SUPPORT SEA SHEPHERD

OPERATION: WALTZING MATILDA

On December 7, 2009, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society launched their
6th whale defense, Operation Waltzing Matilda. The Sea Shepherd vessels,
Steve Irwin and Ady Gil, set sail for the Southern Ocean to once again
confront the murderous Japanese whale poachers. This was released today
by Sea Shepherd:

Tuesday, December 22, 2009


Water Cannon Battle In Frigid Seas

Report from Captain Paul Watson

From the Steve Irwin
1445 Hours
December 22nd, 2009
61 Degrees 59 Minutes South
148 Degrees 47 Minutes East

The Japanese harpoon vessel Shonan Maru No. 2 is engaging in some very
bizarre activities.

At 1300 Hours, the Japanese vessel moved in with water cannons blazing.
As they came closer, they turned on their LRAD's and surprisingly they
began to broadcast the following message over their loudspeaker: "Steve
Irwin, cease your aggressive action. Stop your aggressive action. We
have the authority to repel you."

This was followed by, "Warning, warning. This is Shonan Maru No. 2's
Captain. Stop your destructive actions immediately or we will have to
hold you to Federal law."

It is ridiculous to accuse the Steve Irwin of attacking the Shonan Maru
No. 2. The Japanese vessel is much faster. The crew of the Steve Irwin
has been trying to get the Shonan Maru No. 2 off their trail for eleven
days.

The Shonan Maru No. 2 set off the collision alert system fourteen times
as it chased and circled the Steve Irwin.

The crew of the Steve Irwin managed to deploy a stern protection line.
The Shonan Maru No. 2 ran over the 100-meter long line and snapped it
and then backed off. Water cannons from both ships made the crew on both
ships very wet but there were no direct hits causing any injuries. (more
- see: http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/news-091222-1.html)

You can access previous reports of the progress and confrontations with
the Japanese at:

http://www.seashepherd.org/matilda/campaign-updates.html



TODAYS ACTIONS:

Action #1

Please support our friends at Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the
whales:

http://www.seashepherd.org/


You can purchase Sea Shepherd merchandise at their store:

http://shop.seashepherd.org/store/default.aspx


You can purchase the new Operation Waltzing Matilda t-shirts and other
merchandise here:

http://shop.seashepherd.org/store/category.aspx?c=campaign_for_whales(base)


Action #2

Visit WAR's newly created "Doodle Wall" where you can draw a holiday
message for the crew of the Steve Irwin:

http://doodlewall.com/war-seashepherd/


Action #3

Help Sea Shepherd defend the whales. Contact the Embassy and the New
York City Consulate Office today or later this week, ask them to stop
their illegal whale hunting and to stop attacking the Sea Shepherds:

Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki
Embassy of Japan in the USA
2520 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 1.202.238.6700 or 6900
Fax: 202.328.2187
e-mail: jicc@embjapan.org


Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya
Japanese Consulate General
299 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10171
Phone: 1.212.371.8222
Fax: 1.212. 371.1294
e-mail: inquiry@ny.cgj.org


If you do not live in the United States, go to the following link to
find your closest Embassy or Consulate office:

http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Japan/Japan.html


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, contact:
centcom@war-online.org


Visit the WAR Calendar for future events:
http://calendar.yahoo.com/winanimalrights

Visit the WAR MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/winanimalrights

Visit WAR on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Win-Animal-Rights/25169195791


For more info contact Win Animal Rights at: winanimalrights@optonline.net

Call: 646.267.9934 or visit the WAR website at: http://war-online.org

Special Alert! Help Quarantined Yellowstone Bison!

** SPECIAL ALERT! **
Buffalo Field Campaign


Dear Friends of the Buffalo,

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has released a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on the translocation of quarantined Yellowstone bison and is seeking your input through January 12, 2010.

FWP's preferred alternative outlines the agency's intention to hand over 74 Yellowstone bison to billionaire Ted Turner, setting the dangerous precedent of commercializing public bison. BFC has strongly opposed quarantine, alternatively advocating for wild bison to be naturally restored on their historic range via protected habitat and migration corridors. That said, it is important that bison advocates try to help these quarantined Yellowstone buffalo get out of captivity and be released onto public and/or tribal lands, as was the stated goal of the Quarantine Feasibility Study.

Learn more and TAKE ACTION NOW!
Comments are due January 12, 2010.

Alternatively, you may mail your comments to:
Bison Translocation
Wildlife Division
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
Email: QFBison@mt.gov


Thank you so much for being a voice for America's last wild population of buffalo!
Roam Free,

Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org

http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org


BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.

KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

SPEAK OUT AGAINST COYOTE KILLING ‘TOURNAMENT’ IN MAINE

ACTION ALERT
SPEAK OUT AGAINST COYOTE KILLING ‘TOURNAMENT’ IN MAINE

Right now in Northern Maine (Jackman), predator hunters are killing coyotes as part of a contest “tournament.” Sponsored by the Jackman-Moose River Region Chamber of Commerce, the “kill” runs from December 16th through January 30, 2010. Prizes are awarded for those hunters who kill both the most coyotes and the largest individuals. Ethics aside, random coyote killing will do nothing to protect Maine’s deer herds, as tournament sponsors contend. A copious and growing body of literature shows that coyote population reduction efforts through lethal control are futile, given the species’ resiliency and ability to biologically rebound.


WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1- Contact the Jackman-Moose River Region Chamber of Commerceand express your concern about this hunt. Points to convey:

· Let them know that their name as a Chamber of Commerce will be deeply tarnished by their support of this blood sport.
· The principles behind tournament/bounty systems are ecologically and socially flawed, and no federal or state wildlife agencies endorse this as a viable coyote management strategy.

· If you live outside of Maine, convey that you will not be spending your tourist dollars in Jackman until they stop sponsoring coyote/predator killing contest hunts — and that you’ll encourage your friends and family to do the same.

· Let them know that you believe that this “tournament” is ethically indefensible, ecologically reckless, and counter to sound scientific wildlife management. It is important to point out that this coyote slaughter is not hunting, and is in direct opposition to Maine’s long tradition of sustenance hunting.
· As an area that prides itself on being a “working forest”, the Jackman-Moose River Region Chamber of Commerce should support forestry practices that will support adequate wintering habitat for deer – not scapegoating coyotes. As confirmed by state biologists and researchers, deer are suffering in Northern Maine from a loss of wintering habitat- not from predation.

Contact information:

Jackman-Moose River Region
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 368
Jackman, Maine 04945
Email: mooserus@jackmanmaine.org
Phone: (207) 668-4171 or 1-888-633-5225
2- Cc your letter/comments to (and call) Governor John Baldacci; urge him to tell the Jackman-Moose River Region Chamber of Commerce to call off the coyote killing “tournament” in perpetuity (in 2005 Governor Baldacci came out against a coyote contest hunt in Washington County and directed the state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife to tell “tournament” organizers to cancel the event because it was not an effective way to control the coyote population).
Contact information:
Gov. John E. Baldacci
Office of the Governor
#1 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0001
Email: governor@maine.gov
(or share your views directly through the Governor’s website:
http://www.maine.gov/governor/baldacci/contact/index.html)
Phone: 207-287-3531

************ ********* ********* ********* *
Project Coyoteis a non-profit fiscally sponsored project of Earth Island Institute that promotes educated coexistence between people and coyotes and advocates on behalf of coyotes and other native carnivores. We depend on our members and supporters to help us continue our work on behalf of America’s native “song dog.” Please join us today! All donations are tax-deductible. Visit us at http://www.projectcoyote.org/.



Project Coyote
P.O. Box 5007
Larkspur, CA 94977
415-945-3232

BRITISH AIRWAYS are offering cheap flights to rodeo events

"Of all the creatures, Man is the most detestable. Of the entire brood, He's the one that possesses malice. He is the only creature That inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. The fact that man knows Right from wrong proves His intellectual superiority To the other creatures; But the fact that he Can do wrong proves His moral inferiority To any creature that cannot."
- Mark Twain -

Dear Madam, dear Sirs,

I am writing to you to express my disappointment that BRITISH AIRWAYS are offering cheap flights to rodeo events .

To call the rodeo a form of animal abuse is no exaggeration. Because of the violent nature of rodeo events, animals commonly suffer such serious
injuries as torn ligaments, broken bones, fractured horns, internal bleeding, and even severed spinal cords or tracheas.
After a lifetime of abuse and confinement, most ultimately end their lives in the slaughterhouse.

Please have a look at this site, amongst many others. So you can see how the poor animals are taunted, tormented and abused in rodeo arenas :
http://ww.sharkonline.org

Rodeo events torment, harass and stress participating animals causing suffering, and result in injury and even death.

Rodeos are not an accurate or harmless portrayal of ranching skills; rather, they display and encourage insensitivity to the brutal treatment of animals in the name of sport.
Such disregard of our moral obligation towards other living creatures has negative impacts on society as a whole and on impressionable children in particular.

I believe that your association with rodeos will be negatively viewed by your customers once they are made aware of the cruelty involved in this so-called entertainment.

I am asking you to act by giving your assurance that you will not support any rodeos in the future and will adopt a policy of not supporting or endorsing any event that causes animals to suffer.

