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

Ban on dog and cat sales of non-shelter animals

Dear Friends:

Social Compassion in Legislation is pleased to announce an upcoming milestone in the fight on puppy/kitten mills and a big step in animal welfare protection. On Monday, the West Hollywood City Council will consider passing an ordinance that will ban the sale of dogs & cats in pet stores (except shelter animals)! This will eliminate an outlet for mass breeding cruelty!

Click here for more information from WeHoNews.com

If you would like to send an email in support, please send it to the West Hollywood City Clerk, Mr. Tom West at: twest@weho.org
and he will distribute your emails to the Mayor and Council Members prior to the vote Monday night.

Here is a sample email:

To: Mayor Abbe Land and City of West Hollywood Council Members:
Jeff Prang, John Duran, John Heilman, and Lindsey Horvath.

Subject: Ordinance to ban dog & cat sales in pet stores

Dear Mayor and Council Members,

I support the ban on pet store sales of non-shelter animals. Virtually all pet store animals currently come from cruel, large scale puppy and kitten mills. I applaud the continued leadership of the City of West Hollywood in the protection of our companion animals. Over half a million animals die in California shelters every year costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars annually. These pets deserve a home first. There is no reason to sell animals bred specifically for sale, when there are so many loving animals already waiting for homes.

Thank you for your compassion and leadership,

(Your name, address and group name or affiliation if applicable)

Questions? Click here for information about the ordinance and the City Council Meeting Agenda for Monday February 1, 2010.

This is just one of the exciting projects SCIL has been working on. The projects include the upcoming launch of the much anticipated California Spay and Neuter License Plate, and also several pieces of legislation that we will be telling you about soon.

Thank you for your participation in helping California's animals.

Best regards,

Judie
Judie Mancuso President, Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL)
A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization focused on reducing pet overpopulation through legislation

The Cove, the dolphin slaughtering documentary

These are the links to the article on The Cove, the dolphin
slaughtering documentary (October 21, Tokyo, Japan)

Please watch the footage on CNN site. You can see that many
cameramen came to TIFF The Cove yesterday.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/showbiz/2009/10/21/lah.japan.dolphin.cove.cnn.html



Japan dolphin town defends hunt as film debuts
http://in.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idINIndia-43328920091021?rpc=60


Wed Oct 21, 2009 6:08pm IST



Blog by the Director
The Cove at TIFF, as told by the Director
http://www.thecovemovie.com/BlogRetrieve.aspx?BlogID=5047&PostID=93418




TOKYO, Japan - A town at the centre of a controversial dolphin
slaughtering documentary could sue the film makers, local
fisheries officials said Wednesday, as it premiered at a Tokyo
film festival.
http://oceanicdefense.blogspot.com/2009/10/japan-dolphin-hunting-town-threatens-to.html





--------------------------------------
GyaO! - Anime, Dramas, Movies, and Music videos [FREE]
http://pr.mail.yahoo.co.jp/gyao/

Proposed D.C. legislation outlines humane treatment for dealing with critters

By Tim Craig

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

D.C. residents might want to think twice before they use a broom to try to
swat that bat in their garage or set out rat traps to ensnare the opossum
living under their porch.

After being at the complete mercy of man since before Colonial days, wild
animals that roam city neighborhoods could soon have their own bill of
rights.

Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) introduced a bill Tuesday that would
impose new standards to make sure furry creatures that live in or travel
through city neighborhoods are treated humanely.

The
legislation, which Cheh crafted with the help of the
Humane Society of the United States, states "lethal control" of raccoons,
rabbits, bats and other wild animals should be pursued "only when public
safety is immediately threatened" or non-lethal methods have proven
unsuccessful.

"We have raccoons that live in a tree in the immediate neighbor's yard, and
they coexist with us," said Cheh, who lives in Forest Hills. "I think the
first reaction should be, 'Is this really a problem?' "

Cheh's bill exempts "commensal rodents," meaning homeowners and
exterminators will still be able to use traps and poison to kill rats and
mice. But trappers will no longer be allowed to use glue and "body gripping"
traps to catch larger animals.

"It's a form of horrible torture with no release or respite for the
animals," Cheh said.

The proposal does not apply to Rock Creek Park, which is governed by federal
regulations. So the city still won't be able to intervene in the ongoing
debate over whether the National Park Service should allow lethal force to
curb the deer population.

But those coyotes and foxes that have been spotted in Upper Northwest in
recent years will be able rest a bit easier if Cheh's proposal becomes law.

As drafted, the bill applies only to wildlife specialists and professional
trappers. But Cheh plans to have it amended so that it also prevents
homeowners from using inhumane tactics or traps.

