Dear Friends,

  For those who are on holiday we hope you have a great time, but please don't forget the animals.

  Good news this month concerning the construction of a greyhound stadium in Liverpool/U.K. which was halted due to thousands of protests.

  This month we have unfortunately two new countries - Chile and Poland.

  Apart from these two we have the usual re-offenders.

  For the Animals

  Maria Lopes

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CANADA

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SEND LETTERS PROTESTING AGAINST THE SLAUGHTER OF SEALS

Source: The Animal Spirit

CONTACT:

Prime Minister's Office
Right Honorable Jean Chrétien
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington St. Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada K1A OA2
fax: 613-941-6900
email: pm@pm.gc.ca

Canadian Tourism Commission
55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 600
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 6L5
ph: 613-946-1000;
email: Use the Contact Us form on http://www.canadatourism.com

SAMPLE LETTER:

Honourable Prime Minister of Canada and the Canadian Tourism Commission:

I have chosen to send the following letter because it accurately expresses my views regarding this issue.

As long as hundreds of thousands of seals are annually butchered, my family will not support Canadian tourism and commerce. Officials not only allow the hunt, but also actively endorse it.

High-powered riles are aimed at the flesh of pups valued for their white fur. An estimated 95% of fatalities in the November 15-May 15 hunt were 12 days to 12-months-old. Sealers are also armed with the hakapik, or
club, to shatter the skulls of wounded seals. While the 2003 bloodbath has ended with no definitive numbers for seals bludgeoned or shot on the ice east of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canadian government has
already authorized a three-year quota that permits hunters to kill nearly one million seals.

Last year's hunt swelled beyond the quota by at least 30,000 seals.
Witnesses documented over 660 violations of the Marine Mammal Regulations. How have Canadian officials elected to penalize sealers?
They've boosted the quota to 975,000 seals over the next three years.

So far, worldwide appeals for Canadian officials to support the humane treatment of seals--rather than promote a commercial carnage--have gone unheard. The seals are hauled across ice with sharp boat hooks. The injured are dumped on to piles of dead animals. When confronted with proof from an international coalition of veterinarians that four out of five sealers do not confirm an animal's death before skinning, Canadian
authorities still refused to crack down on sealers. According to a 2001 report, up to 40% of seal pups were skinned alive.

I understand officials use the decline of cod populations in the North Atlantic to justify the hunt. Yet the Canadian government has never produced one peer-reviewed study to confirm a connection between harp
seals and diminishing cod. Over-fishing is the more likely culprit, as documented in a 1994 report from two of the government's own scientists.
In addition, seals consume fish that prey on cod. Thus, decimating the seal population leads to an increase in predatory fish species--ultimately worsening the cod stock's condition.

My family and friends are not comfortable spending our vacation dollars in a nation that cultivates the world's largest massacre of marine mammals. I call upon the Canadian government to address the critical problem of over-fishing, stop scapegoating seals, and permanently ban the notoriously inhumane seal hunt.

Sincerely,

Name/Country

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CHILE

PLEASE HELP PREVENT SLAUGHTER OF HUNDREDS OF DOGS

Source: Rita Fazio

As in previous years, the authorities of the city of Valparaiso, in Chile, are going to kill hundreds of stray dogs. For more information see http://www.animalweb.cl . This year the city wants to enter a United Nations program, so international pressure has more chance of preventing the killing. Please send the letter FAST, and ask everybody you know to do the same. Thank you very much. Please send the following letter to the Chilean authorities at these addresses (cut and paste):

Sample letter in English and Spanish:

alcalde@municipalidaddevalparaiso.cl,dverdessi@ssvsa.cl, lguastavinoc@interior.gov.cl, 
vgarcia@interior.gov.cl,unesco@unesco.cl,jefedpa@ssvsa.cl   

 