Yours sincerely,

12 Days of Xmas 09: Day 7 - In Memory of Lucy, Oreo & Max - Death Row Dogs

OPERATION: 12 DAYS OF XMAS '09



DAY 7: DEATH ROW DOGS
"In Memory of Lucy, Oreo and Max"

The 7th Day of the 12 Days of Xmas, we dedicate to the memory of three
that we never really knew; but, whom we loved nonetheless. Lucy touched
the hearts of many and lives on in the memory of the family she lived
with and those of us who cared about her. Lucy was killed by callous,
insensitive bureaucrats in collusion with a weak and ineffective humane
society in Sunnyvale, California. On December 20, 2007, Lucy was killed
by lethal injection. Those who loved her, her immediate family, were not
allowed to be with her when she was killed.

On November 13, 2009, the ASPCA (that's American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in case anyone has forgotten), killed
a healthy pit bull named Oreo. Oreo had suffered the abuse of being
beaten and thrown off a roof, was healed and dubbed "the miracle dog" .
She was then stuck in a cage, until she stopped being a money maker for
the ASPCA.
You would have thought that the ASPCA had learned a lesson. Instead on
December 15th, they killed another dog named Max, even though a
sanctuary offered to take Max.

On December 20, 2007, we swore we would never forget Lucy. On November
13, 2009 and again on December 15th, we made that same pledge to Oreo
and Max. They will not be forgotten.

The problem is that we have become a society of disposable "pets" or as
they should really be referred to "companion animals". Groups that
"shelter" and "euthanize" homeless animals are enablers. They allow
society to have a convenient way to make the problem go away.
Tragically, millions of animals are needlessly killed because of apathy
and for our convenience.

ACTION #1:

Our action for Lucy will last from today until Christmas. Please send a
message to David Kahn, the person primarily responsible for having Lucy
killed. Remind him that during the holiday season, he should remember
what he did to Lucy and her family 2 years ago. If you would rather
send a graphic message, go to the following link, where you will find a
graphic image that you can fax to David Kahn:

http://war-online.org/Alert_LucyMemorial.htm

Access to a free internet fax service can be found here:

http://faxzero.com/


If you would rather phone David Kahn, he has a new number: 1-408-730-7464

ACTION #2:

Stop the Killing

In a previous alert, we mentioned the work of No Kill Solutions
(http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/
) and the author of: Redemption:
The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America by
Nathan Winograd (http://www.nathanwinograd.com/
). As a follow up to
Redemption, Nathan Winograd has just published: Irreconcilable
Difference: The Battle for the Heart and Soul of America's Animal
Shelters.

Here is a link where you can purchase both books (the books can also be
purchased at places like Amazon.com):

http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?page_id=164


We highly recommend that you read both books to understand the paradigm
change that is needed to implement "No Kill".

ACTION #3:

If you support organizations that are not supportive of "No Kill" and
that instead justify the killing of homeless animals (ASPCA, Peta, HSUS)
please let them know what you think. Your donations speak VOLUMES to
these organizations. If you stop or reduce your giving to the ones that
are advocating killing healthy homeless animals, make sure to let them
know why you have stopped giving. By the same token, let the
organizations you support know what they are doing that you like.

By the same token, please support those organizations that promote "No
Kill". Grassroots groups that pull animals from kill shelters are
overworked, under appreciated and severely under funded. Please don't
make "convenient" donations. Give consideration to who you are
contributing to. Do some research and find out what the group is doing
and make sure that your donation is not going to fill needles with Fatal
Plus to snuff out the lives of innocent animals who want only to live.

Visit the WAR Calendar for future events:
http://calendar.yahoo.com/winanimalrights

Visit the WAR MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/winanimalrights

Visit the WAR Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Win-Animal-Rights/25169195791



For more info contact Win Animal Rights at: centcom@war-online.org

Call: 646.267.9934 or visit the WAR website at: http://war-online.org

AnimalVoicesNews&Alert

Take action by ASAPInfo Source: Hilary Wood, President and Founder (Snail Mail)Front Range Equine RescuePO Box 8807, Pueblo, CO 81008-8807Charity Navigator: Four Star CharityWon a lawsuit in Agusut against the BLM to stop the roundup of the West Douglas Creek herd in Colorado.
1. PETITION: Stop the BLM Roundups!
<https://www.ifr-ors.com/ors_2_live/clients/FRER/savewildmustangs/index.cfm?A=1312>
And send directly
2. LETTER/EMAIL/POST CARD: (edited; please personalize)
BLM Director Robert Abbey 1849 C Street NW, Rm. 5665Washington DC 20240 <Robert_Abbey@blm.gov>
I believe in preserving our American mustangs -- wild and free. I am outraged by and object to the cruel and wasteful BLM roundups that are decimating herds in the West. I am particularly upset about the recent massive roundup of Cloud¹s herd in the Pryor Mountains of Montana.The American Mustang is part of our heritage and worth preserving. Please stop the roundups as well as proposals to kill wild horses in government holding facilities.Sincerely,Your name and full address
~~~~~~~~end~~~~~~~~~>
Judy Reed
AnimalVoicesSpeaking For Animals & Their Environment
You are invited to read past articles and alerts, subscribe, or unsubscribe at:AnimalVoicesNews: www.groups-beta.google.com/group/AnimalVoicesNews
AnimalVoicesAlerts: www.groups-beta.google.com/group/AnimalVoicesAlerts

AnimalVoicesNews&Alert

LETTER: Stop the polar bear's slide towards extinction
Cyberact: Prepared letter on line (may be edited): <https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1665&autologin=true&amp> or send directly (edited sample below)
Info Source: NRDC~~~Please Personalize Sample Letter~~~> unedited/Judy.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar United States Department of the Interior 1849 C. Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 phone: (202) 208-3100
Home Page: <http://www.doi.gov/?src=> <webteam@ios.doi.gov >
Web Email: <http://www.doi.gov/contact.html>
Email: <Secretary_of_the_Interior@ios.doi.gov>
Re: Stop the polar bear's slide towards extinction
Dear Secretary Salazar,
I commend you for proposing a strong designation of critical habitat for the polar bear in America's Arctic. However, I urge you to expand and strengthen this designation in the months ahead. Many essential habitat areas, both occupied and unoccupied, remain unprotected. For example, critical habitat protections must extend to the entire coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as well as all other coastal lands areas where polar bears den.Meanwhile, I am alarmed that even as you act to protect polar bears, you have approved two permits to allow Shell Oil to drill exploratory wells in both the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. This industrial activity would put polar bears at even greater risk, and also threaten whales, walruses, seals and all Arctic wildlife. No technology exists to clean up spilled oil in icy waters.Numerous scientists, Arctic residents and policy experts agree that there must be a timeout on all leasing, drilling and exploration activities until a comprehensive precautionary conservation and development plan -- based on sound science and traditional knowledge --is developed and implemented. The Commerce Department recently adopted this approach in approving a plan that prohibits fishing in the Arctic Ocean until more science can be gathered in the region showing that this activity will not be detrimental. Please do everything in your power to stop the polar bear's slide toward extinction by extending its critical habitat and rejecting harmful industrialization of that habitat.Sincerely,Your name and full address
~~~~~~~end~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
Judy Reed
AnimalVoicesSpeaking For Animals & Their Environment
You are invited to read past articles and alerts, subscribe, or unsubscribe at:AnimalVoicesNews: www.groups-beta.google.com/group/AnimalVoicesNews
AnimalVoicesAlerts: www.groups-beta.google.com/group/AnimalVoicesAlerts

OPERATION: 12 DAYS OF XMAS '09

OPERATION: 12 DAYS OF XMAS '09
In Defense of Pit Bulls



PIT BULLS:
MALIGNED, DEMONIZED & PERSECUTED

This year's Operation: 12 Days of Xmas kicks off on a very serious note.
On December 15, 2009, Win Animal Rights will be represented in the Kings
County courtroom where Fabian Henderson will be sentenced for the crime
of abusing a young female pit bull named Oreo. Fabian Henderson beat
her and threw her off the roof of a 6 story building. As the result of a
plea deal, Henderson was to get off without any jail time. He missed his
sentencing hearing and as a result, he may now receive jail time. We
will see on Tuesday if Oreo will get any justice from the courts.

Meanwhile, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals), after using Oreo shamelessly for fundraising, finished the job
that Fabian Henderson started, by sentencing Oreo to death by lethal
injection on November 13, 2009. Ed Sayres, CEO of the "A" and Victoria
Wells, the uncertified behaviorist, who had Oreo killed will not be
facing a judge for their crimes. Instead they are planning to execute
another pit bull.

Tonight, that pit bull awaits death in a cage at the "A". His name is
Max. He will be fed a last meal of "premium kibble" (whatever that is)
and tomorrow he will die at the hands of the ASPCA, which has the
audacity to refer to itself as a No Kill Shelter.

The root of the problem is twofold. We have an unskilled, uncertified
"animal behaviorist", Victoria Wells. Whistleblowers at the "A" report
that she has substance abuse issues. It is clear from pictures and
videos that she has problems dealing with certain types of dogs. And we
have a CEO that is arrogant and insensitive not only to the plight of
the animals, but also to his own staff, as he bullies and blackmails
them into submission. His response to questions or criticism is that if
a staffer does not agree with a decision, they are free to leave their
job at the ASPCA. Not to mention his utter disregard for the animal
advocacy constituency.

