Tag: animals

China Cat Torture, General News, pets, Stray Animals, Uncategorized

(BG) Viral animal cruelty in Bulgaria, OIPA wants guarantees of justice: our letter to Bulgarian government

Posted by oipainternational | Mar 21, 2025

Thanks to many reports we received in these days, we are aware disturbing videos and images showing scenes of violence against animals are circulating on internet. The suspect, a Bulgarian woman, was arrested on charges of money laundering, criminal conspiracy, and cruelty towards animals.

What the girl is accused of is unbelievable. You can watch scenes of animals tortured and killed, mutilated and abused for hours, subjected to unimaginable pain for profit. It is thought that it’a about fetishistic practice known as “crush fetish,” where individuals derive sexual pleasure from witnessing the crushing of living beings. These acts were filmed and distributed on a fee on platforms like Telegram.

In one instance, the perpetrators, woman with another guy, rented a space in Sofia, where they filmed themselves committing these acts. The footage reveals them forcing animals into distressing positions, including tying cats to leashes and running them over with vehicles.

The explicit nature of these viral animal cruelty videos has caused immense indignation among animal welfare communities and the general public. For this reason in Bulgaria there are protests since the last Friday in every city and, perhaps there will be many more.

OIPA in the face of this horror could not remain silent. Yesterday we sent the Bulgarian Minister of Justice Mr. Georgi Georgiev a letter calling for greater protections for animals and increased penalties for those guilty of mistreatment.

Below, the text of our email.

Dear Minister of Justice of Bulgaria Mr. Georgi Georgiev

Milan, 20th March 2025,

Minister of Justice of Bulgaria Mr. Georgi Georgiev,

We would like to express our concern about the case involving Gabriela Sashova e Krasimir Georgiev (Габриела Сашова и Красимир Георгиев). We are aware Mrs. Sashova was arrested on charges of money laundering, criminal conspiracy, and cruelty towards animals. It is claimed that this couple tortured innocent victims for years and recorded the scenes to then sell them on the internet.
Our Organization, active internationally with longstanding experience in the field, wants to highlight how cruelty towards animals is indicative of social danger. For this reason, many countries have intervened on a legal level, by introducing new crimes against animals or by increasing sentences.
As Bulgarian citizens have communicated to our Organization there is the need for Bulgaria to support this fight to legally defend animals in response to increasing cultural awareness for this issue.
Finally, we would like to remind you that Bulgaria subscribed to the European Convention for pets’ rights therefore showing interest in animals’ wellbeing.
We look forward to seeing a fast legal response in terms of punishment and prevention.
We offer our support for any additional activities and initiatives your country will undertake.

Best regards


****************************

Now, we feel we must add a comment of our own to this ..
So-called “crush videos” are directly linked to the “cat torture rings” originating in China. We have mentioned this on the site previously:

China: Did You Hear the One About the Sick Pervert of a Doctor Who Lures Teenage Girls Into Pornography and Then Uses Them In An Animal ‘Crush’ Video Website ?
China: ‘Crush’ Information.
Working Hard On Chinese Cat Torture and Crush.

It was, as we’ve already said, only a matter of time until this would spread, and “copycats” (an unfortunate term given the victims) in other countries would follow suit. Individual cases in the US have been known for some time, Europe less so. Alas, no longer …

With the curse of social media allowing worldwide access to this crap, to underage “consumers” also. This is indeed the only handle there is in China against this – the involvement of minors, which is illegal. As to the animal victims, there exists no legislation to protect them.

For me personally seeing this below is quite enough. This little chap is trembling with fear, likely because he/she has seen what was done to his/her siblings. Without a doubt tortured to death like so many others, although FG (Feline Guardians) has not released details. For those of us who have seen the worst, there is no need …

Source: Feline Guardians

Make no mistake:
There can be NO place for this sort of thing, not in China, nor anywhere else.
As already declared elsewhere on the site: An Eye for An Eye.

Believe it.

Asia, General News, pets, Uncategorized

(Korea) Urgent help needed : Help Us Relocate ARK Shelter (Dog meat farm survivors)

posted by KoreanDogs.org team February 15,2025

A New Home for Hope: Help Us Relocate Our Dog Shelter

For years, our shelter has been a safe haven for rescued dogs, giving them love, care, and a second chance. But now, Incheon has ordered us to leave, and time is running out. Click HERE to learn more.