To the Chilean authorities,

It has come to my attention that as a result of the proposal of Valparaíso as a city of cultural heritage to UNESCO, the city authorities are about to conduct a massive killing of abandoned animals. The proposal and the killing are contradictory, since the UN has officially acknowledged universal rights of animals. I hope to see Valparaiso enter the UNESCO list of cities for cultural heritage while treating its animals in a humane manner, rather than see it denied recognition as a result of national and international public protest. As someone who is concerned for animal welfare, I call upon you to use your position to prevent the killing and thus support the world recognition of both the cultural and moral values of Valparaiso.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Name/Country

_____________________________

A las autoridades chilenas

He tenido conocimiento que a raiz de la postulacion de Valparaiso para unirse a la lista de sitios preservados por UNESCO, las autoridades de esta ciudad realizaran una matanza masiva de animales abandonados. La matanza y la postulacion son contradictorios ya que UNESCO ha reconocido oficialmente los derechos universales de los animales. Espero ver a Valparaiso entrar a la lista de sitios preservados por UNESCO mientras de un trato humanitario a sus animales, antes que sea rechazado su nombramiento debido a las protestas publicas nacionales e internacionales. Soy ciudadano de otro pais y me preocupa el bienestar de los animales. Pido a usted hacer uso de su posicion para interceder envitando la matanza y asi apoyar el reconocimiento mundial tanto del valor cultural como humano de Valparaiso.

 

Sinceramente

Name/Country

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GREECE

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SEND PROTEST EMAILS TO GREEK AUTHORITIES

2004 ATHENS OLYMPICS - GREEK ANIMALS RACE FOR THEIR LIVES

Source: Marijo Gillies and Kinship Circle

Please insert in the email the photos bellow or just sent an email only with the photos. To insert the photos please create a folder "My images" and save them to this folder. Then when you create a new email choose in the menu insert  "Picture". If you just copy/paste the photos to a new email, what happens is that the photos will not appear.

Please send the protest emails to:

Skylakakis @ cityofathens.gr,  Mail @ primeminister.gr, ax2u025 @ minagric.gr, Theophilou @ greekembassy.org, Embassy @ greekembassy.ca, gnto @ greektourism.com, MKandred @ athens2004.com, grpressny @ yahoo.com, tanea @ dol.gr  

Honorable Greek Officials:

We join the international community in a boycott of all Greek tourism, industry and commerce. We also stand firm in our boycott of the 2004 Olympic Games--unless the vicious disposal of stray cats and dogs ends, immediately and permanently.

We pray that when Greek officials and representatives of North American animal advocacy organizations convene in Athens, inertia will give way to an overhaul of the present system. We ask only that you emulate other civilized countries, with nationwide humane reforms, including: Enforced animal protection laws; well-funded shelters to protect and rehome animals; mandatory neutering, vaccination and microchip identification programs; and spay/neuter/release programs for animals on the streets.

As recently as May 31, Lucy, Robin, at least seven more dogs, and an untold number of cats succumbed to weed killer laced inside bits of steak scattered around a schoolyard on the Aegean island of Skopelos. These individuals had names and meaning for the 250 students who regularly fed, walked and played with them at Peparitheio primary school.

This is not the first time illegal poisonings have left animals hideously mangled and dead. But this time the bait was arbitrarily dispersed where any curious child could have handled it, licked a finger, and died. If the tears of school children, distraught over the death of their beloved companions, don't reach you--perhaps the prospect of human causalities will. Please address the violence against animals in your country.

Apathy does not solve the problem. New animal protection legislation, currently stranded before Parliament, does nothing to safeguard animals. But worldwide media attention DOES do something. It jeopardizes the projected financial outcome of the Games.

I fully support any nationwide efforts to outlaw mass poisonings, punish animal abusers and improve the system of municipal shelters. I look forward to your feedback.

Thank you,

Name/Country

The Ancient City of Athens

A DREAM VACATION?