"If you can relocate, relocate," Cheh advised. "Euthanasia should be the
last resort."

Right now, it's just a free-for-all in D.C., and people do what they want,"
said Glover, who supports the legislation.

John Adcock, owner of Adcock Trapping Service in College Park, said many of
the regulations appear be standard procedure. But Adcock said he worries
that the Humane Society might have played too big a role in drafting the
regulations.

"We want the critters to have a chance, too, but we don't want homeowners to
have squirrels ready to burn their house down or raccoons tearing up the
attic. We will give them a few days to go peacefully, but after that, we
have to do what we have to do," he said.

If Cheh's bill is approved by the full council, all private wildlife control
officials would have to be licensed to operate in the city, similar to
requirements in Maryland and Virginia.

Under the legislation, a wildlife agent's first goal should be to get the
unwanted animal to leave an area before having to resort to trapping it. If
trapping is required, the operator would be required to check the trap at
least once every 24 hours to make sure trapped animals do not starve.

If an animal needs to be relocated, the trapper should release it within 12
hours. But there is a catch: Trappers should "make every reasonable effort
to preserve family units."

That could require trappers to develop "reunion strategies" for a mother and
her young.

"A wildlife operator shall not knowingly abandon dependent young," the bill
states.

If an animal needs to be killed, a wildlife control specialist would be
required to abide by standards established by the American Veterinary
Association Panel on Euthanasia.

The panel has issued a
39-page report
that outlines which kinds of euthanasia are acceptable for different
animals. Wildlife control specialists who violate the standards would have
their licenses suspended and could be prosecuted on animal cruelty charges.

Cheh's legislation goes into even greater detail when it comes to the
restrictions on efforts to control some species.

If approved, it will be illegal to disturb hibernating bats for the winter.
During the summer, a permit will be needed to remove a colony that contains
10 or more adult bats. It will also be illegal to poison pigeons and
sparrows.

SAFER MEDICINES CAMPAIGN-THE SAFETY EVALUATION BILL 2009!

ACTION!
Your help in persuading MPs to sign
EDM 569 is vital! A phenomenal 250
MPs signed EDM 92 in 2006, thanks
to your encouragement.
Please help us put pressure on the
Government by achieving even greater
support for EDM 569 – send
our postcard to your MP today
or write to them at: House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA.
Contact us at the address above for
further copies of this sheet or postcard
To visit the site,read full article and take action:http://www.safermedicines.org/safetyofmedicines/index.shtml
Credit:Viva http://www.viva.org.uk/

Georgia Call to Action: Senator Robert Brown will call a hearing on November 5, 2009

Georgia Call to Action: Senator Robert Brown will call a hearing on November 5, 2009 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia on the implementation and impact of the Animal Protection Act of 2000 that made some acts of animal cruelty a felony.

Please cross post and send to media:

Georgia Call to Action: Senator Robert Brown will call a hearing on November 5, 2009 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia on the implementation and impact of the Animal Protection Act of 2000 that made some acts of animal cruelty a felony.

Who: Concerned Citizens

What: Hearing on the implementation and impact of the Animal Protection Act of 2000 that made some acts of animal cruelty a felony.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 10:00 AM

Where: Room 125
Georgia State Capitol,
206 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta GA 30334

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?name=Georgia+State+Capitol&city=Atlanta&state=GA&address=206+Washington+St+Sw&zipcode=30334&country=US&latitude=33.749044&longitude=-84.38922& geocode=ADDRESS

###
Sent by:
Humane Association of Georgia, Inc.
A statewide coalition of humane societies, animal control and rescue groups and individuals.
Visit our website: http://www.HumaneAssociationofGeorgia.

About the organization:
HAGA is known for the Animal Protection Act of 2000 that makes some acts of animal cruelty a felony and the Dog and Cat Sterilization License Plates that and the Dog and Cat Tax Check Off to fund statewide spay/neuter projects. Our formation allowed Georgia to be the first state by law to allow animals in disaster shelter. We were formed to support good animal legislation, provide education about good animal stewardship and help animals in times of disaster. HAGA is a member of the Georgia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster.

Please join the Humane Association of Georgia. Our membership fee is $25.00 per year. Donations are appreciated. Please make your check out to Humane Association of Georgia, Inc. and mail to the address above. Please let us know if you or anyone you know would like to be added to our email alert list about animal issues. If you have received this message in error or would like to be removed from the list, please contact the sender. Thanks.