ARK dogs have suffered so much. Many were trapped in tiny floating cages, starving and abused, waiting for a cruel fate – death. They never knew kindness—only fear and pain. We saved them, gave them warmth and care, and helped them start new lives. Now, they need a safe place to heal.

Our current facility is unsafe—overcrowded and falling apart. We found the perfect new location with more space and better conditions, but it comes at a high cost.

We need your help. Your donation will secure the new shelter, improve kennels, cover veterinary care, and transport our dogs safely. Every dollar counts.

By supporting us, you become a hero for these dogs. Whether donating or sharing our story, your help changes lives. These dogs deserve a future filled with love. Could you help us make this dream a reality? Please donate today and give them the home they’ve been waiting for.

All at ARK

https://www.instagram.com/ark_animalrightskorea/
https://x.com/ARK_yellows

Note from KoreanDogs.org:
To donate to Animal Rights Korea (ARK) Shelter, the best option is to contribute directly to them. However, we have set up a GoFundMe page for those who prefer an alternative where you can donate and share with your friends and family. Rest assured, 100% of the funds raised on GoFundMe will be donated to ARK Shelter.
(South Korea is not on the list of Countries supported on GoFundMe, so KoreanDogs.org is raising money for ARK instead.)
GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/dc86edd4

Photo: A small gesture can make a huge difference in the lives of these dogs. No dog should be treated as food. ARK Shelter.

General News, Stray Animals, Uncategorized

(KOSOVO) STRAY DOG CRISIS IN KOSOVO: LET’S SUPPORT OUR MEMBER LEAGUE “Stray Angels Kosova Foundation”

https://www.oipa.org/international/stray-dog-crisis-kosovo/

Posted by oipainternational | Mar 11, 2025

Despite government programs, in Kosovo, in cities like Prishtina, stray populations have remained unchanged. Our member league Stray Angels Kosova Foundation reported to us cases of disappearing sterilized dogs and suspected underground culling. They need sustainable and humane solutions to manage stray dogs. With our support they can provide for vaccinations, sterilizations and adoption initiatives.

WHAT ANIMAL RESCUERS DO IN KOSOVO

For years, independent rescuers and local groups have provided free services to their community, often lacking in funds themselves. Their initiatives include:

  1. Providing temporary shelter and medical care to vulnerable or injured animals.
  2. Facilitating adoptions and fostering: Coordinating with local fosters and adopters, completing vaccination and EU-required Titer tests, and organizing animal travel.
  3. Sterilizing and vaccinating dogs to prevent overpopulation and disease.
  4. Raising awareness: Educating communities about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and how to support stray dogs.
  5. De-escalating neighborhood complaints: Handling conflicts like threats to poison, relocate, or kill dogs.
  6. Supporting CNVR operations: Identifying pockets of unsterilized dogs and collaborating with veterinarians to address the issue.
  7. Establishing feeding points for sterilized strays as well as monitoring the health and situation of stray dogs, as well as their movements.

STRAY ANGELS KOSOVA FOUNDATION activities

Stray Angels Kosova’s mission is to empower animal welfare organizations, rescuers, and volunteers to care for and protect stray animals across Kosovo. Especially, they provide:

  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation for injured or ill dogs;
  • Sterilization and vaccination programs;
  • Fostering and adoption initiatives;
  • Education and advocacy campaigns for communities.

STRAY ANGELS KOSOVA FOUNDATION DREAMS

To make a lasting impact, Stray Angels Kosova aims to:

  • Establish stable funding for rescuers and Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) programs;
  • Launch a nationwide education program to teach all age groups about responsible pet ownership and purchasing, sterilization, how to safely interact with stray animals, and ways to mitigate animal abandonment.

DONATION LINK

Donate

Asia, General News, Uncategorized

 (Sth. Korea) Rescued from Abandoned Pet Shop in Suwon: Animals Starved for 2 Weeks!

Call for Action!

