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A monthly Magazine edited and published by Maria Lopes - February 2006 Dear Friends,
Another year and the fight continues. Our Magazine celebrates its fourth anniversary and we owe this to all of you that year after year continue to fight for saving animals. To all our thanks.
For the Animals Maria Lopes "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for
survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet. It is
my view that the vegetarian manner of living, by its purely physical effect on
the human temperament, would most beneficially influence the lot of
mankind."
INTERNATIONAL "FASHION" DESIGNERS STILL USING SEAL FUR AND SKINS - PROTEST Source: Zelda A number of well-known fashion designers have used seal fur
and skins in their collections during the past several fashion seasons. By using
seal skin and fur in items such as coats, tunics, dresses, shoes, vests,
jackets, handbags, pillows, and even lamp shades, these designers are providing
the Canadian government and sealers with an economic incentive to continue the
hunt. Gucci Versace Prada World Headquarters Prada U.S. Birger Christensen Petit Nord OU Annika Heinadottir Marni Marni's Flagship Store in New York The International Court of Justice for Animal Rights meeting
in Geneva rendered a verdict on 5 December in the case of the massacre of arctic
seals versus The Canadian Government. Based on today's hearing of witnesses and examination of the evidence, the International Court of Justice for Animal Rights, represented by 9 members of the jury and three judges, declared the Canadian Authorities guilty on all the above detailed Counts. "In view of the testimonies heard and the evidence submitted, the Court finds the Canadian prime Minister, the Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Minister of the Environment, guilty of promoting massacres shocking not only by their excessiveness and enormous waste of living creatures, but also by their cruelty which pushes Canada out of socially accepted realms by the fault of a sadistically orientated minority. The Court appealed to the Canadian Government to end "this
immoral and dishonourable hunt" at once and to the European Union "to implement
an import ban on all products stemming from the Canadian seal hunt". MALTA The EU must force the pace of compliance with the Bird Directives Source: Proact Campaigns Recent utterances from Brussels are causing concern among MEPs and those who have long campaigned for a complete stop to hunting and trapping of birds on Malta. These suggest that the European Commission might to be toning down its stand on spring hunting in Malta. The Government of Malta is procrastinating as so often in the past and is playing to the hunters’ lobby which both main parties see as a safe source of votes. This is why the subject of derogation for spring shooting of Turtle Dove and Quail is once again being discussed. This is not the strong line that we have been campaigning for over the past few years and not what many EU citizens (and many others worldwide) expected after Malta's accession to the EU. We must resist any policy of appeasement and continue to lobby the EU to take a firm stance on implementation of European legislation. Please email the EU Commissioner for the Environment Dear Commissioner Dimas, I/we have taken a critical interest in the hunting problem on Malta for many years. The accession of Malta to the EU was seen as a chance to harmonise Maltese laws with those of Community countries, in particular the Bird Directives and, by promoting better law enforcement, signal the long-awaited end to the illegal bi-annual slaughter of migrant bird species. Many concerned professional and amateur ornithologists, and not least ordinary bird and nature lovers in the EU and elsewhere, are increasingly in doubt as to whether the EU will retain its firm stance on the matter. Recent statements by yourself and the Maltese Government, on the subject of the derogation for spring hunting of Common Quail and Turtle Dove give cause for concern. Whether or not the matter was discussed during accession negotiations, or that the Government of Malta now intends to apply for the derogation, is irrelevant. The point at issue is: will the EU refuse any exemption on spring hunting for Malta? The consequence of acceding to any request on Malta’s part will be pressure from other Mediterranean countries (France, Italy and Spain) for similar exemptions. The Bird Directives will then be no more than a political fig leaf. We ask you, as EU Commissioner for the Environment, for an unambiguous answer – and a clear public statement – on this matter. As far as enforcement is concerned, it is clear that there is a long way to go before illegal hunting and trapping practices are stamped out on Malta. Why is this taking so long? Malta is a relatively small country and operations against such illegal activities, in places and at times which can be well forecast in advance, should not be difficult to plan and implement. Successful actions against illegal hunting and trapping in the much more difficult and wide-ranging terrain of the Brescia Mountains in Italy or on Sardinia by the police and conservation organisations show that “where there’s a will there’s a way”. In November 2005 the EU reminded Malta of its obligation to implement and enforce certain laws by February 2006. These were: A complete spring ban on finch trapping, as the transition
