Sunday, March 21, 2010

A successful Protest at Gurgaon

Dear friends,

The protest at Gurgaon went very well and thanks to all the good people who were in person and in spirit with us. The protest started from the office of the Municipal Commissioner, where he addressed the crowd and supported this movement. He has set a very good example for others to follow.
Then we moved on to office of the D.C. who wasnt present. Representations in writing were given to all these people, except the Commissioner of Police who REFUSED to meet the crowd or support the movement to protect and save animals. Strangely he didnt address the crowd or meet them outside his office despite many requests made by children and senior citizens present there. So to many it was apparent as to how so many cows are illegally exported right from the N.H.-8 every day without the police knowing anything about it. His office is just a km away from the highway from where 1000s of cows are taken for meat and skin to other states and countries.
The protest ended at the local district court where many lawyers also joined the rally and gave their views.
We wish that next time more people could feel their moral obligation as humans to join such events which are constant reminders to the administration that we are still alive and awake.
We all are obliged and answerable to such injustice which happens to anyone whether animals or humans.

Here are some pictures of the protest :
http://picasaweb.google.com/rishidev000/GurgaonRallyMarch202010

A press release is also below
Thanks
Rishi Dev

Citizens of Gurgaon Rise Against Atrocities on Animals

Public Demonstration Demands Action from District Administration

GURGAON, March 20th 2010 : In a historic demonstration of public sentiment against widespread and open abuse, killing, poaching and illegal trade in animals, a protest march was held by citizens of Gurgaon today. More than 200 people from different localities, activists from across NGOs, senior citizens, children and residents from diverse walks of life, marched and presented memorandums to the Deputy Commissioner of Gurgaon, the District & Sessions Judge and the Police Commissioner. The march brought spontaneous support from a large number of social and animal welfare organizations, schools, village panchayats and Universities including the Jawaharlal Nehru University and the corporates in the city. Many speakers came out openly against the morally outrageous cruelties against animals and the apathetic attitude and ignorance about laws both of general masses and the police. The chief speakers were Ms. Sreerupa Mitra Chowdhury ( prominent social activist),Mr. Sikand (senior most qerwa activist),Mr. Mahendra Singh Tokas(Cow activist), Mr. Ishwar Singh Sangwan(prominent lawyer), Mr. R.S.Rathee(prominen t public figure in Gurgaon), Ms. Vidya Sangwan(social worker and animal activist), Kamal Vij(community leader in DLF),Tulika Mehra (social worker) and Varsha Sharma(Founder Princeton Animal Fan Club). These representations called upon the police to discharge its constitutional duty and implement the law ; both of which are seriously and openly compromised. While various laws (listed below) exist to protect animals, they are rarely implemented :

1.The Constitution of India, Directive Principles of State Policy, Article 51A.

2.Indian Penal Code, Section 38 (J)

3.Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (Act 59, of 1960)

4.Wildlife Protection Act (1972) Sections 9, 39, 40 (2)

5. Delhi Police Act,1978 (applicable to Gurgaon by virtue of NCR status)

6.Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act (1955) Applicable to Haryana : Sections 3, 4A,4B, 5

Most speaker were in agreement that, "Touted as 'Guru Dronacharya Ki Pavitra Nagri' on government websites' and as 'Cybercity' to MNCs, Gurgaon is witness to daily, large scale abuse, illegal slaughter and trade in animals. The massacre is in open violation not only of several sections of the law and the Constitution of India, but every acceptable norm of human behaviour. This cannot be allowed to go on".

"We hope to remind society and local regulators of the hallowed Indian tradition of respect for all life and for mother nature. Sadly, these cultural and religious values which our ancestors abided by and which are the lifeblood of Indian civilization, are being rapidly eroded" they said.

With its rich inheritance of flora and fauna, Gurgaon , is uniquely positioned. It is the duty of all citizens to ensure this "millennium city" does not descend further into corruption, crime and ignorance.

END

Prema:9811832624

Media Contacts :

Anjali Pratap : 9810321877

Tulika:9899236929

UK NATIONAL APPEAL FOR APPROX 200 REDUNDANT GREYHOUNDS

TOP PRIORITY- Portsmouth greyhound track in UK allegedly closing at end of March-Greyhounds need your help urgently!! VERY URGENT UK FOSTER/FOREVER HOMES AND RESCUE SPACES NEEDED NOW TO HELP THESE REDUNDANT GREYHOUNDS. THIS SITUATION IS VERY SERIOUS!

Please EVERYONE help with this very urgent appeal to save precious lives

PORTSMOUTH GREYHOUND STADIUM IN UK ALLEGEDLY CLOSING AT END OF MARCH
As of 31st March 2010 Portsmouth Greyhound Stadium will allegedly cease to race greyhounds, approximately 200 dogs will now desperately need re-homing. PLEASE HELP THIS IS VERY URGENT
Of particular concern are two nervous greyhounds who need foster care NOW with experienced foster carers only please, more info below on dear 'Barney' and 'Goldie'.

If anyone thinks they would be able to adopt or foster or offer a rescue place to one of these lovely animals below and also help to rescue/re-home the many dogs needing help please email: homing@greyhounds4u .co.uk (ensure you write the word 'greyhound' or 'G4U' in the subject line of your email, or within the email itself) or ring Debbie on 0787 961 5471

Info taken from Greyhounds4U website

Barney was born in March 2006 and is a handsome blue boy. He is very nervous until he gets to know you and then he is gentle and affectionate. He is not suited to living with children. With appropriate introductions, he may detrain to live with small dogs and cats. Barney walks well on a lead. He is a new arrival as of 14 March and more details about him will follow.

Goldie was born in July 2005 and is a very handsome blue boy. He is nervous when first meeting people but once he knows you, he becomes more confident. He will make a very loyal companion. He is not suited to living with children. With appropriate introductions, he may detrain to live with small dogs and cats. He is a new arrival as of 14 March and more details about him will follow.