THE REALITY BEHIND THE DREAM

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POLAND

JOURNEY TO DEATH - THE LIVE EXPORT OF HORSES FOR MEAT FROM POLAND

Each year, around 100,000 horses are exported from Central and Eastern Europe for slaughter in Italy, France and Belgium in what can fairly be described as one of the cruellest and least regulated aspects of Europe’s live animal trade.
Poland is the biggest exporter of live horses for slaughter in Europe. Ten years ago there were one million horses in Poland but that number has now been reduced to 500,000. Nevertheless, each year, 87,000 leave Poland to be slaughtered for meat. 90 per cent go to Italy and 10 per cent to France and Belgium. Horses endure horrendously long journeys. One of the furthest destinations is Sardinia, a journey of 2500km (1500 miles) which may take as long as 95 hours. Roads are often extremely pot-holed and drivers usually travel too fast.

Where do the horses come from?
Horses of all shapes and sizes are sold for slaughter but the majority are heavy working horses, chestnut in colour and gentle in nature. Most horses are owned privately. There are also many racehorses and riding school horses. Often horses come from Lithuania and as far as Russia through Poland and on to Italy. Many horses are old, diseased, injured and even blind and because of the high demand, even fit and healthy horses, and youngsters are sold. Foals are thought to be a ‘health food’ so are highly sought after. Paperwork for horses is often false so it is impossible to ascertain horses true backgrounds. Horse theft is common, as thieves know that they can easily obtain false certificates of origin. The biggest horse market is in Skaryszew, South of Warsaw where thousands of horses are sold .

Who owns the trade?
The major registered horse traders in Poland are: Animex SA Warsaw (Owned by Smithfields Foods USA) and Cosmos Czestochowa. The average price a horse fetches is £250.

Why Polish horses?
Consumers in Italy demand vast amounts of horsemeat - thousands of tonnes. Italy’s terrain is unsuitable for horses as much of it is mountainous. Polish horses pay the price as they are relatively cheap to buy and laws and regulations are easily broken. Polish drivers are told not to water their horses. Italians demand ‘unsaturated meat’ so drivers are told that watering the horses will give them colic. This has no scientific reasoning and is a complete fallacy. There is clearly no consideration for the welfare of the horses.

The Journey
The dangers the horses face include overcrowding, which can result in them falling and being trampled on. These dangers increase as the journey progresses because of the practice of loading additional horses en route through Poland.

There is a notorious lack of veterinary inspection, so by the time the horses reach the Czech border, they are often ill or injured. It is supposedly illegal to transport diseased or injured animals from Poland and these horses should be off loaded. Viva!’s investigation reveals however, that sick and injured horses are being transported and rest periods are being ignored. After just a three hour break - rather than 24 hours required by law - horses are reloaded onto the lorries to continue their last journey regardless of their condition.

From Cieszyn, the horses are trucked all the way to Slovenia through the Czech Republic and then onwards through Slovakia and Hungary. This circuitous route is to avoid the stricter veterinary controls presently in force in Austria. Although common this practice is illegal and prolongs the travelling time for many hours. The swaying trucks make it difficult for the horses to remain upright, especially when they are tightly tethered to the vehicle bars. This is carried out to stop them biting each other and is prohibited by law.

Often horses lose their balance inside the lorry and fall. Once down, they are likely to be trampled and wounded by their companions. For injured horses and smaller ponies and foals, this combination of overcrowding and lack of segregation by size can be deadly. Downed horses may be unable to rise again, resulting in their struggling desperately to regain their feet, being urinated and defecated on and stood on, often trampled to death.

Upon arrival at staging points, fallen horses are either dragged off the truck with chains or are subjected to violent treatment to induce them to stand. This can involve brutal kickings, beatings with heavy sticks or having an electric cattle prod inserted into their rectum. By the time horses reach Hungary, just half way through their journey, most are injured, exhausted and dehydrated. Some are already dying or dead.

Horses enter the EU at Goriozia in Northern Italy, on the Slovenian border, by which time increasing numbers are in an advanced stage of physical and mental deterioration or dead. Many still face long journeys - on to the west coast of Italy and onwards by ferry to Sardinia.

