlying cause of their chronic distress, which is confinement.
Don’t take our word for it, look for evidence of this in nature. You won’t find it. As already stated, animals in the wild who are able to live full lives do not demonstrate stereotypical behaviors. Animals who live in captivity do.
Is Zoochosis a Disease?
Yes.
According to Wikipedia, “A disease is a particular abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism, and that is not due to any immediate external injury.” This definition is inclusive of both bodily and mental disorders.
That said, zoochosis is not a disease in the sense of an abnormal condition that stems from within, such as from one’s own body getting sick. Zoochosis is instead a disease that stems from outside forces, from the extreme sensory deprivation that zoos and other forms of captivity impose upon animals.
Zoochosis is a mental disorder that manifests in abnormal, and often unhealthy, physical behaviors. It is largely, though not necessarily exclusively, caused by psychological factors induced by physical captivity and sensory deprivation.
That said, many animals held captive in zoos are the product of breeding programs that result in inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. So it is certainly possible that in some cases — though certainly not all — there is a biological component to zoochosis.
How Many Animals Get Zoochosis?
We don’t know.
As with all mental conditions, zoochosis is surely suffered to varying degrees by different individuals in different circumstances. In addition, zoochosis manifests in different ways across different individuals and different species. In some animals it may not be noticed by humans at all. So we cannot determine precisely how many animals in captivity suffer from severe mental illness.
There are 240 zoos in 13 countries accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, with 217 being in the U.S. alone. Collectively, they confine 800,000 animals from 6,000 different species, and that’s still only part of the picture globally, which doesn’t even account for roadside zoos, private possession, or other settings for captive animals, such as agriculture and research.
Accordingly, it is safe to assume that there are many millions, if not billions, of animals worldwide who are held in captivity and live lives of mental anguish.
If I Don’t See Signs of Zoochosis, Does That Mean Everything is Okay?
No!
Perhaps you have known someone in your own life who is suffering inside but bottles up all their emotions. Research is clear that this happens in nonhuman animals, too.
If someone looks sick in a way we recognize, we assume they are not well. But when we see an elephant or a bear in captivity swaying incessantly back and forth, most of us don’t understand how and why they are suffering.
How Can We Prevent Zoochosis?
Do not keep animals in captivity. It is as simple as that.
If you have to keep the animal locked up to prevent them from escaping, that animal is held captive.
With the exception of real sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), and cases of urgently needed medical care, it is a safe bet that captive animals everywhere are being held captive for the benefit of their human captors, not the animals themselves, and exceptionally rarely, “for the benefit of the species” at extreme cost to the individuals.
Animals, just like us human animals, want to be free. They do not want to live their lives behind bars any more than we do.
What you can do:
Do not visit zoos, aquariums, or circuses or roadside attractions that use and therefore exploit animals unless you’re documenting abuse.
Inhumane Treatment of Bua Noi & Primates in Pata Zoo
Pata Zoo license comes up for renewal this month June 2020 It must not be renewed ! For years animal activists have been raising issues on the inhumane treatment of Bua Noi in Pata Zoo a privately owned zoo located on top of a department store Pata Pinklao in Thailand.
An offer from The Aspinall Foundation of moving Bua Noi to a Sanctuary facility. They have the experience and capacity to facilitate it and can fund the transfer at no cost to the owner Mr. Kanit Sermsirimongkol.
They’ve been running gorilla rescue and release programmes in the neighbouring Republics of Congo and Gabon for over 35 years, and have released over 70 gorillas during this time.
Such a transfer would have significant welfare benefits for Bua Noi, and sends a powerful message about protecting wildlife and habitats in the countries of origin.
Bua Noi has been held in a department store since 1987 that’s 33 years of suffering in captivity, how she was brought into Thailand is questionable the paperwork doesn’t add up she could have possibly been a fallen victim of wildlife trafficking.
• In March 2015, it was reported that Thai authorities charged Pata Zoo for breaking several laws and ordered the removal of all large animals (sadly NOTHING HAS HAPPENDED!!!! )
Then the DNP responded by declaring it could not withdraw the licence of Pata Zoo as the zoo had not done anything against the law. The DNP director-general argued that the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act did not forbid animals from being caged in high-rise buildings and, therefore, Pata Zoo did not violate the law by maintaining a zoo on top of a building
The conditions Bua and other primates are forced to live in • Small Spaces • Barren Concrete and steel cells (outdated) • No natural environment (no sun, no grass , no plants, no soil ) • Suffering mentally • Isolation
Just this year in April 2020 a fire broke out in the zoo , to think of the mental state of the animals during this horrifying time! This should have prompted the government to shut the zoo down it’s unsafe the zoo and the building is old and dilapidated
The zoo is currently on lock down with the rest of the world due to the pandemic and the effects are taking it’s toll to humans, imagine Bua Noi the last gorilla in Thailand living in complete isolation .