PORTSMOUTH GREYHOUND STADIUM ALLEGEDLY CLOSING AT END OF MARCH

As of 31st March 2010 Portsmouth Greyhound Stadium will allegedly cease to race greyhounds, approximately 200 dogs now desperately need re-homing. PLEASE HELP THIS IS URGENT

See Greyhounds4U website here who are trying to help these greyhounds- http://www.greyhounds4u.co.uk/

Greyhound Crusaders/SWAP team UK have recently spoken to Debbie Buxcey founder of Greyhounds4U and she has welcomed a national appeal for these desperate greyhounds. Homechecks will be carried out on all those kind individuals offering foster/forever homes. Please also advise Debbie if you have any other animals ie cats, rabbits etc.
Please also see their re-homing policy below taken from their website. If you would like to make a donation towards Greyhounds4U to help these greyhounds please speak to Debbie about this asap.
We cannot stress the importance of this national appeal to help these lovely greyhounds get to safety!
Many thanks for your support
Greyhound Crusaders/SWAP team UK
We all make the difference, each and every one of us

From Greyhounds For You (G4U)
If you have ever considered fostering or have fostered in the past, could you squeeze another one into your home whilst we endeavour to find permanent homes for these greyhounds who, through no fault of their own or their trainers, now have no job to do. If you are considering adopting another hound, maybe you would consider doing so sooner rather than later. Have you got friends who could help us out by fostering and/or adopting?

This situation is serious and we need to get as many dogs out to safety as soon as possible. Please spread the work amongst everyone you know so we can help as many as we possibly can. Please contact us if you are interested and I am sure that Kim, our star fosterer would be happy to answer any questions on what fostering a greyhound entails.

Please remember why G4U exists - purely and simply to help greyhounds.

If anyone thinks they would be able to adopt or foster one of these lovely animals, please email: homing@greyhounds4u .co.uk (ensure you write the word 'greyhound' or 'G4U' in the subject line of your email, or within the email itself) or ring 0787 961 5471

About Greyhounds For You

Greyhounds For You is a UK-based voluntary organisation dedicated to the work of rescuing and homing retired greyhounds. These are greyhounds that have finished racing, or have declined to race. Retired greyhounds make wonderful and unique pets yet often find themselves unwanted, and without a home. They rescue and rehome greyhounds in many areas, namely Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Worcestershire, Avon, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and the Isle of Wight.
Greyhounds for You (G4U) operate very stringent homing policies with regard to placing retired greyhounds with adoptive homes. Consequently we carry out a detailed home analysis and assess potential adopters for their suitability.

Questions you are likely to be asked will focus on:

Your working hours and how many hours in one go would the new dog be left unattended for (if applicable)

Your previous or existing dog experience

Why do you no longer have your previous dog (if applicable)?

Where you live (are you within our homing area and do you live in a house or a flat, if you live in a flat on what floor?)

Do you have a private fully fenced garden?

What other pets do you have?

How old are your children?

Your ability to afford and your willingness to do routine worm and flea treatments, vaccinations, neutering (if the dog has not already been neutered) and dental costs etc.

The security of your garden is of prime imprtance and all fences and gates must be at least 6 foot high in order to adopt a greyhound. If yours are not this high, but you are prepared to raise them, then you may still apply and be accepted for adoption subject to fence work being done before adoption occurs.

All adoptions are subject to a successful homecheck and if fencing work is required the home checker will make a return visit prior to adoption taking place. This is to ensure that the fencing work has been satisfactorily completed and our greyhounds are only homed into secure and safe environments.

If you are keen to adopt you can contact us by email to homing@greyhounds4u .co.uk or telephone or text Debbie on 0787 961 5471. We will be pleased to tell you more about the adoption process.

Update: Diageo now discussing freeing deer**

We received news last night that Diageo are now discussing a plan to have the Banbeath deer handed over for rehoming possibly by the end of next week.

Above: The deer grazing at the Banbeath plant earlier in week

Les Stocker from St. Tiggywinkles who has offered to move them was contacted late yesterday evening by Micheal Alexander, head of corporate relations at Diageo stating that the firm were now prepared to negotiate the releae of the animals.

Our phone's are ringing non stop with updates but it's looking increasingly likely that the remaining deer are to be freed.

We'll keep you updated as things happen.

--

Reg. charity: SCO39109

info@scotlandforanimals.org
http://www.scotlandforanimals.org/

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/scotforanimals

Myspace www.myspace.com/scotlandforanimals

Bebo www.bebo.com/Scotland_for_Animals

UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE ILLEGAL TRADE IN TIGER PARTS IN SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE, 19
March 2010– A 3-month undercover investigation by ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and
Education Society) has revealed that 59 out
of 134 jewellery and antique shops visited in Singaporeoffered
alleged tiger parts for sale. Evidence of the 59 shops
selling alleged tiger parts was recorded on video.

Approximately159 alleged tiger
claws, 303 alleged tiger teeth and 38 pieces of alleged tiger skin were found on
sale during the investigation, which was conducted from December 2009 until February 2010. Tiger parts are used for various purposes such as traditional
medicine, jewellery, lucky charms and novelties.

Singaporehas previously been recognised as playing
a role in the trade of tiger products from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, for both domestic trade and
international re-exports.1

Although all
commercial tiger trade has been banned since 1987 by CITES (Convention on the
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), whichSingaporeis a party to, there has been an
approximate 50% decrease in wild tiger populations since the
ban.

Less than a century ago, more
than 100,000 tigers roamed the world’s jungles and forests. Today, less than
3,200 remain in the wild.Three subspecies of tiger
have become extinct within the last 50years and,despite the inclusion of
Asian big cat species in Appendix I of CITES, the illegal trade in
specimens of nearly all these species has escalated and further threatens their
long-term survival in the wild.

Singaporejoined CITES in 1986 and ratified the
Convention in 1987. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority is the CITES
authority in Singapore. AVAadministers the Endangered Species
(Import and Export) Act (ESA), which lists all CITES species in its
Schedules. Under the ESA, it is an offence to import, export and re-export any CITES species
without a permit from AVA. The possession, sale, offering or exposing or advertising for sale
or displaying to the public of any illegally imported CITES specimen is also an
offence. The penalties, on conviction, are a fine of $50,000 (per species), not
exceeding an aggregate of $500,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment.

Under the Endangered
Species (Import and Export) (Prohibition of Sale) Notification, the domestic sale of tiger
specimens is prohibited. Any person who sells, offers or exposes for sale or
displays to the public any tiger parts and products, commits an offence. The
offender shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 for each species (but
not to exceed in the aggregate $100,000) or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding 1 year or to both.