At the slaughterhouse
Arriving at the abattoir, horses are again brutally treated, driven are dragged into the killing factory. The normal process of slaughter is stunning - required by law - followed by throat cutting. The method of stunning is the captive bolt pistol, which drives a metal bolt into the forehead. All too often this process is ignored or done incompetently and the horses regain consciousness while their throats are being slit. Many are slaughtered in full view of their companions, which is a further contravention of the law.

The law
Animal Welfare Act of Republic of Poland (August 21, 1997) states:
Art.5. Every animal requires humane treatment
Art.6.1. a. It is not allowed by the law to hit animals with hard and sharp objects or made to cause extraordinary pain, hitting their head, belly, lower parts of their legs.
b. Transporting animals - including farm animals , animals destined for slaughter and animals destined for market - by carrying them or making them walk in such a way that causes unnecessary suffering or stress.

Ordinance by the minister of transport and maritime economy of the republic of Poland of June 30, 1998 on specific rules and conditions of carriage animals

1. In the carriage of animals the carrier is obliged to use means of transport suitable for the given animals species and age group.
2. They should: Provide enough space for each animal, allowing it to stand or lie down;
3. Have insulated walls and roofing to protect animals against weather impact;
4. Provide sufficient ventilation, and if necessary, heating;
5. Have enough bedding material to absorb excreta and ensure animal comfort and safety;
6. To be fitted with facilities making animal feeding and watering possible and ensure access to each animal.

All these laws have been seen to be broken.

Effectiveness of EU laws
Viva!’s research shows that the EU’s Transport Directive is little more than a cynical device which allows a largely uncontrolled trade to continue without regulation, inspection or sanctions. As virtually no independent inspection is carried out throughout the entire EU, live exports are an uncontrolled free-for-all and animals crossing into the EU from Poland and other countries can expect no better welfare controls than exist in Poland. Just as Polish laws are routinely ignored, so are EU laws.

The conditions in which animals are transported demeans all those who participate in the trade and all those who allow it to happen in their name without protest. Legislators in all EU countries have quite clearly placed the profits of the livestock industry above the suffering of animals.

Conclusion
The profitability of this uncontrolled and unregulated trade is dependent upon defying the law. The implementation of Poland’s existing Animal Welfare Act would go a long way towards protecting the horses and would make the industry unprofitable. This in turn would cause an end to the live export of horses for meat.

There must be a proper implementation and enforcement of permitted journey times, strict guidelines for those operating the border controls and an immediate implementation of the EU Directive’s eight-hour maximum journey time by France.

Please send protest letters to:

 polishembassy@polishembassy.org.uk, cirinfo@kprm.gov.pl ,
listy@prezydent.pl , Rzecznik.Prasowy@minrol.gov.pl ,
emblondon@embitaly.org.uk

With CC to Mr. David Byrne

David.Byrne@cec.eu.int

Dear Sir/Madam,

I'm appalled that Poland exports horses for meat. Poland is the biggest  exporter of live horses for slaughter in Europe - 87,000 each year.

Most of the exported horses are sent to Italy, which involves horrendously long journeys. Horses destined for Sardinia travel 2500km which takes some 95 hours.

The trucks are extremely overcrowded. Horses often lose their balance and fall, struggling desperately to regain their feet. Once down, they are likely to be trampled, urinated, defecated on and wounded by their
companions. Resting periods are often ignored and horses are reloaded regardless of their condition.

At the slaughterhouse, stunning methods can be performed incompletely if at all, so that the animals regain consciousness while their throats are being slit. Many are slaughtered in full view of their companions.The laws that do exist are not enforced so that even injured and diseased horses are made to travel without rest.

I demand that Poland bans the live export of horses for meat immediately.
This cruelty must stop.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated"- Gandhi.

Yours sincerely

Name/Country

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PORTUGAL

UPDATE - CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHARITABLE BULLFIGHT STAGED BY APTT 21

INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT AGAINST BULLFIGHTS

After launching this campaign on the 4/6/2003, the International Movement Against Bullfights was contacted via email by two different people.