And on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 3:00 PM, this dastardly duo will
claim yet another victim: Max.

Who will fight for Max? Who will mourn Max? Sadly, caring staff at the
ASPCA will mourn him just like they grieved over poor Oreo. We, at Win
Animal Rights, will fight for Max, and for Oreo, and for Bruce, and for
Lucy. We will fight shelters like the ASPCA, not because we want
to......but because WE MUST.

If we allow animal protection organizations to kill pit bulls with
impugnity, their blood would be just as much on our hands as it is on
theirs. If we allow organizations to operate behind a shroud of
indifference, then we are as much to blame as they are.
ACTIONS NEEDED:

1. PLEASE ASK THE ASPCA TO RECONSIDER THEIR DECISION TO KILL MAX
(remember we only have until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 15, 2009)

2. You can sign the petition calling for Ed Sayres' resignation here:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/demand-resignation-of-aspca-pres-ed-sayre


3. Contact Ed Sayres & Victoria Wells:

Mr. Ed Sayres
President & CEO
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
424 E. 92nd St
New York, NY 10128-6804

e-mail: esayres@aspca.org


Telephone: 1-212-876-7700 Ext. 4603

His secretary, Christine is at: 1-212-876-7700 ext. 4600

Victoria Wells
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
424 E. 92nd St
New York, NY 10128-6804

e-mail: vwells@aspca.org

victoria@wellsanimalservices.com


Telephone: 1-212-876-7700 Ext. 4422

4. Plan to join our protests and candlelight vigils. Protests will be
held this week at the ASPCA and at the homes of the decision makers of
the ASPCA. Please look for announcements later in the week.

We leave you with two poems and a video that resonated with us. We
dedicate this day to Oreo and to Max and all other pit bulls, pit bull
mixes and the many breeds that are mistaken for pit bulls.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

American Pit Bull Terriers

Their love is like no other; their heart is pure as gold.
Yet while going on a friendly walk, they're faced with stares of cold.
They're so very close to human, in how they act and what they do.
Unless you've known their devoted love, it's impossible to explain to you.
They are greatly more MISUNDERSTOOD than any other breed.
We tend to punish this loyal dog, instead of mankind's deeds.
They are always and forever clowns, with a wish for center stage.
Yet while displaying this sense of humor, most people disengage.
They, oh, so want to make new friends, and run and jump and play.
yet when they happily approach, most people shy away.
Often I've seen children poke, or hop on for a ride.
And when I felt they might get mad, they've only beamed with pride.
I've seen these children yank and pull, with nary a reaction.
Yet media's not interested, unless they've put someone in traction.
They love to snuggle up real close, to give lots of loves and kisses.
Yet they suffer more than any, from unfair prejudices.
What animal do I speak of, whose love is so unique?
If you've truly known one, you know of whom I speak.
There is no creature on this earth who will ever make you merrier.
The animal I do speak of, it's the American Pit Bull Terrier.

by: Patty Letawsky

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A Pit Bulls' Right to Be

I went for a walk the other day,
to clear my head, when along the way.
I came upon a sight to sorry to see,
a beaten pit bull looking up at me.

She had been fought, and lost my guess,
Thrown away like all the rest.
In her eyes, I saw a love so deep,
a deep hardened anger into my soul did creep.

I put the anger aside, and bent down to hold,
this beautiful creature, so lonely and cold.
I knew she was dying, she knew it too,
and she would die in my arms, me saying I love you.

We sat for awhile, looking into each other's eyes,
and no one could hear our sad, sad cries.
With her last little strength, she licked my face,
and then went away with a beautiful grace.

I walked away a different soul,
Anger and hatred would take their toll.
I was so lost in anger and grief,
my life was being stolen, by an invisible thief.

I looked for a purpose, and soon I did see,
I had to fight, for a pit bulls right to be.
Pit bulls are loyal, loving, honest, and true,
and sweet pit bulls, I'll always be fighting for you.

by: C. Hamilton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Save our Beloved Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91MvpSWsW3Y


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions feel free to contact
us at: centcom@war-online.org

Visit the WAR Calendar for future events:
http://calendar.yahoo.com/winanimalrights

Visit the WAR MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/winanimalrights

Visit WAR on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Win-Animal-Rights/25169195791


Coming events: Mark your calendars now!

Friday, December 18th - SHAC Global Day of Action - Fortress Investment
Other HLS actions and ASPCA protests will be announced soon.

"If you care about the animals and the earth: GO VEGAN & BUY CRUELTY FREE!"

For more info contact Win Animal Rights at: winanimalrights@optonline.net

Call: 646.267.9934 or visit the WAR website at: http://war-online.org

BUAV News Alert: Ricky Gervais and Chrissie Hynde join BUAV call to end shocking and cruel animal botox tests

For immediate release 15th December 2009 Ricky Gervais and Chrissie Hynde join BUAV call to end shocking and cruel animal botox tests The BUAV is delighted that Ricky Gervais and Chrissie Hynde have joined its call to end the cruelty and suffering inflicted on mice for botox products. The campaign has been launched following a BUAV investigation that has revealed for the first time graphic and disturbing evidence of the suffering inflicted on hundreds of thousands of mice for botox testing and is calling on botox manufacturers such as Ipsen, Allergan and Merz-Pharma, to put an end to this appalling cruelty. Botox is used by huge numbers of people worldwide for cosmetic or vanity purposes – temporarily smoothing away wrinkles to enable people to look younger. While botox products undoubtedly have medical uses, a major use is for cosmetic purposes whether they are licensed for this use or used 'off-label.' The revelations of the suffering involved with just about every batch of botox that hits the high street has shocked members of the public and celebrities alike. The animal test used is the archaic poisoning test LD50 (lethal dose 50 - this is the dose at which 50% of the mice would be expected to die when injected with the toxin), one of the cruellest and most controversial tests carried out on animals. The test involves injecting mice in the abdomen with the botulinum toxin (botox). Within hours, signs of poisoning start to show. Many mice suffer increasing paralysis and difficulty breathing and then, if left unattended, will eventually suffocate to death. The level of suffering is appalling. No pain relief is given. There are alternatives available that the BUAV believes can be used instead of the cruel LD50, including a test called the SNAP-25. This method does not use live animals but instead measures the activity of the toxin in a test tube, can be used to replace the mouse LD50 tests. BUAV spokesperson, Sarah Kite said: “We are grateful for the support of celebrities such as Ricky Gervais and Chrissie Hynde. Animals should not have to continue to pay for our vanity by suffering and dying in these horrendous tests. Please join our call to help put an end to this unacceptable cruelty once and for all.” For further information contact Carla Owen on +44 (0) 207 700 4888 or Sarah Kite at sarah.kite@buav.org http://www.buav.org/investigations/theuglytruthaboutbotox

Circuses not cruel to animals, says animal welfare director

Circuses not cruel to animals, says animal welfare director

CARMEN (the NY Post cat) needs a home desperately - foster or permanent home

** PLEASE FORWARD - contact information below Carmen is a beautiful 9 year old Russian blue female spayed cat. She has aborder line Thyroid and Diabetes condition that can be treated with dietaccording to the vet. Carmen has been through a trauma and needs someone who is good with cats,patient, loving and understanding. She is sweet and *needs a secondchance. *Preferably, she needs a one cat home and no dogs. If you are the one, please contact Elizabeth at
Gothamcitykitties@gmail.com
call 917-202-1672.

Animal rights lobby PETA targets Rogersville monks

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/886281


Animal rights lobby PETA targets Rogersville monks

Published Friday December 11th, 2009
A1

Adam Huras
Telegraph-Journal

An animal rights organization is calling for a Rogersville monastery to shut down its farming operation, alleging its practices are inhumane to animals and contrary to Catholic beliefs.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) alleges that Our Lady of Calvary Abbey, a Trappist monastery, operates a factory farm that confines hundreds of thousands of chickens to massive sheds in deplorable conditions.

PETA vice-president Bruce Friedrich said the animal rights group was alerted by Catholic members in New Brunswick to investigate the operation.

"Sadly, the abbey is treating these animals in a way that would warrant cruelty charges if they were dogs or cats rather than chickens and cows," he said. "It's a denial of God to treat God's creatures with such complete apathy for their welfare - and that is what these monks are doing."

PETA objects to the standards of all factory farm chicken operations in Canada and has had success in targeting similar practices in another monastery south of the border.

Following PETA's 2007 release of an investigation of Mepkin Abbey factory farm, the South Carolina monastery started growing mushrooms instead.

"We urge members of the Our Lady of Calvary community to follow their brothers' example and switch to an income-generating industry that does not include the use of animals," Friedrich said. "Catholic catechism, the Bible and common sense all dictate that animals are granted compassion."

Monastery Abbot Bede Stockill replied to an email from the Telegraph-Journal on Wednesday, pointing to a page on the abbey's website about its farm practices.

"Please note that we follow all government and veterinary approved methods in our farming," he wrote, also mentioning the monastery was declared "Farm of the Year" in 2008 by the New Brunswick chapter of the National Farmers Union.

"Nothing has changed in our methods since then," Stockill said.

He declined to comment on whether the monastery is looking into alternative practices and did not grant a phone interview.

Jean Eudes Chiasson, president of the New Brunswick chapter of the National Farmers Union, supported the monks' animal husbandry.