“It is important to note that
anyone who advertises for sale any tiger parts contravenes the above Act, even if the products turn out to be not
authentic. By making a claim that
the product is from tigers, the dealer is potentially driving up the demand for
tiger parts,which directly contravenes the spirit of CITES and
the local legislation meant to enforce
CITES” said
Ms. Anbarasi Boopal, Director of ACRES Wildlife Crime Unit.

Key findings of the investigation
include:

* The demand for tiger parts and the amount of tiger parts being stocked by the shops appeared to be higher over the Chinese New Year period in this year of the tiger, as reported by a shopkeeper.
* At 52 shops, the alleged tiger parts were openly on sale.
* 28 shopkeepers mentioned that an order for more tiger parts could be placed with them, and the delivery time ranged from one week to three months or more.
* 7 shopkeepers recognised that tigers are protected animals, that it is illegal to sell tiger parts, and that tiger parts are customs-controlled items.
* The alleged tiger parts were claimed to originate from Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Lao and Cambodia.
“The
investigation findings showed the presence of an illegal trade in alleged tiger
parts in Singaporeand that
there is an immediate need for continued serious efforts to curb this illegal
trade. The investigation
findings and footage have been submitted to the AVAand we look
forward to working closely with the AVA”
said Mr. Louis Ng, Executive Director of ACRES.

“As long as there is demand, there will be
supply. Legislation alone is insufficient to bring a complete halt to the
illegal trading of endangered species and their parts. We must do more public
education and awareness so demands for them can be curbed and supply will then
terminate”
said Dr. Lim Wee
Kiak,Member
of Parliament for SembawangGRC.

Contact:
Louis
Ng (ACRES Executive Director)
Email: louis@acres.org.sg

· Photographs
and video footage of the investigation are available on
request.
· In 2003, ACRES, in collaboration with The New
Paper, conducted undercover investigations into the illegal trade in tiger parts
in Singapore. The
investigations revealed that alleged tiger parts, including tiger bones, tiger
paws and tiger penises, were on sale at Traditional Chinese Medicine stores in Chinatown.
· Between 2008
and 2009, ACRES received 3 tip-offs regarding the sale of alleged tiger parts in Singapore. ACRES
investigations confirmed alleged tiger parts being sold as lucky charms in all
three cases. Enforcement action by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority
followed.
· ACRES
is a local animal protection charity and Institution of Public Character aimed
at fostering respect and compassion for all animals. It currently has more than
18,000 individuals on its supporter database.

1. Chris R.
Shepherd and Nolan Magnus, 2004. Nowhere to hide: The trade in Sumatran tiger. A
TRAFFIC South-east
Asiareport.

SAVE THE DATE: World Week for Animals In Labs 2010

PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL ACTIVISTS AND EMAIL LISTS

Dear Fellow Activists,

This year Earthday will fall on Thursday April 22nd 2010. Please keep
this date free on your calendar to attend events at UCLA in honor of
World Week for Animals in Labs and Earthday. As you will see from the
SAEN post below, just recently LA labs have been cited for animal deaths
due to negligence. Make no mistake, UCLA labs are no different - they
just refuse to hand over public documents concerning animals in their
labs.

Take a day's vacation, call in sick, come at lunch time but whatever you
do please come out this one day to support our efforts to end
vivisection at UCLA.

More details coming soon.
For updates please check our websites: (www.saenonline.org
and www.wlalw.org



Death Toll Reaches 97 as Negligence Epidemic Spreads to LA;

Western University of Health Sciences cited in 4 Fatalities & Cover-up

Los Angeles, CA – The death toll from a "negligence epidemic"
sweeping research laboratories across the nation reached 97 here in
March, according to internal government reports, said a research
watchdog organization.

Recently obtained government reports reveal federal violations within
the Western University of Health Sciences which resulted in four
fatalities. SAEN has contacted WUHS President Phillip Pumerantz to
demand an internal investigation.

According to a December 2009/January 2010 USDA report, four animals died
at the Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS) after botched
surgeries. The scathing 4-page USDA report cites WUHS for unqualified
personnel, inadequate veterinary care, and grossly insufficient
supervision of research protocols by the Institutional Animal Care & Use
Committee. In what appears to be a cover-up, facility officials were
kept in the dark about animal deaths, illness, etc. According to the
USDA WUHS uses over 1100 animals per year.

WUHS is the 27th facility unearthed by SAEN to have killed animals
through negligence within the last 1 ¾ years. Other California
facilities involved in the negligence epidemic have included Stanford,
UCSB, and Mount San Antonio College.

Causes of death have included starvation, being boiled alive,
exsanguination, asphyxiation, poisoning, botched surgeries, severe
untreated bacterial infections, temperature extremes, exposure to bleach
solutions, lung hyperinflation, hit by car, placing living animals in
carcass freezers, failed euthanasias, and gunshot wounds.

The research facilities cited in these atrocities include: University
of Nebraska, Sanofi Pasteur (PA), Memorial Health University (GA),
Stonybrook University (NY), Bioreliance (MD), University of Kansas (KS),
Colorado State University, Brigham & Women's Hospital (Boston);
Cornell Medical School (NY), Virginia Tech, University of Washington,
Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU), Stanford (CA), Joliet Junior
College (IL), Dartmouth (NH), Lovelace Research Institute (NM), Charles
River Labs (MA/NV), University of California (San Francisco & Santa
Barbara), University of Wisconsin (Madison), Sewanee (TN), University of
Connecticut, University of Minnesota, Globe University (MN), and
Vanderbilt (TN).

"How many animals have to die before the USDA takes meaningful
action against these labs," Budkie added. "As far as we know
only one of these 27 facilities has received any penalties
whatsoever."

"Judging by the USDA's lack of action in the majority of these cases,
the only infraction worthy of a fine is boiling an animal alive in a
cagewasher," added Budkie. "Apparently putting live animals in
freezers, shooting them, or allowing them to bleed to death is not
worthy of a real penalty."

The USDA inspection reports are available upon request from SAEN.

www.saenonline.org

As the world falls into recession we have an amazing opportunity to
call into question the billions of dollars spent on futile animal
experiments. It is time for each and every one of us to do what we can
to bring this controversial issue back into the public eye.

Show Me Horse Slaughter In Show-Me Missouri?