period agreed was only for autumn trapping. You are aware that Malta has enforcement problems due to limited resources and you are discussing with the Maltese authorities potential areas of cooperation to support better enforcement, such as possible EU assistance for training programmes aimed at enhanced enforcement efficiency. What are the “concrete areas of cooperation” under discussion? How will the EU “assist with training programmes” and who will carry them out? Has any consideration been given to harnessing the efforts of the many conservation NGOs within the community and funding training, implementation and enforcement programmes run by professionals who have first-hand experience? I/We would be grateful for an answer to the above questions at the earliest opportunity. Sincerely, PHILIPPINES Filipinos claim dog eating is "a right" Source: ITD http://itstheirdestiny.2kat.net The following was reported by the Baguio SunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph) on February 23rd 2006. Dad ignores appeal to stop dog meat consumption "NOBODY could change our taste buds, not even those foreigners who are ignorant of our culture." Benguet Board Member Aloysius Kato issued the statement on
Wednesday in reaction to numerous complaints received by the Provincial
Government over plans to legalize the sale of dog meat in the
market. Advocates for animals' welfare said dogs should not be
slaughtered for human consumption. Among the letters received by the province included a letter from a Hong Kong-based Animal Welfare Group, noting that "traditions can never be an excuse for cruelty to animals." The board member however called the foreign individuals and groups as "hypocrites," assailing them for condemning what he claimed as a cultural practice that foreigners could never understand. "These foreigners are hypocrites. I suggest that we ignore their appeal. They can never change our taste buds and stop us from eating dog meat," Kato said during the PB's regular session. Kato said even foreign countries commit cruelty to animals, which "is even worse than that of the Cordillerans." "Why do they react negatively and condemn us and deprive us of our rights, when in fact they are worse than us (in treating animals)? I can come up with documented proofs to show animal abuses committed by foreigners," he said. He said he needs two weeks to produce the documentation.
If by any chance you have already sent emails, please send again, these are new emails. The authorities change emails as they change socks. Email the Vice President CC to (blocks of 10) wtandanar@dilg.gov.ph,mprosales@dilg.gov.ph,mpcorpus@dilg.gov.ph, mqgotis@dilg.gov.ph,lttrovela@dilg.gov.ph,zmaquende@dilg.gov.ph, sgbulawit@dilg.gov.ph,ancortez@dilg.gov.ph,magabito@dilg.gov.ph, pcdecastro@dilg.gov.ph,vpsuansing@dilg.gov.ph, jmcastaneda@dilg.gov.ph,effernandez@dilg.gov.ph, rcraffinan@dilg.gov.ph,mbreyes@dilg.gov.ph, cvmontances@dilg.gov.ph,esmoreno@dilg.gov.ph,
otc@tourism.gov.ph,rrdelosreyes@tourism.gov.ph, ercajigal@tourism.gov.ph,efnelle@tourism.gov.ph, mcajorda@tourism.gov.ph,mvjasmin@tourism.gov.ph, Sample letter, but please write an original if possible. Dear Mr Vice President Although I applaud your country's introduction of a law to protect companion animals (i.e. The Animal Welfare Act, 1998), I am shocked by your lack of resolve to enforce this law. Section 6 clearly states that; It also goes on to state; Evidence clearly proves that dogs are currently being sold for
human consumption in Government-approved markets in blatant contravention of