"That farm has won awards and is certainly not any different than any other chicken farm in Atlantic Canada," he said. "I think the complaint is completely unfounded and that PETA chose to target them because of who they are.

"They "¦ believe they can reach them through religion to make their point."

Chiasson said the monastery has modernized it practices with new barns and has converted from tie stalls to loose housing for its livestock. It operates a dairy farm and roughly 350 acres of pasture and crop fields, according to its website.

It also raises broilers, young chickens for roasting, and chicks until they are ready to lay eggs for another producer.

Roughly 240,000 broilers and about 60,000 chicks are also raised up to laying hen size each year. The farm also has 75 mature cows, 40 heifers and 15 calves.

Mature cows are housed in a free-stall barn year round and about 15 dry cows and 10 bred heifers have free access to pasture from June to October. Calves are housed in hutches until the age of two months.

Friedrich said PETA contacted the abbey directly in July about the farm operation.

"We had a very unsuccessful and frustrating exchange of emails," he said. "But the abbey continues to insist they are considering our request."

Friedrich admitted that the farm is within provincial and federal regulations, but that those standards are deplorable to anyone who witnesses them.

They are also contrary to Catholic beliefs.

"Anybody who spends 30 seconds thinking about it knows that chickens should not be crammed into sheds, who have been around excrement, unable to do anything that is natural to them," he said.

On becoming vegan

I became a vegetarian when I was 8 — or at least, that’s what I like
to tell people.

My father has been a vegetarian since before I was born. Though he is
very soft-spoken about his reasons, it was hard not to notice that my
parents ate different dinners every night. At the age of 8, I decided
I agreed with my father. I felt that animals have a basic right to
life. I had no excuse for killing or hurting another creature when my
life did not depend on it.

But while I was forming these ideas and calling myself a vegetarian,
my actions didn’t exactly follow suit. In truth, I began the process
of becoming a vegetarian at the age of 8, but I did not give up all
meat overnight.
...
I have now been vegan for two months. Within four days of that first
breakfast, I was gulping down the soy milk and felt disgusted at the
thought of cow’s milk, which I once loved. My eyes learned to skip
over the eggs at breakfast and the cheese at lunch or dinner. I now
feel both psychologically and physically healthier. And I no longer
feel like I am depriving myself of good foods. My tastes have changed.

I offer my story not to convert those who fundamentally disagree with
my premise, nor to condescend to those who agree with me but have yet
to renounce meat or dairy. Rather, my story is testament to how hard
becoming vegetarian or vegan can be and how long it can take — 12
years in my case. To those who support animal welfare, I encourage you
to take whatever steps toward veganism you can, if you find it too
hard to go “cold turkey.” Others may be considering going vegetarian
or vegan because of the increasing evidence that the meat industry
contributes significantly to climate change or because diets high in
meat are unhealthy. Whatever your motive, every step helps. You don’t
have to give up all animal products at once to make a difference. And
ultimately, if the other option is giving up, it’s worth taking baby
steps to achieve a goal you believe in.

Miriam Geronimus is a sophomore from Ann Arbor, Mich. She can be
reached at mgeronim@princeton.edu.

--
full story:
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2009/12/08/24677/


SEE ALSO:
School cafeterias expanding vegetarian options

Animal transplants imminent

AUSTRALIA has lifted its five-year ban on the transplantation of
animal cells and organs into humans, allowing hospitals to use pig
cells to treat diabetes, Parkinson's disease and strokes within
months.

The National Health and Medical Research Council made its decision
despite pleas from animal rights activists and transplant specialists
that the procedure had not been proven safe and could result in the
creation of deadly viruses.

Xenotransplantation was banned in 2004 because of concerns that pig
endogenous retrovirus could spread to humans.

--
full story:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/animal-transplants-imminent-20091209-kk3g.html

Yahoo Groups

24HourAngels@yahoogroups.com
AllStatesRescues@yahoogroups.com
animalrightsactivistresources@yahoogroups.com
AnimalShelterReform@yahoogroups.com
AnimalAntiCrueltyCrusaders@yahoogroups.com
AnimalRightsandActionAlerts@yahoogroups.com
EqualRights4Animals@yahoogroups.com
LegalAction4AnimalRights@yahoogroups.com
Planet4Animals@yahoogroups.com

Extremely urgent- two UK dogs in Norwich due for put to sleep today

PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY IMMEDIATELY TO ALL GROUPS, UK RESCUES AND CONTACTS
Extremely urgent- two UK dogs in Norwich due for put to sleep today or tomorrow the female could be pregnant!!!- please help asap, please see below emergency appeal

CONTACT CAROLINE TRIGG WHO IS TRYING TO SAVE THEIR LIVES ON 07984 446717 email caroline@ravenswoodarabians.co.uk
If you would like to buy them more time, boarding fees would be appreciated, please speak to Caroline about this, thank you

Any rescue centres that kindly offer help please meet the following criteria:
1- A NO DESTRUCTION POLICY
2- HOMECHECK ALL PROSPECTIVE OWNERS
3- DOG GETS RETURNED TO THE SANCTUARY IF OWNER CAN NO LONGER KEEP
Individual homes offered will be homechecked
Thank you very much for your support
SWAP team UK
We all make the difference

Lawmaker mulls bill to make animal abuse a felony

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Rep. Janis Sontany is considering legislation
that would make abuse of any confined animal a felony.

The Nashville Democrat recently visited the Tennessee State
Fairgrounds and viewed 82 nearly starved horses and two mules that had
been moved there last week after being found in squalid conditions on
a Cannon County farm.

Sontany told The Tennessean that farm animals were not included when a
measure that addressed dog and cat abuse passed the Legislature
because of objections from farming community representatives.

--
full story:
http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20091202/NEWS01/91202011/Lawmaker+mulls+bill+to+make+animal+abuse+a+felony

'Rampant' Rhino Poaching on the Rise

'Rampant' Rhino Poaching on the Rise

GENEVA, Switzerland, December 1, 2009 (ENS) - Rhino poaching in both Africa and Asia is increasing, finds a report issued today by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC. The trade is being driven by Asian demand for rhinocerus horns and the report documents killing by sophisticated poachers, who now are using veterinary drugs, poison, crossbows and high caliber weapons to kill rhinos.
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/dec2009/2009-12-01-02.asp

Bronx teen Cheyenne Cherry gets two years for roasting cat in oven

Kitty killer Cheyenne Cherry will serve two years in jail for roasting
her friend's pet in a 500-degree oven.

The Bronx teen agreed to the deal Wednesday for breaking into her
friend's Bronx apartment on May 6 and standing by as her 14-year
accomplice stuffed tiny Tiger Lily in an oven.

Cherry's pal was sentenced in August to 18 months in juvenile jail for
placing the cat in Valerie Hernandez's oven.

Cherry, 17, appeared calm compared to July when she pleaded guilty to
attempted burglary and animal cruelty in Bronx Supreme Court and stuck
out her tongue and yelled, "It's dead, b---h" to an animal activist in
the audience.

--
full story:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/12/03/2009-12-03_bx_teen_gets_2_years_for_roasting_cat_in_oven.html

Protest NASA's Plans to Expose Monkeys to Radiation Next Friday

http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=8LGyGZJzvNKv67MBpDE4IQ

http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=e2L3OYLk6oi0qGAZoLLFhQ

http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=C13oT7JPaWMsTaZ32aezug

http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=bZbMNRQc1VY3AfrdgoURRQ
http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=gjpEJ1MlCnr31ZvRUZX9zQ
http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=0ubasQZFNEY-Kz19Gt6G4w
http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=2PGxrbgu2V8ALXQ3XSAOIg
Scientists at NASA want to blast up to 28 squirrel monkeys with a massive
dose of gamma rays in order to "simulate" the space radiation that they
would be exposed to if they were humans on a three-year mission to Mars.

The more than two dozen monkeys in NASA's crude experiment will be zapped
with a massive dose of radiation at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long
Island, New York, and then spend the rest of their lives _condemned to a
laboratory at Harvard's McLean Hospital_
(http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=dg7pOQOL3I4-46HS_zssZQ..) where they'll be enlisted in a never-ending series of
experiments to assess how the radiation devastates their brains and
bodies. Although NASA has repeatedly told the media that these monkeys won't be
killed, it left out the detail that earlier radiation experiments that NASA
has conducted on monkeys caused the animals to suffer from fatal types of
cancer, including brain tumors.

Please join PETA in urging NASA to terminate its plans to conduct
radiation experiments using monkeys. Ask the agency to use available, modern in
vitro and clinical research methods that can be used to study the effects of
space radiation on the human body.

When: Friday, December 4, 12 noon—1 p.m.
Where: McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, Mass.

This demonstration will include a visual aspect, with people sitting in
cages. If you would like to volunteer to be in a cage—or if you want more
information about the demonstration or would like to RSVP—please contact
Ashley Byrne at 757-274-9675 or _AshleyB@peta.org_ (mailto:AshleyB@peta.org
.
All materials will be provided.

Be sure to visit _StopAnimalTests.com_
http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=Ns3vcHXqnkLZNJYWWsSWCA
for the latest on PETA's fight against animal
testing, and _contact NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr._
http://www2.peta.org/site/R?i=XL30VY2hN0aluIRlhMXapw
to politely ask him to permanently
halt plans to conduct radiation experiments using monkeys.