The first email we received said that the person who was organising the bullfight was a bullfight lover who had nothing to do with the association in question and he just intended to raise money to help these children.

The second was from an associate of this charity, who claimed to not be a bullfight lover and that he actually disliked bullfights. He went on to state that the bullfight was being organised by some members of the charity to raise funds to help these children, and that he was outraged that we would launch a campaign against a bullfight the proceeds of which would go to the charity.

He also stated in his email that the majority of people who wrote to protest probably did not know what Trisomy 21 was.

They just don't understand that to use animal torture to help children who love animals and to give these children and their families money stained with blood is not acceptable and is instead outrageous. Children who suffer from Down Syndrome are invariably very sensitive and loving.

Associação Portuguesa de Portadores de Trissomia 21

Rua Dr. José Espirito Santo, Lote 49, Loja 1

1900-672 Lisboa

Portugal

TEL 00 351 21  837 16 99,
FAX: 00 351 21 837 17 12

E-mail: appt21@net.sapo.pt

 

Ladies, Gentlemen,

 

Staging a bullfight to raise money for children and their families is immoral and unethical.

How can you justify the torture of animals to raise money for your charity?

Don't you realize that you are just being used by people without scrupules that make their riches by torturing animals?

The ends don't justify the means.

Besides, how much money will these torturers and animal abusers give to your charity? Some crumbs whilst they will pocket the major slice of the cake.

Do you realize that these sensitive children you are willing to help would be deeply shocked if they knew where this money came from? All children love animals and for them the torture of animals is traumatic. Children with Down Syndrome are especially sensitive.

Please cancel this bullfight and don't accept this tainted money.

 

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SLOVENIA

THE SLAUGHTER OF SLOVENIAN BEARS

Source: Maria Borremans

Slovenian bears

More than one hundred bears have been killed in Slovenia since the hunting season opened on October 1 and the hunt is yet to stop. The slaughtery of104 bears represented more than a quarter of the total Slovenian bear
population and about one third of its adult bears. This cull may seriously effect the status of bears not only in Slovenia, but also Croatia, Austria and Italy.
Since October 1993, large carnivores have been protected throughout the year in Slovenia.

Please write protests to these people:

Minister, Franc But, franc.but@gov.si  
Head of the Minister's Office, Bostjan Praznikar, bostjan.praznikar@gov.si
Forestry, Hunting and Fishing, Joze Sterle, joze.sterle@gov.si

Tell them how you feel about this slaughtery. Slovenia will soon enter the EU and then will be forced to follow European rules but until then the bears need your help. Be polite and tell them you will boycott their country and
products as long as they have such a policy.

For more information please visit:
http://large-carnivores-lcie.org/news84.htm

Gentlemen,

I am very sad to learn that 104 bears have been killed in Slovenia since the opening of the hunting season on October 1.....

At this rate, there will soon  be  no bears left  in your beautiful country, nor in Austria, Croatia and Italy, because animals have no frontiers and no nationality. This will be a catastrophe, not only for the unlucky bears , not only for Slovenia, but also for the environment as well as for mankind. Animals disappearing for ever due to human faults and short-sightedness is unforgivable!

Gentlemen, I know bearhunting brings quite a lot of money to Slovenia, but this is only a short term benefit: Since your country  is trying to enter the EU, please be aware that the slaughter of these unique creatures is not regarded as acceptable in most of the western world.

I hope you will change your view on this matter and protect your bears.

Thank you for your attention and I await your  reply,

Yours truly,

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UNITED KINGDOM

Britain's back-down over dog and cat fur ban

Source: ITD http://itstheirdestiny.2kat.net

By allowing these sickening imports provided that they are "clearly labelled", the British Government is condoning and legitimising the trade in the skins of companion animals.

So why the blatant U-turn? Does the Government believe that dogs and cats are not skinned alive to prevent the loss of fur from their skins? No.

Does it believe that these poor animals are 'farmed' humanely? No.