This is the time the government must look at this issue with compassion and recognize that there is no conservation in allowing Bua Noi continued suffering !
Please Sign her petition Pata Zoo license must not be renewed to learn more about her story and other primates watch Stolen Apes .
How can we allow this type of suffering to continue ?
Shocking video! Dog dragged behind car! Now in safe hands.A shocking video emerged last night – dog dragged behind car for kilometers!
Outrage as videos emerge of a dog being dragged behind a car with a rope tied around the dog’s neck to the car.
The dog could obviously not keep up with the car, had fallen on his side, and was being choked to death as the rope cut into his neck. Caring people forced the car to stop, but the dog continued to struggle to breath even once the car stopped and the rope was removed. Many people saw the horrific scene and were so appalled they reported to authorities.
The ISF were quick to act, the driver was arrested and investigation was opened.
Animals Lebanon had continuous phone calls with relevant authorities to figure out the actual facts and ensure the dog is taken for emergency care. Late at night, we were able to transport the injured dog to the vet. The dog Leo suffered from severe trauma, hyperventilation, and the skin on his paws has been degloved leaving open wounds that needs daily care. On top of the physical damage, he is also extremely stressed out.
As the ISF continue their investigation and follow up, Animals Lebanon will ensure the dog is brought back to health and in good hands. This is the second case this month of a dog being dragged by a car, the animal welfare law completely forbids such actions. The law came into effect in 2017 after years of effort, and in such extreme cases the law must be enforced by the authorities to ensure that the sanctions and penalties are applied.
We will continue to care for Leo to ensure fully recovery and make sure to know he is safe and loved.
Thank you all for making the cat trip happen! We were finally able to send 15 special need cats to the states last month. Blind, two legged and even cases with complicated wounds got this second chance. Thanks to Tabby’s Place, Lambertville Animal Welfare & Monmouth County SPCA – USA these 15 special cats finally have the life they deserve!
Lebanon is going through a very tough period. The unstable political situation, the lack of a government, the deteriorating economic situation, the coronavirus pandemic, the lockdown and the Beirut Blast have taken their toll on the country. So many people are leaving the country and leaving their pets behind and so many abuse cases are occurring. The high number of such cases and the care and follow up they need is a huge task.
We are trying our best to help as much as we can, but with the current dire situation it is getting more and more difficult.
WHO Calls for a Ban on Sale of Live Wild Mammals for Consumption
To prevent the emergence of new diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has just called for a ban on the sale of live wild mammals in food markets worldwide.
THE RECOMMENDATION: The WHO published a guide in which they acknowledge the significant risks involved in allowing the sale and slaughter of live animals at food markets, a move that Animal Equality has been pushing for since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak over a year ago. The WHO is asking that each country’s government take action as an emergency measure to suspend the trade in live, wild, mammalian animals for consumption or breeding purposes. They’re also calling for the closure of shops within food markets that engage in such activity.
“Animals, particularly wild animals, are reported to be the source of more than 70% of all emerging infectious diseases in humans, many of which are caused by novel viruses,” the report says. “Traditional markets, where live animals are held, slaughtered and dressed, pose a particular risk for pathogen transmission to workers and customers alike.”
THE RESEARCH: The WHO’s recommendation comes after their research revealed that some of the earliest known cases of COVID-19 are linked to a wholesale traditional food market in Wuhan in China, with many of the initial COVID patients being stall owners, market employees, or regular visitors to the market.
ANIMAL EQUALITY’S CAMPAIGN TO BAN LIVE ANIMAL MARKETS: In April of 2020, Animal Equality launched a global campaign, which garnered more than half a million signatures, calling on the United Nations to recommend a ban on markets that sell and slaughter live animals. Our investigators documented live animal markets in China, Vietnam, and India, both before and during the pandemic, revealing not only extreme animal cruelty, but also unsanitary conditions that posed a threat to human health.
The markets, many of which continued operating despite orders to close, held captive animals such as deer, raccoons, crocodiles, and dogs. Our footage reveals animals languishing in cramped, filthy cages suffering from dehydration, hunger and disease. In many cases, the animals were slaughtered while fully conscious and in full view of each other.
WE NEED TO GO FARTHER: Since COVID-19 transformed the world, the risks associated with eating wild animals has been a topic of conversation, but little has been said in the mainstream media about the great risks to human health from the consumption of more “traditionally” farmed animals in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that three out of every four infectious diseases in humans came from animals. Diseases like swine flu (H1N1), bird flu (H5N1 and others), and mad cow disease (BSE) all evolved on factory farms, and scientists are warning that it’s only a matter of time before the animal agriculture industry produces the next major pandemic.