Thank you for everything that you do to help animals!

For all animals,






Heather Whidden
Activist Liaison
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Protest the Presidents of HLS Customers Novartis & Bristol-Myers Squibb in NYC

****Cross Post Freely****


Protest Presidents: Novartis & Bristol-Myers Squibb
Focus: Huntingdon Life Sciences



Additional Protests Against the ASPCA
& Carriage Horses

Join Win Animal Rights, this Sunday, as we turn our attention once again
to the people who run the companies that allow Huntingdon Life Sciences
(HLS) to continue the killing. The best way to stop the killing at HLS
is to influence their customers. The individuals that we will be
visiting on Sunday have the power to discontinue the contracts that
allow HLS to torture and kill animals daily. All of our protests are
peaceful and legal. In many places across our country there is a
movement to make home demonstrations illegal. There is a reason for
that. They are very, very effective. Please come out and participate in
these legal demonstrations for as long as we still have the right to do
them.

Date: Sunday, December 6, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
Where: 400 E. 51st St. (at 1st Avenue)
New York City

After the initial protest, we will be walking (or taking a bus for those
that would rather ride) to the westside. Please wear comfortable walking
shoes or bring carfare if you wish to take the bus or train to the next
location, which is about a 20 minute walk. Bring water and whatever
else you need to be comfortable. Posters, banners and literature will be
provided. Just bring a loud voice and your dedication to use that voice
to speak up for the animals who suffer in silence.

There is a strong possibility that we will be doing other things later
in the afternoon. Possible targets include the ASPCA and the Carriage
Horse industry. If you are interested in attending these actions after
5:00 pm on Sunday, please contact us by phone on the day of the
protests. Phone: 1-646-267-9934

If you cannot join us, please consider writing to the following individuals:

Robert Pelzer
President & CEO
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
608 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10020
Tel: 1.212.307.1122
robert.pelzer@novartis.com

residence: 400 E. 51st St. #24B, New York, NY 10022

James Cornelius
CEO & Chairman of the Board
Bristol-Myers Squibb
345 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10154
Tel: 1.212.546.4000
james.cornelius@bms.com

residence: 25 Columbus Circle #ST59E, New York, NY 10019

Lamberto Andreotti
President and Chief Operating Officer
Bristol-Myers Squibb
345 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10154
Tel: 1.212.546.4000
lamberto.andreotti@bms.com

residence: 1 W. 64th St., New York, NY 10023

Please keep all communications with the above polite and informative.
Let them know that abusing and torturing animals is not ethical. A
picture may be more convincing. Visit:

http://www.shac.net/HLS/photos.html#photos/2008b.jpg


Coming events: Mark your calendars now!

Monday, Dec. 7th - Sea Shepherd Solidarity Protest at the Japanese
Consulate @ 3:30pm
Sat. & Sun. - Dec. 12 & 13th - Protest Vivisection, Fur and Carriage Horses
Until New Years Day WAR will be running protests every weekend.

Visit the WAR Calendar for future events:
http://calendar.yahoo.com/winanimalrights

Visit the WAR MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/winanimalrights

Visit WAR on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Win-Animal-Rights/25169195791


For more info contact Win Animal Rights at: winanimalrights@optonline.net
Call: 646.267.9934 or visit the WAR website at: http://war-online.org


W.A.R. (WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS) is an independent non-profit organization not
affiliated or associated with SHAC, SHAC USA or any other group or
organization and does not conduct or incite any illegal activity. The
above information is not meant to incite or request any illegal actions
or illegal activities of any kind. If you have any questions about the
legality of any act, we encourage everyone receiving this (or the)
action alert(s) to check your local laws and ordinances before
proceeding to do anything.

Protest Japanese Consulate in Support of Sea Shepherd Operation Waltzing Matilda

****Cross Post Freely****

IN SOLIDARITY & SUPPORT OF:
SEA SHEPHERD

Sticker: Operation Waltzing Matilda


OPERATION: WALTZING MATILDA

On the anniversary of the Japanese military's bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society will begin their new campaign "Operation Waltzing Matlida." Many have witnessed the brutal and heinous campaign of the Japanese government against the protected whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary from "Whale Wars." Now Sea Shepherd ups the ante and launches an even more aggressive campaign to stop the Japanese government's attack on whales. This year the Japanese whaling fleet will be targeting 935 Minke whales and another 50 fin whales. They have also threatened to add humpbacks to their quota.

We are demonstrating at the Japanese Embassy to bid bon voyage to the Sea Shepherds and to send a clear message to the Japanese government. Their illegal exploitation and bloody harpoons will not be tolerated. They are committing criminal and murderous acts, which they disguise as "research" and yet sell as food. The violence against whales that the government of Japan has committed is a shame to Japanese peoples all around the world. We must stand against illegal whaling because nobody else will and the whales desperately need our help.

For the whales and for the crew, Japanese Consulate we are coming for you!

This is a legal demonstration, signs and banners will be provided. Come out, bring your friends, and be a voice for the voiceless.

Japanese Consulate
49th and Park Avenue, NY, NY
Monday, December 7, 2009 @ 3:30 - 5:30 PM

If you can't make the protest today, you can still do your part for the
whales. Contact the Embassy and the US Consulate Office today or later
this week:

Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki
Embassy of Japan in the USA
2520 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 1.202.238.6700 or 6900
Fax: 202.328.2187
e-mail: jicc@embjapan.org


Ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya
Japanese Consulate General
299 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10171
Phone: 1.212.371.8222
Fax: 1.212. 371.1294
e-mail: inquiry@ny.cgj.org


And please support our friends at Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and
the whales:

http://www.seashepherd.org/


You can purchase Sea Shepherd merchandise at their store:

http://shop.seashepherd.org/store/default.aspx


You can purchase the new Operation Waltzing Matilda t-shirts and other
merchandise here:

http://shop.seashepherd.org/store/category.aspx?c=campaign_for_whales(base)


Coming events: Mark your calendars now!

Sat. & Sun. - Dec. 12 & 13th - Protest Vivisection, Fur and Carriage Horses
Until New Years Day WAR will be running protests every weekend.

Visit the WAR Calendar for future events:
http://calendar.yahoo.com/winanimalrights

Visit the WAR MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/winanimalrights

Visit WAR on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Win-Animal-Rights/25169195791


For more info contact Win Animal Rights at: winanimalrights@optonline.net

Call: 646.267.9934 or visit the WAR website at: http://war-online.org


W.A.R. (WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS) is an independent non-profit organization not
affiliated or associated with SHAC, SHAC USA or any other group or
organization and does not conduct or incite any illegal activity. The
above information is not meant to incite or request any illegal actions
or illegal activities of any kind. If you have any questions about the
legality of any act, we encourage everyone receiving this (or the)
action alert(s) to check your local laws and ordinances before
proceeding to do anything.

Mobile, Alabama takes steps to ensure speedy rescue of abused dogs and cats

Most city and county Animal Control officers in Alabama find their
hands tied when they are confronted with a clear case of animal abuse
or neglect, lacking any legal authority to remove the animal in
danger; due to a state law authorizing only law enforcement officers
or an appointed agent to seize the animal from the owner.

On Tuesday, Mobile City Council took action on behalf of dogs and cats
subjected to cruelty and neglect by voting unanimously to appoint The
City of Mobile Animal Shelter Director Ellen Lursen as an agent, with
power to order pet owners to provide proper care for their dogs and
cats, or to immediately confiscate pets in imminent danger. The
endangered pet can now be taken directly to Mobile Animal Shelter for
care and treatment while waiting for a hearing of the case.

--
full story:
http://www.examiner.com/x-21809-Mobile-Animal-Welfare-and-Protection-Examiner~y2009m12d3-Mobile-Alabama-taking-the-right-step-in-rescuing-animals-from-abuse

A Legal Challenge to Animal Research

Animal rights law courses may threaten the use of animals in medical research.
...
Over half of US law schools now have animal law courses, including
many in universities with medical and research programs that utilize
animals protected by federal welfare laws. Courses that promote
standards for humane animal care and welfare are unlikely to provoke
conflict, but programs championing animal rights or “liberation” set
up adversarial potential on campuses and pose a serious risk to the
future of animal research. The use of the law instead of violence and
threats, however, should be acknowledged as a forward step.
...
The future may see an attempt to recognize Aristotle’s three
categories: things, animals, and persons. Animals may not ultimately
enjoy the rights of persons, but the law may become increasingly
specific about our obligation to care for them. If, on the other hand,
“personhood” for animals is achieved, this status is likely to be in
conflict with animal research.

Failure to address developments in the education of law students is
likely to have a long-ranging impact on the ability to develop new
treatments needed for human and animal well-being.

P. Michael Conn is Director of Research Advocacy at Oregon Health and
Sciences University and Oregon National Primate Research Center.

--
full story:
http://www.the-scientist.com/article/display/56167/

EU residents sign on for lab animal protection

ADI presents 10,000 signatures to key EU Rapporteurs

The EU Commission, Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers and key Rapporteurs, are today being presented with a letter signed by over 10,000 people urging them to use the revision of the new Directive on animal testing to ensure the best possible protection for lab animals.