In a harrowing incident in Suwon, South Korea, on December 23rd, CARE received an urgent tip about over 50 dogs and cats that had been abandoned in a closed pet shop for more than six months. These animals had been left to starve for two weeks, with no intervention from local authorities despite numerous complaints from residents. Upon arriving at the scene, CARE found 32 cats and 10 dogs, severely malnourished and covered in feces, barely clinging to life. The heartbreaking sight of the animals, some of them so emaciated their bones protruded, underscored the urgent need for action. The shop owner, currently imprisoned for fraud, had abandoned the animals, and the local government failed to take immediate steps to rescue them.

After a tense standoff and following public pressure, all 42 animals were finally rescued by CARE. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Many of the animals are still receiving medical treatment, and the costs for their recovery are significant. Despite the rescue’s success, the failure of local authorities to act sooner serves as a stark reminder of the gaps in animal welfare enforcement.

This tragic event calls for immediate action to hold those responsible accountable. We demand that the City of Suwon launch a comprehensive investigation into the mishandling of this case, enforce stronger animal welfare regulations, and ensure such neglect never happens again. Join us in supporting these rescued animals by donating for their medical treatment and helping raise awareness. Your contribution can make a difference in giving these animals the chance they deserve at a healthy, safe life. Together, we can push for stricter oversight and work to prevent such cruelty from happening again in the future.

👉 Click HERE to learn more about the actions you can take.

PETITION

Hold Suwon Accountable: Justice for Animals Abandoned at Pet Shop – Investigate & Reform!

https://www.change.org/p/hold-suwon-accountable-justice-for-animals-abandoned-at-pet-shop-investigate-reform

TAKE ACTION

Rescued from Abandoned Pet Shop in Suwon: Animals Starved for 2 Weeks!
Farm Animals, General News, Uncategorized

(Brazil) New investigation reveals dangers of Brazil’s Self-Control Law

https://animalequality.org/news/dangers-of-brazils-self-control-law/

  • In 2024, Animal Equality found major violations in São Paulo slaughterhouses, where cows and chickens were mistreated under Brazil’s Self-Control Law.
  • In 2022, an earlier investigation revealed cruelty at pig and cow slaughterhouses in Minas Gerais and Pará, warning about the dangers of the Self-Control Bill.
  • Workers were seen twisting animals’ tails, kicking them, and using electric shocks on sensitive areas like the head and genitals.
  • Some animals were skinned and dismembered while still alive.
  • These findings point to a global problem as U.S. slaughterhouses speed up production lines, increasing risks for animal cruelty.

Animal Equality’s investigation reveals the impact of Brazil’s 2022 Self-Control Law, which reduced government oversight of slaughterhouses. The findings uncover rampant cruelty and violations, with profits prioritized over animals, public health, and transparency.

Video on page or VIMEO Link: https://vimeo.com/1047226914

2024 investigation: São Paulo slaughterhouses

The latest investigation, featuring never-before-seen footage, uncovers significant failures in cow and chicken slaughterhouses in rural São Paulo. 

These facilities were already following a state-level version of the Self-Control Law before it was implemented across the country. Investigators found widespread violations of handling and slaughter rules set by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

2022 investigation: Early warnings ignored

In 2022, Animal Equality issued an urgent warning about the risks of the Self-Control Bill. Investigating pig and cow slaughterhouses in the states of Minas Gerais and Pará, the team uncovered a critical shortage of government inspectors. 

Without proper oversight, workers were left to enforce safety and animal protection rules on their own, resulting in widespread violations. Despite these findings, the bill became law.

Between the 2022 and 2024 investigations, Animal Equality documented:

Intentional cruelty: 

  • Tail twisting and kicking animals in the face.
  • Use of high-frequency electric shocks on prohibited areas, including the head, tail, genitals, and anus.

Stunning failures: 

  • Animals were tied with ropes instead of being secured in proper stunning boxes, making effective stunning nearly impossible.
  • Captive bolt pistols were used incorrectly, leading to failed attempts to stun animals.
  • Broken stunning tools were not fixed, forcing some animals to endure up to seven failed stunning attempts.
  • No staff were assigned to ensure stunning was effective. When animals showed signs of consciousness–such as eye movement or lifting their heads–workers often did not repeat the stunning unless the animal became too agitated to manage.