this law. These animals are treated with appaling cruelty. Now there are attempts underway to overturn the Animal Welfare Act, claiming that it is "traditional" for some indigenous people in the Philippines to eat dog meat. The only such traditions are ritual slaughter for which the existing law makes provision. Since these traditions are already catered for, there is no need to weaken the Animal Welfare Act, and I respectfully urge you instead to enforce it fully without delay. Until you do, I certainly cannot consider taking a holiday in the Philippines, nor of buying any products from your country. I will regretfully have to advise my friends to do the same. Yours sincerely ROMANIA STOP KILLING STRAY DOGS Source: Rolda Because of a tragic event happened on the night of 29th of January in Bucharest, when a Japanese died because of a dog bite, the National Authorities declared war to the stray dogs. Although there was no evident proof that the man was bitten by a stray dog, there were even rumours that the man was killed with intention by using a fighting dog, the Police and the Authorities found it easier to blame a stray dog. They didnt even take into consideration that there could have been other reasons for the death. At this moment, nothing is for sure, only suppositions. Although this, since then, there is a completely madness in entire Romania, the mass-media amplificated this event and created a real isteria between people. Right at this moment,in most of the cities from Romania dogs are poisoned, chased and shot ,tortured to death. The actual Law for Stray Dogs Administration is not respected. Also,the National Authorities want to change this Law saying that it is too easy, the main points being : - decrease the period of keeping dogs in public shelters from
14 days to 3 days This changings not only that dont correspond with the International Regulation for Animal Rights but also disobey the people's rights. The Animal Protection Organizations throughout Romania proposed to the City Halls projects of Neutering ,as the only solution for solving the stray dogs problem, taking into consideration all the studies made during years, and also some projects that are running with success now in several cities from Romania Please help us make the Authorities understand that the stray dogs problem must be solved in a human and civilised way, taking also into account the international laws and conventions that Romania signed in order to join European Union in 2007. That they need to cooperate with the Animal Protection Organizations, because the solution proposed is the only for solving stray dogs problem, based on scientific researches and studies Please write to the Authorities to ask them stop the mass-killing and accept a human and efficient solution: NEUTERING; to start educational and adoption campaigns and work in cooperation with the animal protection organizations. You can either write your own text or copy phrases from above, but please write now and forward it to your friends!!! Please sign our petition : www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/Romania You can use the following addresses: European Union Adressess mail@europe-direct.cec.eu.int; Romanian Presidency - Press
Office Romanian Government- Prim-Minister, Mr. Tariceanu :
Bucharest Mayor Mr. Videanu Vicemayor Razvan Murgeanu Vicemayor Ludovic Orban Minister of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Gheorghe
Flutur Minister of European Integration, Anca Daniela
Boagiu Press Agencies:
SPAIN HANGING OF GREYHOUNDS Source: http://www.kinshipcircle.org SOURCE OF INFORMATION http://www.galgosinfronteras.org/home.htm http://www.wspa-international.org/news/news-05.html http://www.animalhelp.es/cartamodelo.htm PETITION: To Save the Dogs of Spain presidente.responde@jcyl.es, frmpcl@frmpcl.es, montolma@jcyl.es, infopsoe@psoe.es, informa.admini@sgt.mcu.es, informac@mapya.es, portal@map.es, ciudadanos@mpr.es, atencionalciudadano@justicia.es, infodefensa@mde.es, seprona@guardiacivil.org, sugerencias@guardiacivil.org, webdgp@policia.es, info@mityc.es, atencionciudadano@msc.es, fundacionreinasofia@casareal.es, sg-web-president@cec.eu.int, webmaster.assembly@coe.int, general@spainun.org,infosmile@tourspain.es, turespaña@turespaña.es, losangeles@tourspain.es, chicago@tourspain.es, oetmiami@tourspain.es, oetny@tourspain.es, informacion@turismodesalamanca.es, 010@ava.es, presidencia@dip-valladolid.es, informacion@lasalina.es, sugerencias@lasalina.es, dlpresi@argored.com, dlitg4@argored.com, dlagricul1@argored.com, cartaciudadano@gva.es, president@gencat.net, manuel.chaves@juntadeandalucia.es, presidente@prex.juntaex.es, sae@prs.juntaex.es, registro@defensordelpueblo.es, portal@aragon.es, ministra@mma.es, infopsoe@psoe.es, juarez@mapausa.org, sministr@mapa.es With the conclusion of Spain's hunting season, the hanging of the galgos/greyhounds begins. And once again the world bears witness to dead dogs, dangling from wire nooses, inches above the ground. Every year tens of thousands of Spain's hunting and racing dogs meet a crude and senseless fate after brief lives of loyal service. The mutilation and slaughter of these dogs, most as young as
two years of age, is an affront to humanity. I appeal to the Spanish government
to outlaw the extermination of retired "working" dogs and other abandoned
companion animals. All dogs and cats instinctively value life. Dogs hung from