To show the strength of public support, Animal Defenders International (ADI) is handing a letter with over 10,000 supporter signatures from Europe and across the globe to key EU representatives including Elisabeth Jeggle, Rapporteur (EPP), Marit Paulsen, Shadow Rapporteur (ALDE) and Jill Evans, Shadow Rapporteur (Greens/EFA).

In December, the European Commission, the Presidency of the Council, the Rapporteur and Shadow Rapporteurs for the new Directive on animal testing are holding their last trialogue meetings, which could seal the fate of the millions of animals which are used in EU laboratories each year.

The new Directive, for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, was proposed in 2008 to replace the outdated EC Directive 86/609/EC. This provides the greatest opportunity in over 25 years to influence the use of animals, and in particular primates, in laboratories.

Over 5,000 British and nearly 3,000 Italian citizens signed the letter with the remainder coming from all over the world. The letter requests that the Directive includes:

* A ban on the use of great apes and wild-caught primates;
* Limits on primate experiments;
* A phase-out of the use of monkeys born of wild-caught parents;
* Prohibition of severe and prolonged suffering for animals in experiments;
* Authorisation of all experiments by national governments before they take place, using an authorisation process that is transparent, independent and accountable to the public;
* A comprehensive authorisation and licensing system for suppliers of laboratory animals, user establishments, and individuals who use animals, together with a strict training regime;
* Permission to use animals is only given if advanced techniques to replace animals have been considered first;
* Every two years, a review should take place of the use of specific species, or types of experiment, and targets should be set to replace animals in particular tests;
* Establish an EU centre for replacement of animal experiments;
* EU standards for husbandry and care that meet the ethological needs of the animals;

The three EU institutions have been in disagreement over key points of the Directive and Animal Defenders International (ADI) is pushing for the best possible compromise for both animals and science. If the Trialogue does not reach an agreement before the end of the year, then the Directive will return to the European Parliament for a second reading.

ADI has compiled shocking footage of the treatment of monkeys in animal testing labs and in supply facilities, and monkeys being caught in the wild for experiments. It has provided information and briefings to MEPs to push for the best possible protection for laboratory animals.

Tim Phillips, ADI Campaign Director, said: "The fate of millions of animals hangs in the balance as key EU decision makers debate the new Directive. This Directive presents a unique chance to move forward with the replacement of animal experiments with alternatives and address key welfare issues such as the wild capture of monkeys. The decisions in Brussels will affect the lives of laboratory animals for years to come and we are very concerned that there is a rush to compromise animal protection in order to achieve a quick agreement."

Elisabeth Jeggle, EPP, said: "In Europe we already have the highest welfare standards when it comes to animal experiments in the world and this directive will raise those standards even further. I thank the Animal Defenders International for their constructive work and I am confident that we will achieve a balanced compromise that strengthens animal welfare while allowing vitally important research to continue in Europe and not in countries where animal welfare standards are much lower."

Jill Evans, EFA, said: "Thanks to everyone who signed this petition and the hundreds of people who have written to me. This shows how deep the concern runs that Europe must adopt the strictest laws to protect animals, and to ensure that alternatives to animals are implemented."

She continued: "This petition will help our fight to get the best deal possible in the ongoing negotiations."

More than half of all MEPs in the European Parliament signed a Declaration in 2007, calling for a ban on the use of great apes and wild caught monkeys and for a timetable to phase out all primate experiments.

For more information, visit: www.savetheprimates.com

Ends

For more information, please contact:
Amanda Gent, Communications Director, ADI on +44(0)20 7630 3344 or mobile
+44(0)7785 552548 - prdesk@ad-international.org


About Animal Defenders International:
Animal Defenders International exists to educate, create awareness and alleviate the suffering of animals and works to protect wildlife and the environment. ADI lobbies governments for measures to protect animals and the environment, and organises the rescue of animals in distress. In 2007, ADI secured the adoption of Written Declaration 40/2007 by the European Parliament calling for an end to the use of apes and wild caught monkeys in experiments and for timetable to phase out all experiments on monkeys. The European Commission proposals currently under consideration are a response to this Declaration. ADI has offices in London, San Francisco and Bogota, has representatives in many countries and works with partner organisations all over the world. www.ad-international.org

For all media enquiries contact: prdesk@ad-international.org Media only, please
To make a donation: info@ad-international.org or online http://www.ad-international.org/take_action/donate.php

For campaign information: info@ad-international.org

For employment opportunities: execassist@ad-international.org

For volunteer enquiries: execassist@ad-international.org

For Intern enquiries: intern@ad-international.org

General enquiries: info@ad-international.org

A Prayer From A Stray

Dear God PLEASE send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
My body is aching, it's so racked with pain
And dear God I pray as I run in the rain.
That someone will love me and give me a home
A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.
My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water and God that was hard!
So I chewed my leash God and I ran away
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now God I'm tired and hungry and cold
And I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.
They've chased me with sticks hit me with stones
While I run the streets just looking for bones!
I'm not really bad God, please help if you can
For I have become just a "victim of man!"
I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas
and all that I want is an owner to please!
If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good
I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
I will love them, protect them and try to obey
When they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
I don't think I'll make it too long on my own
Cause I'm getting so weak and I'm Oh so alone.
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry
Cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die!
I've got so much love and devotion to give
That I should be given a new chance to live.
So dear God please, please answer my prayer
and send me somebody who will really care....

Anthrax research stopped over euthanasia

http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/11/30/Anthrax-research-stopped-over-euthanasia/UPI-84841259619266/



OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Oklahoma State University administrators stopped a pending program testing anthrax vaccines on baboons because the apes would be euthanized, officials say.

The bioterrorism research was to be carried out in a multimillion dollar lab at the university set up specifically for that purpose, the Oklahoman reported Monday.

An internal faculty committee spent a year designing procedure for the use and care of the apes. University President Burns Hargis sent an e-mail to veterinary medicine researchers saying he would not allow the National Institutes of Health-funded project, the newspaper said.
HARGIS, VADEN (BURNS)
OFFICE OF PRESIDENT
405-744-6384
osupres@okstate.edu

"This research was not in the best interest of the university. The testing of lethal pathogens on primates would be a new area for OSU that is controversial and is outside our current research programs" said OSU spokesman Gary Shutt.

Veterinarian Michael Davis said using the primates for research is important because they are biologically similar to humans. But after they've been exposed to the anthrax virus they must be euthanized so as not to infect others, the Oklahoman said.

"We don't want to, but by the same token we don't want people to be killed by anthrax," Davis said. "Right now, this is the only way and the best way we have of preventing someone from getting killed by anthrax."

Slaughter ban inflammatory - judge

The Pietermaritzburg judge who must decide if the ritual killing of a
bull will go ahead in KwaZulu-Natal at the weekend said that an
interdict to stop the slaughter could lead to rebellion.
...
Animal Rights Africa has taken the Zulu monarch, King Goodwill
Zwelithini, to court because it believes the killing of a bull in the
Ukweshwama harvest ceremony is cruel.

Zulus say the animal is killed quickly and painlessly by breaking its neck.

Judge Nic van der Reyden said he could not be blind to the
consequences of stopping a tradition that had been part of Zulu
culture for centuries. He said the resulting protest could be similar
to the 1976 Soweto uprising, in which black pupils rebelled against a
government order that they be taught in Afrikaans.

--
full story:
http://www.timeslive.co.za/news/article216458.ece

Activists refused admission to North-East piggery

FORTY-FOUR animal activists from around Australia were yesterdayrefused admission to do what they described as a spot inspection of aNorth-East piggery. Animal activist and group spokeswoman Emma Haswell said that the groupwanted to perform a spot inspection on the piggery because of concernsfor the conditions under which the pigs were being kept. "We'd all had foot baths, had our temperatures taken and were wearingbio-suits to ensure we posed no risk to the animals," she said. "Animal Liberation NSW president Mark Pearson introduced himself tothe farmer who refused to give his permission for a spot inspection,saying we should return in 24 hours. "A lot of people don't realise the conditions these animals -considered by scientists to be as intelligent as a four-year-old child- live in. "They spend much of their lives in steel and concrete crates the sizeof their bodies." -- full story:http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/news/social-issues/activists-refused-admission-to-northeast-piggery/1693196.aspx

Ted Turner gets OK for Yellowstone bison on ranch

BILLINGS, Mont. — Seventy-four bison from Yellowstone National Park would go to billionaire Ted Turner's private ranch under a plan given preliminary approval Wednesday by the head of Montana's wildlife agency.

The bison have been held in federal quarantine for the past several years to make sure they don't have the animal disease brucellosis.

Turner offered to hold them for five years — the duration of the quarantine program — in exchange for keeping 90 percent of their offspring. That could amount to about 190 animals to offset his costs.

Officials hope to eventually use the bison to establish new herds on public lands. But conservationists see the move as privatizing Montana wildlife

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs the quarantine in Corwin Springs, Mont., also opposes the move.

Bison, or buffalo, once numbered in the millions across North America but were driven to near extinction.

Turner Enterprises general manager Russell Miller said Ted Turner stepped in after Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer asked if he would consider submitting a proposal for the animals.
Full article:http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hIanYFbx1XqnoT-IzyVWnmzEi6GgD9CBHAN01

The Recession Is Taking a Bite Out of Meat Consumption

More than half of Americans have cut back on meat. Martha Stewart
broadcasts a meatless Thanksgiving show. What gives?
...
The recession is having one positive effect. The national cholesterol
is going down.