KINSHIP CIRCLE

SEND YOUR COMMENTS EITHER WAY:
1) Skip this email. Go to this link to send an automated letter:
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new2.asp?LetterID=1894&seriesfirst=true

2) OR -- Copy/paste emails & sample letter below into your own email.

Photo: Horses sold for transport to a Canadian slaughterhouse.
http://www.humanefood.ca/otherissues.html

Missouri, the "Show Me State," is already the nation's puppy mill capital.
Now the enterprising state aims to reinstate horse slaughter. Rep. Jim
Viebrock, R-Republic, has introduced H.B. 1747 to sidestep federal
regulations that bar horse slaughter for human consumption. According to
Viebrock, his bill would jump-start the "ailing equine industry."

WHEREVER YOU LIVE: THIS BILL AFFECTS YOU. The last three U.S. kill plants
were shut down in 2007. Don't let Missouri revive a despicable industry.

============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ====
SAMPLE LETTER - CONTACT INFO FOLLOWS SAMPLE LETTER
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ====

Missouri House of Representatives:

Please reject Rep. Jim Viebrock's bill to sidestep federal rules that bar
horse slaughter for human consumption. If passed, H.B. 1747 lets horse
processors operate in Missouri -- even though no equine plants legally
function in the U.S. right now. While supporters insist slaughter "saves"
horses from neglect and starvation, their argument fails to recognize:

-- "Americans oppose horse slaughter by an overwhelming margin," says Glen
Bolger, national pollster and founding partner of the nonpartisan Public
Opinion Strategies (POS). In a 2007 poll, POS found that 71% want horses
preserved as part of American cultural heritage. Nearly half are less likely
to vote for a Congressperson who is against a horse slaughter ban.

-- Equine plants are known polluters that congest sewers and contaminate
land and water.

-- Under Missouri Anti-Cruelty Statues Chapter 578, animal abandonment is a
crime punishable by fines and jail time. Rather than advocate slaughter as
an alternative to neglect, lawmakers ought to enforce criminal prosecution.

-- Slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia. Methods to stun and kill cows and
pigs are excruciating when used on horses. Nonetheless, these excitable,
long-necked animals are subjected to captive bolt pistols that often don't
render them insensible. Some remain aware while killed.

-- Overpopulation stems from industries such as Premarin and Prempro (HRT
drugs made from mare urine); carriage horses; riding stables, etc. that
over-breed horses. Focus should shift to breeding oversight and responsible
care. Moreover, there is no documented connection between closure of
domestic plants and a spike in horse abuse cases. In contrast, slaughter
supplies a "dumping ground" for irresponsible breeders and caretakers.

H.B. 1747 wants to impose a U.S. market for horsemeat on a nation that
doesn't want it. The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503/S.B. 727,
currently before Congress, bans possession, shipment, transport, purchase,
sale, delivery or receipt of any horse for the purpose of human ingestion.
In 2006 Congress cut off funding for mandatory ante-mortem inspection of
horses. This de-funding was reinstated in the 2010 Appropriations Act. It is
illegal to kill uninspected horses under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

In 2007 the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals proclaimed horse slaughter
illegal in Texas, home to two foreign-owned equine plants. Later that year,
U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly froze America's last kill
plant in DeKalb, Illinois for its failure to assess environmental impacts of
horse slaughter, in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act.

Missouri's proposed "rebirth" of a doomed industry is economically and
ethically shortsighted. Horse slaughter is a no-win for horses and people.
Please do not support H.B. 1747.

Sincerely,

>>>YOUR FULL NAME
>>>ADRESS, CITY, STATE
>>>COUNTRY

============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ====
CONTACT INFORMATION
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ====

MISSOURI RESIDENTS, CONTACT YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES:
Find your reps' contact info: http://www.house.mo.gov/member.aspx


EVERYONE, CONTACT MISSOURI LAWMAKERS:
Emails below are from the Missouri House of Representatives website:
http://www.house. mo.gov/member. aspx -- If any don't work, it is because:

a.. The website contains inaccurate, outdated information
b.. The recipient has disabled his/her email
c.. The recipient's mailbox is full (try later)
d.. At the time emails below were cross-researched and checked, they worked.

AGRICULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE + ENTIRE MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Sue.Allen@house. mo.gov, Bert.Atkins@ house.mo. gov, Joe.Aull@house. mo.gov, NitaJane.Ayres@ house.mo. gov, Kenny.Biermann@ house.mo. gov, Walt.Bivins@ house.mo. gov, Ellen.Brandom@ house.mo. gov, Rachel.Bringer@ house.mo. gov, Dan.Brown@house. mo.gov, Jason.Brown@ house.mo. gov, Michael.Brown@ house.mo. gov, Mark.Bruns@house. mo.gov, Eric.Burlison@ house.mo. gov, John.Burnett@ house.mo. gov, Don.Calloway@ house.mo. gov, Chris.Carter@ house.mo. gov, Ron.Casey@house. mo.gov, Maria.ChappelleNada l@house.mo. gov, Mike.Colona@ house.mo. gov, Pat.Conway@house. mo.gov, Wayne.Cooper@ house.mo. gov, Michael.Corcoran@ house.mo. gov, Stanley.Cox@ house.mo. gov, Mike.Cunningham@ house.mo. gov, Shalonn.Curls@ house.mo. gov, Cynthia.Davis@ house.mo. gov, David.Day@house. mo.gov, Bill.Deeken@ house.mo. gov, Charlie.Denison@ house.mo. gov, Mike.Dethrow@ house.mo. gov, Scott.Dieckhaus@ house.mo. gov, John.Diehl@house. mo.gov, Bob.Dixon@house. mo.gov,
Curt.Dougherty@ house.mo. gov, Tony.Dugger@ house.mo. gov, Gary.Dusenberg@ house.mo. gov, Ed.Emery@house. mo.gov, Vicki.Englund@ house.mo. gov