trees at the end of hunting season suffer no less because their purpose has
expired. I call upon officials to enforce article 337 of the federal Penal Code, along with any other animal welfare laws, that protect the galgos and companion animals of Spain. In addition, please ban all hunting with greyhounds, like the rest of the European Union. Year after year the massacre continues, even as authorities claim it doesn't. I respectfully demand action, not lip service. Citizens of the world are appalled by reports and photos of dogs found shot, strangled, mutilated, and tossed into mass graves. These are sentient, docile creatures. They are not trash. Law enforcers must respond to incidents of animal cruelty. Lawmakers must uphold laws to safeguard the galgos and other animals of Spain. And the European Union must intervene if Spain fails to meet even minimum standards of animal welfare. Please inform me of any plans to raise the standard of animal protection in Spain. Under present circumstances, I cannot tour or otherwise support a country that sanctions the brutalization of animals. I will advise family, friends and colleagues to join me in a boycott of Spanish tourism and commerce until animals are treated with respect and compassion. Sincerely,
IN SPANISH: Estimado Señor/Estimada Señora,
Lo siento mucho porque me gustan España y el pueblo español pero no voy a comprar ningún producto español ni viajar mas en su país hasta que los que maltratan y torturan los galgos y otros animales sean procesado por crueldad según la ley española. (articulo 337 del codigo penal). No sirve nada, me parece, tener leyes para la protección de los animales si no hay nunca juicios para procesar los culpables. Espero que el gobierno español vaya comenzar pronto a proteger los galgos de la tortura y la muerte horrible que sufren ahora. Que criaturas mas dulces y sensibles! Es verdaderamente un escándalo tratarlos así! Atentamente ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Gentlemen, Ladies,
Please do the right thing and ENFORCE the laws (article 337 of the federal Penal code) that protect these docile, sensitive creatures. Sincerely, ========================================= GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Presidente del Gobierno
(President of the Government) Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, Vicepresidenta
Primera Eurodiputado Madrid: epmadrid@europarl.eu.int SPANISH EMBASSIES Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations To locate Spanish embassies and tourism offices in other
countries: EUROPEAN COMMISSION Office International des Epizooties (OIE) Council of Europe TOURIST AGENCIES Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio Tourist Office of Spain in Los Angeles Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago Tourist Office of Spain in Miami Tourist Office of Spain in New York
U.S.A. Stop Yellowstone's war on buffalo Source : http://www.kinshipcircle.org
SOURCE OF INFORMATION "But when the buffalo went away the hearts of my people fell to the ground, and they could not pick them up again." Chief Plenty Coups, 1848-1932 SAMPLE LETTER #1 Suzanne Lewis, Yellowstone National Park Superintendent:
307-344-2002 Kate Gordon, President, Church Universal & Triumphant
(CUT): 800-245-5445 Dear Governor Schweitzer, Ms. Lewis, and Ms. Gordon: I am outraged America's Yellowstone Park, range to the nation's last migrating buffalo herd, has become a harass and kill site. Since January, Yellowstone National Park confined 672 wild
buffalo in the Stephens Creek Capture Facility, with 583 sent to the kill floor
and 87 calves sent to a quarantine facility. At least half the quarantine calves
The National Park Service is obligated to preserve buffalo--not destroy them to appease landowners with less than 200 cattle along the Park's northern bounds near Gardiner, Montana. I ask Ms. Lewis, Yellowstone National Park Superintendent, to uphold the Park's mission. Please stop the capture and slaughter of Yellowstone bison. I encourage you to defend critical habitat for wild buffalo in and beyond Park boundaries. Buffalo migration is natural. Blocking wild bison who roam outside invisible lines is not. I implore Church Universal & Triumphant (CUT) to finalize the agreement, initiated in 1999, to coexist with bison who wander into Royal Teton Ranch. CUT accepted $13 million in taxpayer dollars to integrate bison and other wildlife on this property. Please let bison access your lands, situated in the center of North America's largest migration corridor, and utilize public funds as intended. Brucellosis, a European livestock disease, is the apparent
rationale behind this hostile management policy. Yet there are no documented
cases of wild buffalo transmitting brucellosis back to cows they got it from.