More than half of Americans have cut back on meat, many becoming
"recession-bred flexitarians," says Gourmet magazine--people who use
meat as a condiment not as a meal anchor.

Even the doyenne of taste and nutrition, Martha Stewart, broadcast a
vegetarian Thanksgiving show last week.

A small drop in meat exerts big consequences on your health says
Katherine Tallmadge of the American Dietetic Association because red
meat is the "primary source of saturated fat, which can boost levels
of bad LDL cholesterol and inflammation."

It is no doubt the reason death from heart attacks goes down not up
during recessions as Christopher Ruhm, an economist at the University
of North Carolina, Greensboro reports.

--
full story:
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/144301/the_recession_is_taking_a_bite_out_of_meat_consumption/


SEE ALSO:
Mist of pig brain tissue sickened slaughterhouse workers

When is a Rescue Not a Rescue?

Rescued turkeys at Farm SanctuaryCan a rescue be called a rescue if you purchase the animal? What if the animal would have been killed if you did not purchase him or her?

In general, legitimate animal rescuers and sanctuaries do not purchase animals. Purchasing animals supports breeders and supports a system that perpetuates animal breeding, use and suffering. For example, Persians and Friends Rescue "does NOT buy animals from breeders to save their life." Limbe Wildlife Center, which saves primates and other animals from the bushmeat trade in Cameroon, states, "We continually tell people that we do not buy animals, as it will only encourage further hunting." Pet Jamboree, a rescue group in Indiana says, "No, we WILL NOT purchase your litter of animals. We are not brokers. We do not purchase animals for resale."

This principle also applies to rescuing humans. Free the Slaves, an organization that rescues modern-day human slaves explains, "Buying slaves in order to free them encourages trafficking."

That's why I was so disappointed to hear about Karen Dawn, a vegan activist and author, purchasing two live turkeys before they could be slaughtered, and calling it a "rescue." She's not even going to take care of the turkeys herself. The turkeys she purchased last year went to live at Animal Acres. This year's turkeys will go to The Gentle Barn Foundation.

Then how do farmed animals end up at sanctuaries? The vast majority were not purchased by activists or the sanctuaries. They fell off of trucks on the way to slaughter, they were left for dead at stockyards, or they escaped from farms or slaughterhouses. And sometimes, hundreds or thousands of animals are suddenly in need of rescue, like when floodwaters in Iowa destroyed factory farms full of pigs.

Yes, the turkeys Dawn purchased are alive today because of her actions. But I wouldn't call it a rescue. What do you think?
Full article:
http://animalrights.about.com/b/2009/11/29/when-is-a-rescue-not-a-rescue.htm

PETA Classified as a “Terrorist Threat” by the USDA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has been classified as as a “terrorist threat” in a document created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA created a new “APHIS Facility Security Profile” form to send to animal experimentation facilities. Recipients were asked to answer about their experiences, and return the form to the government so the USDA can better meet their needs.

In one section of the form, on p4, item #2 B and C, PETA is listed as a “domestic special interest terrorist”:

B. Terrorist Threat. What terrorist activities have occurred in or around your building/facility in the past 5 years (documented cases)? Please check all that apply.

[ ] Attack from international terrorists
[ ] Attack from domestic special interest terrorists
-[ ] Earth Liberation Front (ELF)
-[ ] Animal Liberation Front (ALF)
-[ ] People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
-[ ] Animal Defense League (ADL)
-[ ] Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC)
-[ ] Formal hate group(s) (please specify):
-[ ] Other (please specify): ____________________
[ ] Cyber Attack from a known or unknown source.

I have written extensively on this site about how the ELF and ALF have become the number one domestic terrorism threat, even though they have targeted property and not people. And Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty activists were convicted on “terrorism” charges for running a website that vocally supported the actions of those groups. The listing of PETA and the Animal Defense League is something else entirely.

PETA is perhaps the most recognized organization in the animal rights movement. They are known for their undercover investigations, and their use of celebrities and outlandish media stunts to draw attention to factory farming, fur, circuses and animal experimentation.

Regardless of how you feel about PETA and their tactics, they are a lawful, above-ground, national non-profit.

So why in another section of the USDA form, are they listed as a possible answer under “Greatest Threat or Danger. What do you consider the greatest source of danger to your organization and/or fellow workers?”

Because they expose what goes on behind closed doors.

Justin Goodman, research associate supervisor for PETA, had a fantastic oped in The Sacramento Bee about the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act and the misuses of the “terrorism” label against non-violent activists. In California, four activists are facing terrorism charges for protesting at individuals homes and allegedly creating fliers with names and addresses on them.

From Goodman’s oped:

This should give all Americans pause. People who engage in nonviolent protests and civil disobedience are sitting in jail cells, stigmatized by one of the most politically charged and discrediting labels of our time, while people who wake up every morning and go to jobs in which they torment and kill animals in laboratories continue to enjoy their freedom, paychecks, social lives and families.

Animal industries are quite open about their desire to use terrorism laws to keep their practices out of the public spotlight. I recently posted about the Animal Agriculture Alliance calling for federal prosecution of undercover investigators. It’s not because the investigators are violent. It is because they pose an even greater threat: educating the public.

As Goodman wrote: “To shield them from public opinion and discussion and to protect them from peaceful and heretofore lawful pickets by locking up those who dare to challenge the suffering that occurs inside laboratories is an attack on every American’s right of protest.”

Related posts:

How Corporate Provacateurs Made Fran Trutt an “Animal Rights Terrorist”
Environmentalist Sentenced to 21 Years as a “Terrorist”; Violent Racists Receive Half That
2 Animal Rights Activists Arrested as “Terrorists” for Freeing Mink in Utah

Plan to breed lab monkeys splits Puerto Rican town

By JILL LASTER (AP) – 37 minutes ago

GUAYAMA, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico has such a bad history with research
monkeys running amok, some residents are stunned that its territorial
government has approved a plan to import and breed thousands of primates for
sale to U.S. researchers.

Bioculture Ltd., with facilities at 19 sites around the world, has secured
permits to begin operating next summer in Guayama, a small, depressed
mountain district in southeastern Puerto Rico. They want to turn the
Caribbean territory into a major supplier of primates, much to the dismay of
islanders already dealing with a plague of patas monkeys — descendants of
lab escapees that run though backyards, stop traffic and destroy crops.

The company, based in the African island nation of Mauritius, says the
operation will employ at least 50 people and buy fruit from local farmers,
an important consideration on an island where unemployment is nearly 16
percent.

"This will help many people in the community," said Olga Colon, a local
school principal who has collected 300 signatures in support of the
facility. She said Bioculture has pledged to buy supplies for her school.

But the project is opposed by everyone from Guayama Mayor Glorimari Jaime to
Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro, who says it's unethical to breed
monkeys for research, and renowned primatologist Jane Goodall.

"We know now that monkeys have minds, personalities, and, above all, they
have feelings," Goodall said during a recent visit to Puerto Rico. "What we
do for monkeys in medical research — if you were a monkey, it would be
torture."

Local residents have filed a lawsuit supported by People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals that says Bioculture failed to submit a full
environmental impact statement or hold public hearings.

They say Bioculture allegedly paid fees for a $2 million project, when the
project costs $12 million. The company denies the allegations.

A judge could decide as early Monday whether to order an injunction to halt
construction. Either side could appeal the ruling to the state Court of
Appeals.

Bioculture's facility, the first in a U.S. jurisdiction, plans to start with
1,000 Crab-eating Macaques, natives of Southeast Asia, and eventually hold
up to 3,000.

Puerto Rico has long struggled to control hundreds of patas monkeys,
descendants of primates that escaped in recent decades from research
projects and now thrive in the lush tropical environment.

No labs want the patas monkeys because they're no longer right for research,
and many are diseased. There isn't much demand from zoos, either. So rangers
from the island's Department of Natural Resources trap and kill them.

Wilson Nazario Torres fears the people of Guayama will suffer like those in
his hometown, Lajas, which has been overrun by patas monkeys. The three that
live in his back yard are so used to humans, he can't scare them away.

"If this project was offered in any state in the United States, they
wouldn't allow it," said Roberto Cintron, a 46-year-old resident of Carmen,
a Guayama neighborhood close to the facility site. "So they come to an
isolated community, a neglected community, and offer jobs, and people buy
it."

Bioculture Vice President Moses Mark Bushmitz said some groups are just
trying to stir up panic. It happens at all new facilities.

The Guayama facility is one of many already inside the United States, he
said, where about 70,000 research monkeys were used in 2007, according to
the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The company assures people in Carmen and all of the Guayama district that
its monkeys can't escape multiple levels of security.

"You have monkeys in MIT, you have monkeys in Harvard," Bushmitz said. "So
why isn't it an issue if the monkey will escape in Harvard, but it is an
issue if a monkey will escape in Carmen?"

Bushmitz called the protesters a small minority.

"This area was neglected for so many years," he said. "The people here have
no chance. The young guys have no work."

But Carla Cappalli, a spokeswoman for the local PETA chapter, says opponents
will keep fighting, no matter what the judge rules.

"This is going to be a long case," she said. "We're going to fight this to
the end."

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Related articles

Advocates Educating about University Meat Problem!

