Category: Uncategorized

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport, Uncategorized

EU: They Never Were Worth Anything ! – Big Talk But … – Democratic failure: European Commission backtracks on its commitments for animals in work programme.

Democratic failure: European Commission backtracks on its commitments for animals in work programme

16 October 2023

Note – WAV have included bold text, colour and underline as necessary.

Press Release

The European Commission has failed to deliver on its commitment to better protect billions of animals, despite clear calls by citizens demanding better legislation.

A leaked 2024 work programme, set to be presented in the European Parliament plenary tomorrow, shows that the Commission is backtracking on its promise to EU citizens and only committing to publish one of the four promised regulation proposals by the end of the current term, failing to uphold its democratic responsibility to answer to European Citizens’ Initiatives.

In 2020, the European Commission (EC) committed to revise the animal welfare legislation as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy, but with the current political term coming to a close, according to the leaked work programme, the EC has now failed to include all the proposals, committing only to delivering one of the four promised regulations (Transport Regulation), set to be published in December. 

This leaves behind the Kept Animals, Slaughter and Labelling Regulations. Particularly worrying is the absence of a clear timeline for the Kept Animals Regulation (KAR) through which the EC was expected to deliver on its commitment to transition to cage-free systems, an ask by 1.4 million citizens in the End the Cage Age ECI.

With these regulations failing to be mentioned in the work programme, it is now highly likely that they would be handed over to the next Commission, leaving millions of animals unprotected for years to come, and the future of the proposals hanging in the balance. It also ignores the clear democratic call reflected in the European Citizens’ Initiatives, in which citizens have asked the EU to do more for animals.

Another important file missing in the document is the Legislative Framework for Sustainable Food Systems (FSFS) which was also expected by the end of 2023. Postponing this Farm-to-Fork flagship will hinder much needed food system transformation and fail aligning agricultural and food policies with the EU’s sustainability and climate change objectives.

In addition to its Farm to Fork Strategy, the much anticipated revision of the REACH regulation under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability is also notably absent from the programme. The cornerstone regulation has long been discussed as a centrepiece of the EU Green Deal towards the goal of achieving a toxic free environment and a key element to help further promote a chemical strategy which advances in more concrete terms the phase out of animal testing for regulatory purposes. 

We are extremely dismayed that the EC did not have the political will to commit to its promise, turning its back on citizens and science. Decades in the making, we had numerous dialogues, impact assessments and scientific opinions. Petitions, ECIs and the 2016 special Eurobarometer clearly show that European Citizens want more for the animals, and yet, big business continues to have the leading hand. We will not give up but keep pushing for the EC to commit on a clear timeline for the other Proposals. The time is now. We simply will not accept any more delays.

Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals

Last week, animal protection organisations, MEPs and advocates gathered in front of the Berlaymont and publicly called on President von der Leyen to publish the promised full proposals for a revised animal welfare legislation. MEPs called the EC’s failure to deliver the proposals a ‘“democratic failure”.

Renowned ethologist and conservationist, UN Messenger of Peace and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, Dr Jane Goodall, PhD also joined the call and asked EC President Ursula von der Leyen to meet with her to discuss the issue.

About Us, General News, Uncategorized

Animal Rights / Human Rights. Not Always Much Of A Difference.

Free Tibet (London)- https://freetibet.org/

This site is primarily animal rights and welfare and always will be.

That does not mean that when necessary, and if we feel strongly, then the site will publish the odd post(s) relating to human rights issues.  Tibet, the Ukraine and Gaza (Palestine) are such issues.

Today (14/10/23) in London alone; over 100,000 people marched in solidarity with the people of Gaza – read more about it here:

Pro-Palestinian march draws thousands in London with protests across UK – BBC News

Thousands take to the streets of London during pro-Palestinian march – with many fearing the worst for Gaza (msn.com)

Israel-Gaza conflict: Thousands join Palestinian protests in UK after police warn Hamas supporters face arrest (msn.com)

Pro-Palestine London protest: Thousands march as Gaza expects invasion | ITV News London

Despite Prime Minister Rishi announcing a few days ago that citizens of the UK supported Israel, this is not exactly the case as the London, plus other demo sites across the UK, have shown with Palestine support protests today.  It is not a case of being pro or anti Hamas, it is a case of showing support for the citizens of Gaza who are being displaced in their hundreds of thousands.