Does it even think that, if these creatures were not subjected to unimaginable cruelty, the British people would find these products acceptable? No.

And does it seriously believe that Chinese exporters can be trusted to label fur items accurately? Of course not!

We can only conclude that the British Labour Government is frightened that such a ban would incur the wrath of the World Trade Organisation and possibly the European Union (now that it has been revealed that Belgium also indulges in this foul trade).

When we consider that the USA and Italy have already instituted bans on the import of such fur products, the UK position can only be considered as political cowardice. If this trade is to be banned throughout the EU, it can only be done by other countries supporting the Italian stance.

Today as I write this, the author is ashamed to be British.

                 

ENGLISH NEWSPAPER PRAISES BULLFIGHTS

INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT AGAINST BULLFIGHTS

 

The London newspaper "Evening Standard" published last 11th June an article where they compare David Beckham to the bullkiller "El Juli", please see complete article bellow.

Please send your comments to the Editorial at editor@thisislondon.co.uk

Dear Editor,

I was shocked to read your article "Golden Bulls" (Evening Standard, 11th June) where you compared David Beckham to the Spanish matador Julian Lopez Escobar, naming him as the "world's greatest matador" (sic).

You say "El Juli" is the "darling" of Spain!
The reality is that "El Juli" is not the "darling" of Spain, nor will he ever be.

This matador earns a lot of money (as you state in your article), by torturing and killing bulls. Every year in Spain 50,000 bulls die in the cruellest manner to entertain a perverse minority.

Your praise of Spanish matadors reinforces the false and racially biased stereotype that bullfighting is a popular Spanish "sport". Several polls show that more than 70% of Spanish people are opposed to bullfights.Were you also aware that ALL European citizens contribute through EU taxes (whether they wish to or not) to subsidize bull breeders???

Instead of publishing articles like this, may I suggest that you try to present more balanced, better informed reports to your readers?

Sincerely

Name/Country

__________________________

Golden bulls
By Patrick Sawer and Graham Keeley, Evening Standard
11 June 2003

So there is now a chance that David Beckham may pay homage to Catalonia and move to Barcelona.

Although he is furious that Manchester United are negotiating his future while he tours the world, the England captain has been offered to Barca should Joan Laporta be elected president of the Spanish footballing giant.

As well as coveting his abilities on the pitch, Barcelona are keen to cash in on the midfielder's marketing and merchandising potential, particularly in the Far East.
 
But before England's captain is forced to grab the bull by the horns and pack his bags, it emerges that the biggest threat to his superhero status may not be Ronaldo, Raul or indeed any another footballer.

Step forward Julian Lopez Escobar, bullfighter. Spain's leading sporting icon, he is feted as the world's greatest matador.

At the age of 20, "El Juli" is the darling of Spain. His baby-faced looks may be more Michael Owen but, when it comes to adoration and remuneration, he will give "Golden Balls" - Victoria's pet name for her husband - a run for his money. "This is the Mozart of bullfighting," said aficionado Juan Carlos Arevalo.

El Juli is paid £10,000 to £15,000 a bullfight but his price can soar to £50,000 for a major one. Just like Beckham he has swelled his bank balance through sponsorship and advertising deals. His face was used to promote Seat cars, adding fuel to the phenomenon dubbed "Juli-mania".

Like Becks, he has a Posh - although she is a real one: he is dating Rosario Domecq, heir to the Domecq wine and spirit empire. If the pair were to marry their combined income would dwarf the Beckhams' net worth - and make their castle wedding in Ireland look a modest affair.

The deal to take Beckham to Barcelona will only go through if Laporta triumphs in Sunday's club election. Should all go to plan, the Beckhams will find themselves in a city with much to offer - especially for Victoria's wardrobe. Exclusive stores abound along the fashionable Paseig de Gracia: from Gucci to Armani, Furla to Hermes, as well as home-grown labels such as Custo.