The WHO’s recommendation is a step in the right direction, but it needs to include all species, not just wild mammals, and should include recommendations about not only food markets, but industrial farming as well.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING: “Animal Equality welcomes the guidance of the WHO, OIE, and UNEP to suspend the sale of wild animals at food markets. However, this progress is just the beginning. To ensure another pandemic virus does not emerge again, we ask that these organizations also recommend a ban on the sale of all live animals at wet markets. Until that happens, both animals and people will remain at risk,” says Sharon Núñez, President of Animal Equality.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Animals raised for food, whether at markets or on farms, can experience pain and suffering in the same capacity as humans. We can spare them from a lifetime of misery and also help reduce the risk of future pandemics by simply avoiding animal-derived foods. And with all of the great alternatives available nowadays, going plant-based is easier than ever. By choosing a compassionate lifestyle, you can spare millions of animals from harm. You can also make a difference by signing our petition to end the atrocities that happen at wet markets. With your signature, we can tell the world that enough is enough.
WAV Comment: Reg 1/2005 on the welfare of animals in transport has been an EU non enforced joke of a law for the last 16 years or so; the EU has never been strict with enforcement of it. So what now with this ‘comprehensive animal health law’ ? – just Brussels Yukspeak we assume.
A more flexible and comprehensive Animal Health Law
The new Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429) on transmissible animal diseases has become applicable across the EU as of the 21 April 2021.
The new regulation means that a huge number of legal acts are streamlined into a single law, with simpler and clearer rules which enable authorities to focus on key priorities: preventing and eradicating diseases. The regulation, which was adopted by the European Parliament and Council in March 2016, clarifies responsibilities for farmers, vets and others dealing with animals, and allows for greater use of new technologies for animal health activities – surveillance of pathogens, electronic identification and registration of animals. It embraces a One Health approach allowing for better early detection & control of animal diseases, including those that can be transmissible to humans.
The law will help to reduce the occurrence and effects of animal epidemics, as well as offering more flexibility to adjust rules to local circumstances and to emerging issues such as climate and social change. It also sets out a better legal basis for monitoring animal pathogens resistant to antimicrobial agents.
Overall, the single, comprehensive and new Animal Health Law supports the EU livestock and aquaculture sectors in their quest towards better competitiveness and a safe and smooth EU market of animals and of their products, leading to growth and jobs in these important sectors. The Animal Health Law was part of a package of measures proposed by the Commission in May 2013 to strengthen the enforcement of health and safety standards for the whole agri-food chain.
COVID-19: World Health Organisation calls for ban on sale of live wild mammals in food markets
The statement comes after a WHO team visited Wuhan in China to investigate the origins of COVID-19.
The sale of live wild mammals at food markets should be suspended as an emergency measure, the World Health Organisation has said.
The statement comes after a WHO team visited Wuhan in China to investigate the origins of COVID-19.
The most likely scenario is that the virus originated in bats, was spread to another unidentified animal, and then passed on to humans, a WHO report said in March.
The organisation said in a separate report on Tuesday that animals, “particularly wild animals”, are the source of more than 70% of emerging infectious diseases in humans.
They added many of these are caused by novel viruses – a virus that has not previously been recorded.
The report states: “Wild mammals, in particular, pose a risk for the emergence of new diseases. They come into markets without any way to check if they carry dangerous viruses.
“There is a risk of direct transmission to humans from coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, mucus, faeces, or other body fluids of an infected animal, and an additional risk of picking up the infection from contact with areas where animals are housed in markets or objects or surfaces that could have been contaminated with such viruses.”
The WHO said “traditional markets play a central role in providing food and livelihoods ” around the world.
It added that banning the sale of live wild animals would help to protect the health of both shoppers and workers.
The closest-related viruses to COVID-19 have been found in bats in southwest China.
The intermediate host is more elusive: mink, pangolins, rabbits, raccoon dogs and domesticated cats have all been cited as a possibility.
The WHO team said that a theory the virus was leaked from a lab was “extremely unlikely” but it has not been ruled out.
The call for a ban of the sale of wild animals comes as the the WHO said the global coronavirus pandemic is at a “critical point”.
It added that people need a “reality check” as restrictions are eased.
Dr Maria van Kerkhove, head of the WHO’s technical response, told a news conference vaccinations alone are not enough to combat COVID-19.
Coronavirus restrictions were eased in parts of the UK on Monday, with shoppers returning to high streets and drinkers visiting pub gardens in England, and non-essential retailers reopening in Wales.
Dr van Kerkhove, speaking on Monday afternoon, urged caution, saying: “We need headlines around these public health and social measures, we need headlines around the tools that we have right now that can prevent infections and save lives.
“We are in a critical point of the pandemic right now, the trajectory of this pandemic is growing.”
Regards Mark – somehow, I dont feel that this is going to happen ! – I very much hope I am wrong, but ……………………….
World Animals Voice 