The scenes of complete and utter destruction in Gaza can simply be compared to those which we have now seen for many months in the Ukraine.  What will it take to stop this ? – will anything stop this ?

I have no answers; like the vast majority of global citizens, we can only hope that sense will prevail over destruction; and those responsible for such destruction will get their ‘Karma’ in the very near future.

Mark

13/10/23. – World Animals Voice

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.

General News, Uncategorized

Abu Dhabi: From OIPA (Italy) – TRAGEDY FOR ANIMALS IN ABU DHABI, HUNDRED CATS DUMPED IN THE DESERT AND LEFT TO DIE

OIPA are a brilliant Italian animal welfare organisation; here is one of their recent articles:

You can visit OIPA at  HISTORY | OIPA 

https://www.oipa.org/international/abu-dhabi-100-cats-left-to-die/

TRAGEDY FOR ANIMALS IN ABU DHABI, HUNDRED CATS DUMPED IN THE DESERT AND LEFT TO DIE

https://www.oipa.org/international/abu-dhabi-100-cats-left-to-die/

Inserito da oipainternational | Ott 3, 2023

A devastating tragedy occurred in Al Falah area of Abu Dhabi, a few days ago. Rescuers uncovered a horrific scene of over 100 cats and some dogs who had been cruelly dumped in the desert (close to renowned Falcon Hospital) and left to die in scorching temperatures without food, water and shelter from the heat.

Rescuers in tears found approximately 60 (however they can be much more) dead bodies in different stages of decomposition that were lying on the sand or just beneath the surface. Animals have died enduring unimaginable and unacceptable suffering. Other 92 cats and a dog were luckily found alive but in critical conditions. All very weak and dehydrated they have been transferred to vet clinics for health care.

To worsen the cruelty against these animals, rescuers have reported a disturbing fact. Almost all of the cats had been microchipped and had been neutered, some of them not even two weeks earlier as surgical stiches were clearly visible and some others still inside carriers.

Presumably, these cats had been taken to Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital for TNR programs but there are no evidence (at the moment) whether they had been dumped there intentionally and by whom.

Sentence innocent animals to death in such a tremendous way is ethically unacceptable.

While collecting additional info and evidence, we need your cooperation to spread awareness! We shouldn’t forget that the cruel and inhumane practice of dumping animals in the desert is a systematic method of animal population control carried out in the UAE.

UPDATE 04 OCTOBER 2023

Following the outrageous act of cruelty perpetrated against hundred animals in Al Falah area, we are glad to read on the news and the official website that the Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), in collaboration with other relevant authorities, has condemned the episode and has taken action launching a prompt investigation. They also called on the public to report any abuse or neglect that exposes animals to danger by contacting 800 555.

We truly hope investigation will continue and the issue will be taken into high regard.

We take the occasion to thanks independent rescuers who rushed on site to save survivors and veterinarians who gave first aid and are now providing medical care. However, we shouldn’t forget all local and international animal lovers and activists who made the news went viral.

UPDATE 05 OCTOBER 2023

OIPA writes an open letter to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan  to express deep concern about the recent horrific case of animal cruelty discovered in the Al Falah area of Abu Dhabi and asking to supervise the investigation (Open letter_OIPA_October 2023)

Regards Di and Mark

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

Farm Animals, General News, Uncategorized

Iceland: Iceland admits to breaching EU law on horse blood farms – hopefully another step towards closing this disgusting animal abuse.

Iceland admits to breaching EU law on horse blood farms

28 September 2023

AWF

See our past posts relating to this:

Search Results for “iceland blood mares” – World Animals Voice

Iceland has admitted collecting blood from pregnant mares to obtain the hormone PMSG is in breach of the EU legislation that it is supposed to comply with under the European Economic Area. As of November 2023, the country commits to correct this failure, bringing blood farms in Iceland one step closer to closure.