WAYNE PACELLE:A HUMANE NATION

In Midnight Hour Schwarzenegger Signs, Terminates Bills
Posted: 12 Oct 2009 12:49 PM PDT
Last night at midnight was the deadline for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign, veto, or ignore 700 bills passed this session by the California State Legislature—and seven of them were animal protection measures, including tremendously important measures to ban tail docking of dairy cows, crack down on puppy mills, halt roadside sale of animals, and to strengthen penalties for dogfighting. It was historic output on animal protection for the Legislature, and these reforms came as a direct result of the momentum from the landslide passage of Proposition 2 last November, focused lobbying and organizing by The HSUS and its allies to strengthen policies in America's largest and most diverse state, and determined efforts by animal protection leaders in the Legislature, most notably Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez and Assemblyman Pedro Nava.
Regrettably, Gov. Schwarzenegger continued his schizophrenic record on animal protection, by signing four measures and vetoing three—all of which had strong bipartisan support. An opponent of Proposition 2 last fall, he has shown that he is no advocate of animal protection, and he has worked to hold back our progress in the state during his two terms. Most disappointing, he vetoed a measure to crack down on abusive puppy mills, A.B. 241, which sought to impose a cap of 50 adult unsterilized breeding animals confined in any large-scale dog-breeding factory. Breeding dogs in puppy mills typically suffer lifelong confinement in squalid cages, and the public has only contempt for these operations. Six states this year passed laws to crack down on these factory farms for dogs, and two-thirds of Sacramento lawmakers voted to do the same. Gov. Schwarzenegger stands alone among state executives in protecting this despicable industry. A.B. 241 was one of two bills carried by Assemblyman Nava and vetoed by the governor. The other was A.B. 243, which sought to bar felons convicted of animal abuse from possessing animals. The veto of that latter bill is particularly mystifying.
2009 California Legislation
Signed by the governor:
A.B. 242 (Increases penalties for being a spectator at a dogfight.)
A.B. 708 (Increases penalties for illegal poaching.)
S.B. 135 (Bans tail docking of cows.)
S.B. 318 (Allows for forfeiture of property connected with dogfighting.)
S.B. 428 (Protects seals in La Jolla.)
Vetoed by the governor:
A.B. 241 (Limits number of intact animals a person can maintain.)
A.B. 243 (Prohibits a person convicted of animal cruelty from owning an animal.)
A.B. 1122 (Prohibits the roadside sale of live animals.)
The most encouraging news from yesterday, however, was the signing of S.B. 135, a measure by Sen. Florez to ban the painful and unnecessary practice of tail docking of dairy cows. California is the number one dairy state in the nation, with 1.8 million cows, and tens of thousands of cows in the state are subjected to this archaic procedure, which the California Farm Bureau and California Cattlemen's Association agreed was unneeded. It is the first state ban on tail docking of cows, and it is a reform that other dairy-producing states should adopt. There's no science to support continuing this procedure, and we hope that Sen. Florez's groundbreaking success is the beginning of the end of this practice.
California upgraded penalties for dogfighting in the form of two bills, A.B. 242 by Assemblyman Nava to increase penalties for being a spectator at dogfights and S.B. 318 by Sen. Ron Calderon to allow for forfeiture of assets and equipment used during dogfights. Since the Michael Vick case came to light The HSUS has been determined to channel the anger and awareness generated by the case into productive outcomes and we've helped to pass 27 new laws against animal fighting.
We were also pleased that the governor signed A.B. 708, legislation by Assemblyman Jared Huffman to increase penalties for the poaching of California wildlife—a huge and growing problem. And he had previously signed S.B. 428, by Sen. Christine Kehoe, giving the city of San Diego the authority to protect seals on a La Jolla Beach. But we were disappointed that he vetoed a bill to ban the sale of animals in parking lots and other roadside venues—A.B. 1122, by Assemblyman Ted Lieu. These settings provide an entirely unregulated outlet for unscrupulous vendors to sell countless puppies, kittens, and other animals to unwitting consumers, and are ripe for abuse.
With the governor signing five of these measures, there have been 115 measures enacted into law this year by the states—eclipsing last year's record-setting year of 93 new laws. But it would have been 118 animal protection laws passed this year had it not been for Schwarzenegger's obstinance. The three measures he jettisoned are, as a practical matter, the first three animal protection bills vetoed by any governor in the nation this year. But I guess we should not feel entirely singled out, since Schwarzenegger vetoed 229 bills out of 700 that the Legislature presented to him. His desk is a dead-end for a wide variety of reforms to improve society.
No social reform movement marches ahead without interruption, including our own. The expression two steps forward, one step back comes to mind. But this legislative session in California it was five steps forward, with three steps thwarted. We didn't take any steps back since the vetoing of the three bills leaves current law in place—it's just a set of lost opportunities, and we were so tantalizingly close to progress. As they did with the campaign to pass Proposition 2, California animal advocates engaged in the civic process and the strong bipartisan support the legislature showed for all these measures is a direct reflection of that. Our forward momentum is evident despite the roadblocks that the likes of Schwarzenegger and similar-minded people throw in the way.