By David Cantor


In many states, from Florida to Hawai’i to New York,
Responsible Policies for Animals members and other advocates
for animal rights and plants-only eating are using special
RPA fliers to inform land-grant university (LGU) supporters
of the need to get those massive, popular institutions out of
the meat industry – including dairy, fish, eggs, and feed.
It’s easy, fun, and inexpensive to use RPA’s LGU fliers! –
and crucial for ending increasingly inhumane treatment of animals
and the worsening human and environmental destruction linked to
meat.
Based on sports and social life more than education– which
LGU meat programs corrupt by teaching that using animals can
be humane, that humans naturally eat from animals, and other
false tenets of carnism – LGU alumni, students, parents, and
others promote LGUs with their automobiles.
Anyone who wants a supply of RPA’s LGU fliers for LGU
automobiles lets RPA know -- at RPA4all@aol.com, 215-886-7721,
or P.O. Box 891, Glenside, PA 19038, USA.
RPA quickly sends colorful & convenient fliers tailored to each
advocate’s state – headed, for example, “Get Cornell University
on the Good Food Track!” (New York). The fliers explain the
LGU meat problem and provide names and addresses so LGU
supporters can write to the LGU and the governor.
RPA e-mails advocates their LGU's car-accessories Webpage
URL. That makes it easier to spot LGU cars. Advocates then
spot cars with their LGU’s decals, magnets, license-plate frames,
and more – and place fliers on their windshields. Advocates
may also politely approach people wearing LGU garb and ask
them to accept a flier. Once they start looking, advocates find
an amazing number of LGU-promoting autos.
Advocates may request new supplies of fliers at any time and
share them with friends to help spread the word.
America’s LGUs are the single biggest problem for nonhuman
animals, humans, and ecosystems due to their college-of-
agriculture meat-industry programs, misleadingly called
“animal science.” Meat is not agriculture, and raising animals
for food prevents production of the foods people need.
Institutions – not facts about animal abuse, human health, and
ecosystem disruption – are the most powerful factor in whether
people eat from animals. And our LGUs are the most powerful
institutions ensuring that people keep to the extremely
inhumane, health-destroying, ecologically devastating
standard American diet, known to experts as "SAD."
It is not assumed that many LGU promoters will jump at
the chance to fix their LGU’s meat problem. But they must
know they are responsible for harm being done by the
institution they promote and that their LGU is a big reason
for the destructive diet they and their families consume.
And some are sure to discuss the fliers with others,
including at the LGU they love. They must question their
LGU’s meat problem – in almost all cases complete with
slaughterhouse and sales of meat, ice cream, cheese, and
other “animal science” atrocities on campus.
Additional ways to participate in RPA’s groundbreaking
10,000 Years Is Enough campaign to get our LGUs out of
the meat industry:
Write to the main land-grant universities of all 50 states
and the governors of all 50 states – lists at Campaigns page
of _www.RPAforAll.org_ (http://www.RPAforAll.org
) or by request at
_RPA4all@aol.com_ (mailto:RPA4all@aol.com
,
215-886-7721, or P.O. Box 891, Glenside, PA 19038, USA.
Write to your elected representative and senator in your
state legislature and your elected U.S. representative and
senator. RPA is glad to assist you in obtaining contact
information. It is also available at state and U.S. legislature
websites.
Send RPA any replies to your letters – P.O. Box 891, Glenside,
PA 19038, USA. Write follow-up letters.
RPA assists many people with letter-writing.
Support RPA. RPA members keep the 10,000 Years Is Enough
campaign going. As long as massive, popular, prestigious
LGUs serve the meat industry and promote carnism, there is
no way out of the extremely inhumane, health-destroying,
ecologically devastating meat industry. Additional information
about the campaign and RPA: www.RPAforAll.org
http://www.RPAforAll.org

www.ExpertsOfConscience.org
http://www.ExpertsOfConscience.org

www.EatForSports.org
http://www.EatForSports.org

David Cantor is founder & director of Responsible
Policies for Animals, headquartered in Glenside,
Pennsylvania.

Tuck into some soggy pork, straight out of the test tube

THE move towards artificially engineered food has taken a step forward
after scientists grew a form of meat in a laboratory for the first
time.

Researchers in Holland have created what was described as ''soggy
pork'' and are investigating ways to improve the muscle tissue in the
hope that people will one day want to eat it.

They have not tasted the product, but it is believed the artificial
meat could be on sale within five years.
...
A spokesman for PETA, the animal rights group, said: ''As far as we're
concerned, if meat is no longer a piece of a dead animal there's no
ethical objection.''

However, the Vegetarian Society said: ''How could you guarantee you
were eating artificial flesh rather than flesh from an animal that had
been slaughtered?''

The advent of meat grown in a laboratory could reduce the billions of
tonnes of greenhouse gases emitted each year by farm animals and help
meet the growth in meat consumption, which the United Nations predicts
will double by 2050.

--
full story:
http://www.smh.com.au/world/science/tuck-into-some-soggy-pork-straight-out-of-the-test-tube-20091130-k177.html


SEE ALSO:
Nutrition Notes: Is Vegetarian Healthier?

NL-Volunteers Needed for Seal Rehabilitation

There is an immediate need for individuals with a marine mammal background to help with feeding and nursing seals back to health at one of the world's leading seal sanctuaries located in the Netherlands. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has worked with marine mammals and knows how to feed seals, to enhance their knowledge by volunteering at the sanctuary.






Seal Research and Rescue Center Lenie 't Hart in The Netherlands is overwhelmed with seals. Currently 150 indidividual seals are staying at the center. Practically all are Harbor Seals suffering from longworms, but the season for Grey baby seals is approaching rapidly and more seals are expected.

All seals at the center are eventually released but not until a period of 3-6 months of recuperation.
Feeding young seals is not easy. To minimize the stress for the animals and increase their chances of survival experience is needed.

The Seal sanctuary in the Netherlands will pay for your airfare to The Netherlands and provide room and board for anyone who qualifies and has experience feeding seals. All you need is proper travel documents and pocket money.
More information at: http://zeehondencreche.nl/home/stages_vrijwilligers_e.htm


If interested or if you know of anybody who might be interested.
pass on and/or contact me privately wdekok@yahoo.com

Egypt supermarket displays lambs ahead of holiday; offends animal rights activists

CAIRO: The sound of a baby lamb startles a few customers at an
Egyptian supermarket into a stupor. The shock of seeing a small baby
lamb fenced in a tiny three feet by three feet container angers many,
who stop and watch the small brown animal stumble to and fro, the
almost shrieking “bah, bah” coming from its young mouth. The
displaying of the animal, in such a public venue, has left many,
Egyptians and foreigners, questioning the worth of the owner’s
decision to show the small creature.
...
Yehya Abdallah, an employee who sees the congregation of frustrated
customers, believes they need to understand that these animals are
“for the purpose of eating.” He says that the idea of animal rights is
something that has been created by foreigners who don’t understand the
realities of life in Egypt.

“Animals are for food, so this is just normal and we shouldn’t get
angry over how this animal is treated,” he argues. And what about the
other lamb who died because of the conditions? “Animals die, we eat
them, so what?” The condescension being handed to Egyptians asking why
the animal is being treated this way tells a lot, says Amina Abaza,
the head the Society for the Protection of Animal Rights in Egypt
(SPARE).

--
full story:
http://bikyamasr.com/?p=6138

LSR GO PRIVATE AT SECRET MEETING

HLS/Life Sciences Research Inc. have announced that at a special secret meetingheld on Monday 23rd November, its stockholders voted to approve the merger ofLion Holdings Inc., and Lion Merger Corp. (Both solely owned by Andrew Baker,the CEO of LSR/HLS). The NYSE Arca listing for LSR has also been suspended andNYSE will remove LSR from their listing on December 7th 2009.LSR/HLS are now a wholly owned subsidiary of Lion Holdings Inc. Which is justanother newly formed 'company' to front the merger as HLS/LSR go private tostop shareholder protests and make their financial situation even lesstransparent. Only recently, HLS/LSR had got special permission for confidentiality inrelation to some of the filings with the Security Exchange Commission (SEC),because the SEC filings showed what a bad financial state HLS/LSR are in. Let'snot forget that Baker, with no other offers on the table, has gone down thisroute of a merger buy-out as a last resort to try to keep them afloat. See our financial subsite: www.shac.net/action/financial/baker.html andIndyMedia website: www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/08/436227.html for moredetails. But we don't give a damn HLS, Baker and apologists, as we're campaigning forthe animals you torture inside your labs. And while you continue to run andhide from your financial dealings, we know what is keeping you in business. Nowthat you have no shareholders, activists across the globe will be justconcentrating and re-doubling all their efforts on Fortress Investments andyour customers, thanks for making our job a lot easier!-------------------------------------Disclaimer and Information:The details in this action alert are provided for information purposes only,and should not be used for any illegal activities as defined by thejurisdiction you live in. SHAC does not support or encourage any form ofharassment; nothing in this alert has the purpose of inciting such behaviour,and we request that all communications are kept polite.To join, amend or unsubscribe to the SHAC email alerts, go to:http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/shac-uk, then click subscribe / unsubscribe.(You will need to unsubscribe any old email addresses that you have used andadd your new email address instead).Any problems, please contact us at: info@shac.netFor general information on the campaign to close Huntingdon Life Science,please visit our website www.shac.net