Delayed slaughter: 

  • Stunned animals were left for over two minutes before slaughter, exceeding legal limits meant to prevent them from regaining consciousness:
    • Non-penetrating captive bolt pistols deliver a blunt impact to the head, causing a concussion without breaking the skull. Animals must be slaughtered within 30 seconds, as this method loses effectiveness quickly.
    • Penetrating captive bolt pistols use a bolt to penetrate the skull, causing deeper and longer-lasting unconsciousness. This method allows up to 60 seconds before slaughter must take place.
  • Delays beyond these limits caused animals to regain consciousness, leading to extreme suffering.

Mutilations while conscious: 

  • Workers did not wait the required three minutes after slaughter to ensure animals were dead before mutilating them. This resulted in animals being skinned and dismembered while alive. 

Poor facility conditions:

  • Overcrowded pens with more animals than recommended.
  • Animals left in extreme heat without shade or water.
  • Slippery floors causing frequent slips and falls.
Farm Animals, General News, Uncategorized

(DE – TR) Turkey: Heifers in advanced stages of pregnancy held at Turkish border for four weeks during transport

(All That is Wrong with the System of Live Export … – Comment Ed.)

https://www.animals-angels.de/en/news/news-detail/turkey-heifers-in-advanced-stages-of-pregnancy-held-at-turkish-border-for-four-weeks-during-transport.html

17-10-2024 News Animal Transports

Two transport vehicles carrying heavily pregnant heifers left Germany on September 12 and reached the Turkish border at Kapikule four days later, on September 16, where they were held for a month. The German authorities were aware of the acute emergency situation since September 23 but did not intervene. Between September 23 and October 2, the animals were briefly unloaded, provided with water and feed, and housed in a makeshift shelter. On October 2, they were loaded back onto the transport vehicles. The exact reasons for this decision remain unclear. However, there are rumors that unsanitary conditions, intense odors, and a fly infestation prompted this action. The German authorities took action when the animals were reloaded onto the trucks, but the measures taken were completely inadequate.

The conditions for the animals on the transports deteriorated with each passing day. Although they were fed and watered, the care provided was insufficient due to their advanced stages of pregnancy. Moreover, the transport vehicles were not cleaned, causing the cows to stand ankle-deep in their own excrement. During this time, and under these appalling conditions, several calves were born, none of which had a chance of survival. The first report of a dead animal was received on October 6.

On October 11, the state of Brandenburg, from which the animals originally came, issued a euthanasia order that mandated the slaughter of the cows by October 13. On the evening of October 14, the animals were transported to a slaughterhouse near the border in Edirne. Many heifers and newborn calves had already died on the transport vehicles. On October 15, the animals were slaughtered without anesthesia. The calves suffocated painfully inside their dying mothers. There is a much more humane method of euthanasia called placentally accessible euthanasia, which allows the unborn calves to be euthanized alongside their mothers.

The bodies of those animals that had already died before arriving at the slaughterhouse were left on the trucks to be dumped in a landfill later. As the teams from Animals’ Angels and Animal Welfare Foundation left the slaughterhouse, they were alerted by the loud mooing of an animal that had been left alive on the truck, which was now to be unloaded alongside the dead animals. We were able to arrange for an emergency slaughter of the animal on-site.

Urgent Call for a Transport Ban

Since 2010, Animals’ Angels and the Animal Welfare Foundation have called for an immediate end to animal transports to Turkey. The conditions at the Turkish border of Kapikule and the cruel death of the animals once again demonstrate that these transports are incompatible with animal welfare requirements, as stated in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005: “No one shall carry out or arrange for the transport of animals if it is likely to cause them injury or unnecessary suffering.”

This case starkly highlights the urgent need for an immediate halt to such exports.

We will continue to remain on-site and work with a Turkish lawyer to initiate legal action. We demand clear and enforceable measures from the German government and the European Union to end the suffering of these animals.

VIDEO in German (from German TV Programme, “37 Grad”)

https://www.zdf.de/dokumentation/37-grad/37-schutzlos-ausgeliefert-100.html