The National Park Service ought to do its job: Protect wild bison. In fact, the
Park's Interagency Bison Management Plan is structured, in part, to safeguard a
wild, free-roaming buffalo herd. It is the responsibility of the livestock
The roundup and slaughter of America's last free-roaming buffalo is disgraceful. The alleged protection of livestock interests does not justify this violence against nature. Thank you, SAMPLE LETTER #2 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Thank you for extending the bison quarantine comment period until 2/13/06. I feel the Final Environment Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP) fails to weigh the enduring effects of a quarantine plan for bison in and near Yellowstone National Park. Primarily, habitat designated for wild bison is still withheld. As a result, bison are captured and ultimately slaughtered. Quarantine is not a solution, but rather, a "band-aid" to mask deficient bison management. Arbitrary quarantine overlooks the long-term fate of free-roaming wild buffalo within and around Yellowstone National Park. It is premature to issue a sweeping quarantine scheme when basic management requirements remain unfulfilled. With a possible price tag of $5 million over the next six
years, experimental quarantine wastes resources better spent on settling
land-use conflicts. I call upon agencies to shift their focus to adequate
habitat for Moreover, experimental quarantine will prompt agencies, especially those along the western boundary, to accelerate capture operations just to meet quarantine quotas. As evidenced last spring, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) captured almost 200 wild buffalo, 96 of whom wound up on the kill floor, to acquire 17 brucellosis test negative calves for quarantine. The experiment calls for 100 calves over two years. How many thousands of buffalo will be caught? At least half of these animals will needlessly go to slaughter. North boundary agencies currently send every animal to slaughter, except those earmarked for quarantine. I understand the IBMP seeks to reduce bison numbers to 3,000
to separate wild bison and domestic cattle who may share grazing lands. Yet
since 2001, the IBMP has recorded no major concerns regarding management for
temporal and spatial separation--even with bison numbers well over 3,000.
Montana The alleged need for quarantine is unsubstantiated. I am
equally concerned about inhumane crowding in the "Phase II" facility. According
to the description, 50 captive two-year old bison held in a 60-acre pasture will
be Finally, I respectfully ask agencies to conduct a thorough
Environmental Impact Statement for the full scope of bison quarantine. As
specified in 40 CFR 1508.25, the analysis should encompass quarantine stages
from calf roundup in Phase I to placement of certified brucellosis-negative
bison outside GYA, including implications of a successful quarantine on
remaining bison within the GYA. Please look at the whole picture. A fragmented
Thank you,
PETITIONS Put an end to whaling Save Frida http://www.petitiononline.com/vtmv8bte/petition.html Call on Canada's New Prime Minister to End the Seal
Slaughter! Help Save Sea Turtles, Manatees & Sea Otters Save the Little Smoky Caribou Herd Oil Palm Threatens Indonesia's Rainforests and
Orangutans Use your buying power to tell the Canadian government to end
the seal hunt.
Disclaimer: All items published in this magazine were received by us and we pass them on in good faith. We are not responsible for incorrect email addresses, errors, omissions etc. by the originators.
INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT AGAINST
BULLFIGHTS
This Magazine published by
Maria
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