Doug.Ervin@house. mo.gov, Sally.Faith@ house.mo. gov, Joe.FallertJr@ house.mo. gov, Linda.Fischer@ house.mo. gov, Barney.Fisher@ house.mo. gov, Thomas.Flanigan@ house.mo. gov, Tim.Flook@house. mo.gov, Michael.Frame@ house.mo. gov, Ward.Franz@house. mo.gov, Doug.Funderburk@ house.mo. gov, Chuck.Gatschenberge r@house.mo. gov, Jason.Grill@ house.mo. gov, Jeff.Grisamore@ house.mo. gov, Casey.Guernsey@ house.mo. gov, Jim.Guest@house. mo.gov, Belinda.Harris@ house.mo. gov, Steve.Hobbs@ house.mo. gov, Steve.Hodges@ house.mo. gov, Jason.Holsman@ house.mo. gov, Denny.Hoskins@ house.mo. gov, leonard.hughes@ house.mo. gov, Jake.Hummel@ house.mo. gov, Allen.Icet@house. mo.gov, Kenny.Jones@ house.mo. gov, Tim.Jones@house. mo.gov, Tishaura.Jones@ house.mo. gov, Jason.Kander@ house.mo. gov, Shelley.Keeney@ house.mo. gov, Chris.Kelly@ house.mo. gov, Gayle.Kingery@ house.mo. gov, Jeanne.Kirkton@ house.mo. gov, Andrew.Koenig@ house.mo. gov, Sam.Komo@house. mo.gov, Michele.Kratky@ house.mo. gov, Will.Kraus@house. mo.gov, JC.Kuessner@ house.mo. gov, Mike.Lair@house. mo.gov, Sara.Lampe@house. mo.gov, Scott.Largent@ house.mo. gov

Mike.Leara@house. mo.gov, Roman.LeBlanc@ house.mo. gov, Paul.Levota@ house.mo. gov, Albert.Liese@ house.mo. gov, Scott.Lipke@ house.mo. gov, Tom.Loehner@ house.mo. gov, Beth.Low@house. mo.gov, Rebecca.McClanahan@ house.mo. gov, Tom.McDonald@ house.mo. gov, Mike.McGhee@ house.mo. gov, Cole.McNary@ house.mo. gov, Margo.McNeil@ house.mo. gov, Tim.Meadows@ house.mo. gov, Kate.Meiners@ house.mo. gov, Chris.Molendorp@ house.mo. gov, James.Morris@ house.mo. gov, Brian.Munzlinger@ house.mo. gov, Bob.Nance@house. mo.gov, Jamilah.Nasheed@ house.mo. gov, Stacey.Newman@ house.mo. gov, Brian.Nieves@ house.mo. gov, Jerry.Nolte@ house.mo. gov, Charlie.Norr@ house.mo. gov, Jeanette.Oxford@ house.mo. gov, Sharon.Pace@ house.mo. gov, Mark.Parkinson@ house.mo. gov, Mike.Parson@ house.mo. gov, Darrell.Pollock@ house.mo. gov, Bryan.Pratt@ house.mo. gov, Paul.Quinn@house. mo.gov, Ronald.Richard@ house.mo. gov, Jeanie.Riddle@ house.mo. gov, Jeff.Roorda@ house.mo. gov, Martin.Rucker@ house.mo. gov, Marilyn.Ruestman@ house.mo. gov, Don.Ruzicka@ house.mo. gov, Ray.Salva@house. mo.gov, Therese.Sander@ house.mo. gov, David.Sater@ house.mo. gov, Luke.Scavuzzo@ house.mo. gov, Rob.Schaaf@house. mo.gov, Rodney.Schad@ house.mo. gov, Dwight.Scharnhorst@ house.mo. gov, Ed.Schieffer@ house.mo. gov

Charlie.Schlottach@ house.mo. gov, Shane.Schoeller@ house.mo. gov, Sue.Schoemehl@ house.mo. gov, Jill.Schupp@ house.mo. gov, Tom.Self@house. mo.gov, Tom.Shively@ house.mo. gov, Ryan.Silvey@ house.mo. gov, Trent.Skaggs@ house.mo. gov, Jason.Smith@ house.mo. gov, Joe.Smith@house. mo.gov, Michael.Spreng@ house.mo. gov, Bryan.Stevenson@ house.mo. gov, Mary.Still@house. mo.gov, Rachel.Storch@ house.mo. gov, Rick.Stream@ house.mo. gov, Mike.Sutherland@ house.mo. gov, Terry.Swinger@ house.mo. gov, Mike.Talboy@ house.mo. gov, Mike.Thomson@ house.mo. gov, Steven.Tilley@ house.mo. gov, Tom.Todd@house. mo.gov, Clint.Tracy@ house.mo. gov, Jim.Viebrock@ house.mo. gov, Michael.Vogt@ house.mo. gov, Maynard.Wallace@ house.mo. gov, Gina.Walsh@house. mo.gov, Rochelle.Gray@ house.mo. gov, Jay.Wasson@house. mo.gov, Steve.Webb@house. mo.gov, Don.Wells@house. mo.gov, Raymond.Weter@ house.mo. gov, Hope.Whitehead@ house.mo. gov, Kevin.Wilson@ house.mo. gov, Terry.Witte@ house.mo. gov, Billy.Wright@ house.mo. gov, Patricia.Yaeger@ house.mo. gov, Anne.Zerr@house. mo.gov, Jake.Zimmerman@ house.mo. gov

****KINSHIP CIRCLE CANNOT GUARANTEE ALL EMAILS WILL WORK****
During campaigns, recipients may change or disable their email addresses.
Emails from government, corporate, or institute websites may be incorrect.

Kinship Circle believes an animal-free diet is the ultimate way to end
cruelty and the devastating impacts of animal agriculture. We believe
confinement, deprivation, drugging, brutalization, slaughter, dismemberment
and consumption are bad for horses, dogs, cats, pigs, cows, chickens, goats
and all who live. We advocate for an end to the suffering of all.

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Slaughter of horses in U.S. could resume, in Missouri
http://www.stltodaycom/stltoday/news/stories./stlouiscityc /story/ 3335E5FAA88015DC 862576E2000F6ECE ?OpenDocument
Show MO Legislators Why They Should Oppose H.B. 1747
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/horse-slaughter/article/1160

DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

Please Help Pass bill H.R. 503/S.B. 727

THIS IS URGENT THAT WE FINALLY PASS THIS FEDERAL BILL!!!

Dear Honorable Representative,

Please Help Pass bill H.R. 503/S.B. 727. This Bill proposes to amend the criminal code which means it is assigned to the Committee on the Judiciary, not Agriculture. If the Committee on the Judiciary can pass this bill as it did in the last session, it can proceed to a vote on the House floor.