In March 2022, a number of animal protection organisations, including Eurogroup for Animals, lodged a complaint against Iceland to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Surveillance Authority (ESA). Our claim was that Iceland was not respecting the rules established by the European Economic Area, an agreement that brings together EU Member States and the three EFTA States: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

The complaint concerned high volume blood extraction from pregnant mares for the production of the hormone Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG), also called Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG). This is a fertility hormone used in industrial animal breeding to increase the reproductive performance of farmed animals by synchronising their fertility cycles and increasing the number of offspring produced per year.

The complaint was accepted by ESA, who in May 2023 requested that Iceland respond on a clear breach of EU law, notably a breach of the Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.

On 15 September 2023, the Icelandic authorities replied to ESA accepting that the procedure of collecting blood from pregnant mares for the production of PMSG/eCG does fall under the scope of Directive 2010/63/EU; hence, Iceland admits having failed to fulfil many obligations arising from this Directive.

Notably, Iceland admits failing to comply with the 3Rs principles of replacement, reduction and refinement, whereby animal experiments must be replaced by alternative methods not using live animals when possible, principles that are at the core of Directive 2010/63/EU.

There are numerous alternatives to PMSG/eCG available with similar efficacy, such as simple exercise routines, optimal nutrition, lighting, contact between sows in oestrus, and contact with boars.

Effective from 1 November 2023, Iceland will revoke non-compliant regulations on blood collection from pregnant mares, making such collections subject to Regulation 460/2017 in full compliance with Directive 2010/63/EU.

The open acknowledgement that a country has been in breach of Directive 2010/63/EU paves the way to an EU-wide ban on eCG production, importation and use, which will certainly ease the adoption of similar measures worldwide.

More information and link:

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG), also called Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG), is a hormone extracted from the blood of pregnant mares (female horses). It is used to increase and manage fertility in farmed animals such as pigs, sheep, goats and cattle. 

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) production, import and use in the EU | Eurogroup for Animals

Regards Mark

General News, Uncategorized

USA: Animal rights activists outraged over euthanasia at Memphis Animal Services.

Animal rights activists outraged over euthanasia at Memphis Animal Services

Animal rights activists outraged over euthanasia at Memphis Animal Services (msn.com)

Memphis Animal Services is in the hot seat after more and more people speak out on issues with the location’s policies. Some animal rights advocates said they’re planning to take legal action.

There has been outrage as the number of dogs MAS euthanizes sparked community concern. MAS takes in thousands fewer animals than a Knoxville shelter, but more than 300 animals died in MAS custody in 2022. This is an issue rescuers said is common at the Memphis shelter.

In August alone, MAS euthanized 167 animals, even as some kennels remain open. Michelle Craig, a volunteer at another dog shelter, said the time of day the shelter is open impacts the ability for potential new pet owners to foster and adopt.

“The hours are only 12-4 and for people like us that work all day, it is hard to get over there,” Craig said. “They will still put a dog down when there are empty kennels available.”

MAS responded to dogs being put down while there are still empty kennels, with this statement: “Even when there are open kennels (which are necessary for us to operate, so that our animal services officers have somewhere to put incoming animals), there will be some animals that are euthanized regardless.”

This left animal rights advocates and volunteers upset.

“I cried all passionate about it but they are – they are just turning into an awful place,” one person said.

But, ABC24 spoke with volunteers off camera who said they’re scared to go public with their concerns because other volunteers weren’t allowed back after speaking out, rescuer Jessica Gotera said.

“There are good volunteers but they don’t stay for long or they’re very distraught,” Gotera said. “They’re falling apart because they’re emotionally distraught by what they’re going through.”

She voiced her concerns about half of a bonded pair, like moms and puppies, being separated and euthanized. 

MAS provided this response: “This can happen when one of the two pets is doing well behaviorally or medically, and one of them is suffering or struggling behaviorally or medically.”

But Gotera doesn’t think the shelter’s reasoning for putting down one half of a pair is enough.

“What they consider as behavioral is if they’re being rowdy or if they’re being complacent in their kennels,” Gotera said. “Even if they’re being complacent and not moving or nothing, they’re still gonna kill the dog.”

As animal rights activists and other volunteers across the state work to decrease the number of animals euthanized at MAS and other shelters, they did tell ABC24 they’re working to get a lawsuit together against the city-run shelter.

Regards Mark