Of an evening they could take a stroll along the Ramblas, pop into a stylish restaurant and dine on arr??egre( stuffed squid served with rice cooked in the creature's ink), then get down at trendy club Danceteria.

The couple will be able to pick from glamorous homes in suburb Pedralbes, which once boasted Maradona as a resident. But if they want to recreate Beckingham Palace on the coast of the Mediterranean, they will be laughed at.

Catalans will not care for what they see as vulgar opulence, says Marta Elcacho, a social commentator in Barcelona: "This is not the Catalan way. If you have money you do not show it off. You are discreet."

And Posh may have to suffer the ignominy of being a relative unknown again: throughout the pages of Hola! magazine Mrs Beckham is known just for being the wife of David. However the couple will find it hard to flee the media spotlight, as the private club culture which guarantees the couple some refuge in London does not exist in Barcelona.

Spaniard John Benages, 67, who lived in England for more than 30 years before returning home, said: "I think they would love Barcelona, it's a brilliant place. It has great nightlife, a lively harbour and mountains nearby. The people are friendly and if they love food they could eat out every day and never want fish and chips. I was born here and can tell you it's not like Manchester."

Their credentials:

JULIAN LOPEZ ESCOBAR, MATADOR

Nickname: El Juli

Age: 20

Profession: world's number one bullfighter, and winner of many a Spanish teenager's heart

Appearance: so clean-cut he makes Jehovah's Witnesses look rugged

Home: lives with his parents in a small village near Madrid

Fame: a household name in Spain. The Spanish call it "Juli-mania"

Fortune: killing bulls has made El Juli a a wealthy young man. Paid up to £50,000 for major bullfights. With his father predicting that he could fight 150 times this season alone, his bank balance is likely to continue to be healthy

Injuries: a high-risk job but, so far, he has escaped with gorings to his left leg and thigh - along with numerous minor scars

He says: "I'm not at all superstitious. But when you pray, it calms you a little."

ROBERT JOSEPH BECKHAM, FOOTBALLER

Nickname: Becks

Age: 28
Profession: A-list celebrity, pop-star husband, model, walking sponsorship logo ... oh, and he plays a bit of football too

Appearance: very toned, ever-changing blond locks. Appeals to lads, girls and gay men

Homes: a £2.6 million property in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire (dubbed Beckingham Palace), and an £850,000 barn conversion in Wilmslow, Cheshire

Fame: a global marketing phenomenon, though not in America, where he was greeted as "David Who?"

Fortune: at £50 million, Becks is worth twice as much as any other young British sports star. Earned £5 million from Manchester United last year. Deals with adidas, Pepsi, Brylcreem, Vodafone and M&S swelled the coffers further

Injuries: that fractured metatarsal bone in his left foot, and now that broken scaphoid bone in his hand

He says: not a lot.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/5259628?source=Evening%20Standard

 

_________________________________

 

GOOD NEWS

 

THE GREYHOUND STADIUM IN LIVERPOOL WILL NOT BE CONSTRUCTED

 

In October of 2002 we inserted a campaign to avoid the construction of a greyhound stadium in Liverpool, well thanks to all the letters sent by you the stadium will not be constructed.

 

Source :Greyhound Action

Our heartfelt thanks to all those who send letters/messages to the Liverpool City councillors opposing the plans.
This is the third time in four years that proposals to build another major greyhound stadium in England have failed.
We will keep our ears to the ground about any attempt by the Greyhound Racing Association to appeal the decision and will mount a campaign to fight this, if and when it happens.

 

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PETITIONS

End Live Dog Labs at UCSD

http://www.PetitionPetition.com/cgi/petition.cgi?id=5393

Petition against Welsh grants for puppy farmers

http://www.ethical-business.com/?sect=detail&pet=619

The Shame of Project Elephant

http://www.thePetitionSite.com/takeaction/149004418

Save Endangered Rainforest Species – Stop Ladia Galaska Roads

http://www.orangutans-sos.org/campaign.htm

Stop the tortures at El Rocío

www.PetitionOnline.com/tortures/petition.html

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