Horse slaughter has been stopped in the United States by court decisions and state legislative actions. Horses are, however, still being transported to foreign countries, primarily Mexico and Canada, for slaughter. Only a federal law can stop this tragedy.

Chris Heyde, Animal Welfare Institute, states, "Horse slaughter advocates have been ratcheting up their misinformation campaign so we must make sure our elected officials hear the facts from the majority of Americans who support an end to horse slaughter."

I am one of the Majority & You are my Representative!

Respectfully,

Rich Russom

Animal Law Coalition Link Below...READ. ..ACT...CROSSPOS T!!!

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/horse-slaughter/article/567

Rich Russom
rich@russom.com
richrussom@myspace.com
http://www.Hornhead.Russom.com
http://www.myspace.com/richrussom
http://www.iacmusic.com/richrussom
http://iacmusic.com/stations/BSLISEVIL
http://www.soundclick.com/RichRussom
http://www.linkedin.com/in/richardrussom
http://iacmusic.com/stations/INMEMORYOFREE

Compassion - By Sharing Our Warmth, We Create a Supportive Environment.
The Greatness of a Nation and its Moral Progress can be Judged by the way its Animals are Treated. [Gandhi]

Friday, March 12, 2010

SCA and No Kill Advocacy Center Join Legal Battle to Save LA's Cats




Forwarded by ADL-LA:
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online.


A monumental step was taken on Thursday, February 19, 2010, to save Los Angeles' free-roaming cats and let the nation know that their rights should be protected.

Stray Cat Alliance ("SCA") proudly joined No Kill Advocacy Center ("NKAC") in filing a motion to intervene in Los Angeles Superior Court to defend free-roaming cats in place of the City of Los Angeles whose decision to appeal the matter of Urban Wildlands v. City of Los Angeles (LASC BS115483) is still pending. The national law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP representing SCA and NKAC in this matter, filed the brief that was heard before the same judge in the matter of Wildlands v. City of Los Angeles. The motion was denied. Upon receiving the judge's order, the next step will involve filing an appeal.

This is a major step in the right direction to uphold the rights of free-roaming cats to exist. This case has implication for cities across the state as to whether cats may exist outdoors or be rounded up and killed in the usual fashion of 'catch and kill' at shelters. SCA and NKAC are the only advocacy groups taking on the well-funded and powerful Audubon groups in court. Fortunately, the cats of LA have SCA and NKAC to defend them, but this is not the case in other cities.

For this reason, WE NEED YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT in believing in the mission of Building a No-Kill Nation, One Stray At A Time. We have the generous pro bono support of Akin, Gump, et al., and they should be applauded for their conscientious understanding of the plight of free-roaming cats. SCA will diligently work to continue business as usual saving lives and advocating for cats wherever possible. You will be apprised of developments in this case as they occur and thank you for your support.

Please find below the press release the media received.

For Immediate Release

GROUPS FILE EMERGENCY APPEAL IN COURT TO SAVE CATS

No Kill Advocacy Center and Stray Cat Alliance File Emergency Motion in Los Angeles Superior Court to Intervene in Lawsuit Against City Brought by Urban Wildlands and other Groups

February 18, 2010, Los Angeles, CA. The No Kill Advocacy Center and Stray Cat Alliance filed an emergency motion in Los Angeles Superior Court today asking the court to allow them to intervene as Defendants in the case of Urban Wildlands Group vs. City of Los Angeles (LASC BS115483).

Urban Wildlands and other groups sued the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Animal Services for attempting to work with community groups and nonprofit organizations whose missions are focused on protection of freeroaming (homeless, stray, and unsocialized "feral") cats. These programs help reduce the population of freeroaming cats and prevent impounds in the City's seven animal shelters where thousands of healthy cats and kittens are killed annually.

The plaintiffs claim that stray cats harm the ecosystem by preying on birds. In December, the Superior Court ordered the City of Los Angeles to cease all work with community groups that work to prevent shelter killing of freeroaming cats through the sterilization method known as TrapNeuterReturn ("TNR"). As a result of the ruling, the City can no longer inform the public about TNR services available in the community. The ruling will result in thousands of cats being needlessly killed at taxpayer expense in City shelters, while doing virtually nothing to stem any perceived loss of bird life.

If the motion to intervene is granted, both No Kill Advocacy Center and Stray Cat Alliance -whose missions include saving the lives of free roaming and feral cats in Los Angeles and other communities- will be able to seek modification and appeal of the court's order.

"This ruling does nothing to save birds, while threatening to needlessly kill cats at taxpayer expense. We cannot allow this ruling to force the City to turn back the clock on shelter policies to the dark days of 'catch and kill' being the official policy," said Christi Metropole, Executive Director of Stray Cat Alliance. "At the same time, the ruling does not affect the real cause for bird species decline, namely human encroachment, human activities, human pollution and use of toxic pesticides."

According to Nathan J. Winograd, Director of the national No Kill Advocacy Center, "the court's broad ruling failed to consider several points of fact and law that we are prepared to present as defendants in the action. We believe that had the court considered these points, it would not have issued this misguided ruling. In fact, parts of the ruling conflict with state law and oversteps the court's authority over the legislative branch of government."

Winograd also said that, "Blaming animals who cannot defend themselves gives the environmental groups the appearance of working to find a solution to bird decline, but their opposition to TNR is counterproductive to the cause they claim to represent. An end to information about TNR will cause increases in feral cat populations because when the only option is killing, people will not ask for assistance with these cats. A recent national study found that over 80% of people surveyed consider it more ethical to leave a cat out on the street than to turn the cat over to animal control to be killed. And for those feral cats who do end up at the shelter, their killing is a tragic certainty."

"We will not allow them (cats) to get killed," said Metropole.

The No Kill Advocacy Center is a national notforprofit organization dedicated to ending the systematic killing of animals in U.S. shelters. Stray Cat Alliance is dedicated to ending the killing of cats in and around Los Angeles. The No Kill Advocacy Center and Stray Cat Alliance are represented by the national law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Los Angeles.


www.StrayCatAlliance.org







P.O. Box 661277 Los Angeles, CA 90066 US



.

Please Join Friends of Animals for a March 15th Rally to Stop the Canadian*

*Seal Slaughter--at the Door of the Canadian Consulate General in NYC*

The baby harp seals off Canada 's Eastern Coast are not safe from the
slaughter that's gone on for decades, and which is set to resume this
month. The violent spectacle of seals being clubbed, shot and skinned
for their skins will continue unless we use our voices to finally end
this massacre. *Real solutions are needed for the serious economic
and environmental issues facing Canada . Clubbing and shooting seals
does not address these problems.

Several Canadian Parliament members and Fisheries Minister Gail Shea
recently ate seal flesh in an organized media stunt to spite the
European Union's decision to ban certain seal products. Grow up, Canada
. Stop clinging to policies that degrade the environment and its
inhabitants, stop mocking the rest of the world, and stop smashing
seals' heads*

Please join Friends of Animals and In Defense of Animals for the
International Day of Action for Seals in Canada on March 15 at 12:30pm
in NYC. We'll be standing in solidarity with all of the protests
happening around the world for the seals on this day. We're taking our
outrage to the door of the Canadian Consulate General's office in
bustling Midtown Manhattan, for a spirited lunchtime demonstration with
posters and banners demanding an end to the slaughter. Your presence is
needed more than ever to save the seals.

We're closer than ever to finally ending the shameful history of Canada
's assault of seals, and Canadian Senator Mac Harb introduced a bill
last year that would accomplish this, but it has not yet been supported.
Worldwide pressure is needed to get this legislation passed.

If you cannot attend the rally, please contact the politicians below and
ask them to support the "Harb Bill" (S-207) to end the commercial seal
slaughter in Canada .

*What: Demonstration against seal slaughter in Canada
When: March 15, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Canadian Consulate General, 1251 Avenue of the America between
49th and 50th Streets, New York City -- Map & Directions.

*
*What You Can Do Right Now:*
Canada 's annual seal kill should not exist; it is violent and unjust.
Please direct opposition to killing seals to the Canadian government and
urge the politicians below the pass the "Harb Bill" (S-207), introduced
by Canadian Senator Mac Harb to end the commercial seal slaughter in
Canada, and be sure to cc Senator Mac Harb in any emailed letters to
politicians on this matter at: harbm@sen.parl.gc.ca

*Canadian Consulate General Daniel Sullivan*
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York , NY 10020-1175
United States
Telephone: 1-212-596-1628
Facsimile: 1-212-596-1790
daniel.sullivan@international.gc.ca


*Prime Minister Stephen Harper*
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington St .
Ottawa , ON K1A 0A2 Canada
Facsimile: 1-613-941-6900 or 1-613-995-7858
E-mail address: pm@pm.gc.ca


*Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans*
House of Commons
441-S Centre Block
Ottawa , ON K1A 0A6 Canada Facsimile: 1-613-992-1974
E -mail address: Shea.G@parl.gc.ca



*Friends of Animals 777 Post Road Darien CT 06820
203-656-1522*

Rape - 1 Strike Law and Electronic Crime Alert Proposed by Nava

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John D. Mann
March 12, 2010 (916) 718-7420

Rape - 1 Strike Law and Electronic Crime Alert Proposed by Nava
After San Diego Teen Murders

In response to the brutal killings of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois in San Diego, California, Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) has ‘fast tracked’ legislation, Assembly Bill 33, the “Rape – 1 Strike Law,” that will impose a mandatory 25 years to life in prison for the rape of a minor. Additionally, the bill will create an electronic crime alert notification system for cell phones and other handheld devices by geographic region, similar to Amber Alert.

“My heart goes out to the King and Dubois families for their tragic loss. I can only imagine the pain and hurt that these heinous crimes have caused,” said Nava, a former prosecutor. “It’s time for the state to implement a zero tolerance policy. My legislation will send a resounding message that if you commit rape or another violent sexual act against a minor, you will be put away for a very long time.”

Nava’s legislation would propose that an adult who rapes a minor or commits an illicit sexual act would be subject to a mandatory 25 years to life in prison.

The bill will also create a system whereby California residents will have the option to receive an electronic message from their cellular provider to alert them when a suspected sexual crime has been committed in their neighborhood.

Said Nava, “We must use all available technologies to alert the public. Law enforcement already issues Amber Alerts for child abductions, there is no reason we cannot do the same for sexual predators.”

If such sentencing laws had been in place at the time of Mr. Gardner’s conviction in 2000, then both Chelsea King and Amber Dubois would be alive today.

“Studies clearly show that monsters like Mr. Gardner do not get better and the only way to protect the community is to put them away for 25 years to life so that they will no longer be a threat to our children,” said Nava.

Nava, a former prosecutor in Fresno and Santa Barbara Counties, has been a leading advocate for protecting the rights of victims. He has authored legislation that includes, prohibiting authorities from expunging the records of juvenile offenders who have committed egregious sex crimes, therefore not making them eligible for probation; allowed for the unsealing of sexual violent predator listed crimes from juvenile records when assessing whether a civil commitment is warranted for a violent predator after they have completed their prison term; and protected a victim’s personal information by not allowing it to be provided to their attacker attacker during a civil commitment hearing.

Anti-Hunting ARA's 1st Amend Rights Abused By Police--Please Support

*** CROSSPOST WIDELY ***

Background:

Jason Miller, founder of the AR blogs Thomas Paine's Corner and Bite Club of KC, was the victim of harassment by the Johnson County Police Department on Friday, March 5th, when he was interrogated at his place of employment regarding emails sent to Kansas State officials.

Apparently, government officials involved in the recent decision to slaughter hundreds of deer within Shawnee Mission Park, were upset by emails they received from several individuals as a result of their killing spree. These officials', in retaliation, decided to use Jason's local police dept. as their own personal goon squad, in an attempt to intimidate him. While Jason Miller's anti-hunting campaign included his own singular email, it appears he is taking the heat for every email sent by anyone in opposition to the bloodbath.

This is a clear ABUSE of Kansas State officials' and the police department's power! Increasingly, AR activists are being targeted for harassment and jail time for LAWFUL, First Amendment activities. Anyone who is under the impression that this escalating government campaign against the AR Movement is limited to what they refer to as "fringe extremists" is in for a SHOCK. The FBI and others in law enforcement are committed to destroying our movement -- period!

This is why supporting one another in cases of govt/police abuse is absolutely VITAL. Please take the time to email the following power abusers and let them know YOU WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED. Remind them that they are OUR employees and that they have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution -- including the FIRST AMENDMENT.

Sample letter below -- tweak it to make it your own

EMAIL THE ABUSERS:
governor@ks.gov; lloydf@wp.state.ks.us; michael.meadors@jocogov.org; randy.knight@jocogov.org; chairman@jcprd.com; vicechair@jcprd.com; treasurer@jcprd.com; assistant_treasurer@jcprd.com; secretary@jcprd.com; assistant_secretary@jcprd.com; annabeth.surbaugh@jocogov.org; jim.allen@jocogov.org; ed.peterson@jocogov.org; david.lindstrom@jocogov.org; ed.eilert@jocogov.org; doug.wood@jocogov.org; calvin.hayden@jocogov.org

SAMPLE LETTER:

Sirs:

By abusing your official power in order to harass and intimidate those in opposition to your blood-soaked policies, [e.g. Shawnee Mission Park deer massacre], it has become obvious that you do not have the character, personal integrity or good judgment to warrant retaining that position. Tyranny can only exist if the citizenry allows it. Using your official position of power to oppress lawful, ethical and morally correct social justice movements such as that of Animal Rights, will only garner anger and disgust against the reigning status quo, which has enshrouded itself in corruption for far too long. Reminder: YOU ARE OUR EMPLOYEE -- WE REFUSE TO BE PAWNS FOR YOUR PERSONAL AGENDAS. The Animal Rights Movement will continue, regardless of your Orwellian attempts to stamp out the First Amendment and the rest of the Bill of Rights which you swore an oath to uphold. I look forward to the day when we can actually be proud of those in government and not
remain in constant need of a vomit receptacle when dealing with our "representatives. "

Sincerely,

"SCOTLAND FOR ANIMALS" MAKES INTERNATIONAL PLEA FOR EMAILS TO STOP DEER SLAUGHTER ~

Background Info:

John Patrick, head of Scotland for Animals is pleading for an INTERNATIONAL response to the planned murders of a small herd of roe deer, which have been peacefully living on grounds owned by a company named Diageo, for the last 10 years. The company's planned expansion is being used as an excuse to kill the deer. So far, they are unwilling to listen to offers to relocate the herd. Scotland for Animals is asking caring people from around the world to inundate the company with emails in an attempt to apply pressure to stop the atrocity and convince them to utilize relocation and not murder to solve the problem.

PLEASE SEND A PROTEST EMAIL AND CROSSPOST THIS ALERT WIDELY!

From: Scotland for Animals
Subject: DEER CULL TO GO AHEAD
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 6:42 PM

Please see email below which supporters have been receiving from Diageo re: deer cull, they are adamant that this will go ahead. We know we've been hammering you all with stuff over the past couple of days but if you can please email again to remind Diageo how bad they're going to look should this go ahead:

EMAIL: Global.General. Information@Diageo.com

(just cut+paste our email, or a variation of, and personalise it with your own details)

You can also phone 020 79275200 and tell them you want to speak to the CEO Paul Walsh.

We're trying to find out exactly when this is supposed to happen and who'll be carrying the killing out, we'll keep you posted. See Diageo's reply below and also Scotland for Animals' appeal to reconsider quickly.

Subject:
FAO Paul Walsh: Re: Deer cull/ Banbeath
From:
Scotland for Animals
Date:
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:07:35 +0000
To:
Global.General. Information@Diageo.com

Re: DEER CULL-- BANBEATH, FIFE

Dear Mr Walsh

We have received reports from the public that you are to go ahead with the culling of deer at your plant in Banbeath Fife. With regards to your firms statement that "the advice from the deer experts is that it would be irresponsible to relocate or release the deer and in the best interests of animal welfare all the deer should be culled." Could you please inform us who these experts are? We are extremely concerned about the integrity of these claims as we are aware that several expert organisations including the SSPCA have instructed you that these deer could be adequately preserved on site or alternatively easily transferred to another location. We are also aware that concrete offers have been made to yourselves for the use of suitable rehoming areas.

Further to your claim that you have been "Working with the key deer management experts, and with support of local community representatives, we have carefully examined every possible option for the management of the deer." we know that a petition containing over 2000 signatures was handed to you from local people asking for these deer to be saved and there is huge opposition to the cull from residents in surrounding areas. Again could we ask that you please tell us exactly which 'local community representatives' are supporting you in your actions?

We advise that it would be a grave mistake for Diageo to go ahead with this cull as the strength of public opposition to this is overwhelming and the advice you are being given and organisations which you appear to be receiving counsel from are looking extremely dubious.

After the massive amount of negative publicity that Diageo has had in Scotland through other matters we hope that you will reverse this decision immediately to avoid yet another PR disaster for your company. If you require any professional and reliable advice or assistance on welfare, resettling, transport, etc. issues regarding this case please do not hesitate to contact us.

John Patrick
Chairman
Scotland for Animals

From: Global General Information
[mailto: Global.General. Information@Diageo.com]

Sent: 10 March 2010 16:42
Subject: Re: DEER TO BE CULLED IN FIFE

Dear Madam,

Thank you for your email. Diageo has been working closely with deer welfare advisers at the Deer Commission for Scotland, the British Deer Society and the Scottish Deer Centre and with animal welfare officers at the SSPCA in a determined effort to address the animal welfare issues of a small herd of roe deer that has taken up residence at our Leven packaging site.

There have been deer on site for around 10 years, but recently there has been concern about the increasing numbers and health of the deer. In addition, the planned expansion at Leven – which includes the building of a new bottling hall – will result in a significantly reduced area of land available for the deer. Together these have important animal welfare implications, including even further restricted habitat, high stress levels and risk of injury.

Working with the key deer management experts, and with support of local community representatives, we have carefully examined every possible option for the management of the deer. However, the advice from the deer experts is that it would be irresponsible to relocate or release the deer and in the best interests of animal welfare all the deer should be culled.

We recognise that the deer are regarded fondly in the local community and by employees – this has been an extremely difficult decision to reach – but we have a responsibility to act on the advice of the deer experts in the best interests of the animals. The cull is being undertaken by qualified professionals in consultation with a vet and the police.

Yours sincerely,
Rechelle Jevon
Corporate Relations Assistant

*********
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www.scotlandforanimals.org

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