MUSTANGING THE WEST-

In 1971, the Congress of the U.S. recognized mustangs as "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people."



Since 1971, the fate, control, & population of the feral mustang and burros is in the hands of the Bureau of Land Management through the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.



Some of the things they have accomplished have been for the horses' protection, like making it a criminal felony to shoot or poison the animals. In the 1976 Federal Land Policy and

Management Act was written to ensure that the herds stayed healthy and could thrive on good rangelands.


They determined guidelines for the techniques used to round up the Mustangs, ensuring they were humane. One method was by the use of the Judas horse, who peacefully led rounded-up horses already frightened into the corrals.



Adoption practices were determined to provide the horses with homes and long-term care. Those who wished to adopt a mustang were required to pay a small fee, ranging from $25 to $125. Some abused this provision, however, purchasing the feral horses to be immediately re-sold to the slaughter houses. Because of that, an amendment to the bill was instituted preventing them from re-selling within a year's time - except under certain criteria.
To read and learn more about the issue,please visit:
http://www.mustangingthewest.com/The-History-of-the-Mustang.php

Act/ Cop Shoots Deaf, 19-Year-Old Family Cat

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST
*10/10/09: Cop Shoots Deaf, 19-Year-Old Family Cat
*

Tobey the cat who was shot and killed by Raymore, MO police.
http://www.nbcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Family-Upset-that-Police-Shoot-Kill-Family-Pet/TsLp8dZtzkKY0AaT8YXgWg.cspx


*=============================================================
EMAIL BLOCKS: Sample letter follows. Full contact info at end of alert.
=============================================================
** TO SEND: COPY/PASTE EMAIL BLOCKS INTO BCC: LINE OF YOUR EMAIL
* TYPE YOUR OWN EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE TO: LINE
* COPY/PASTE SAMPLE LETTER INTO SAME EMAIL.
* Change some words, sign with your name/full address and send!

RAYMORE & CASS COUNTY, MISSOURI OFFICIALS:
info@hsmo.org, rmayberry@raymore.com, eberlin@raymore.com,
jfeuerborn@raymore.com, jalonzo@raymore.com, john.seimears@yahoo.com,
kkellogg@raymore.com, jeffreycox1@comcast.net, mmedsker@hotmail.com,
councilmanadams@yahoo.com, mlewis250@comcast.net, chhubach77@comcast.net,
pkerckhoff@raymore.com, thensley@casscounty.com, hensley@casscounty.com

EMAIL HUMANE SOCIETY OF MISSOURI, THE INVESTIGATIVE AGENCY IN THIS CASE:
http://hsmo.convio.net/site/SurveyACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUEST SURVEY_ID=1403&JServSessionIda012=pqwxgz88w1.app11d

****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.
*
*=============================================================
ASK FOR A FORMATTED LETTER (WORD DOC): info@kinshipcircle.org

=============================================================

*Dear Humane Society Of Missouri, Cass County and Raymore, Missouri
Officials:

I am shocked by the Labor Day 2009 shooting death of the Wesner family's
19-year-old cat Tobey in Raymore, Missouri I understand a Raymore police
officer fired two bullets into the elderly cat's head, wrapped the body
inside a plastic bag and tossed Tobey into a city dumpster.

As you know, Tobey had slipped out of his house and roamed into a nearby
garage where a neighbor forced him out with hose spray. Raymore police were
summoned to apprehend a "large, vicious, feral cat." Though Kelly Wesner
describes her six-pound cat as declawed, deaf, and on prescription meds -- a

supervisor directed an officer to "put [the cat] down" in a remote area.
Unbelievably, no one involved with the cat's slaying has been penalized.

I trust that an unbiased internal investigation is underway. If inquiries by

the police department and/or Humane Society of Missouri warrant animal
cruelty charges, these officers should be prosecuted under Missouri Revised
Statues, Chapter 578. Punitive action is reasonable, whether Tobey's killing

stems from malicious intent or stupidity. At the very least, the unprovoked
killing of a family's companion animal denotes police misconduct.

When officers encounter any animal perceived as sick, aggressive, or feral
-- they should know how to neutralize the animal without resorting to lethal

force. I commend Captain Roger Mayberry for arranging such training after
Tobey's death. Officers ought to be able to distinguish anxiety, fear and
protective behaviors from genuinely hostile or diseased behavior. If they
can't, an experienced animal control officer needs to make that decision.

Circumstances in the case do not make sense. If police believe Tobey had
rabies, why did they destroy his head and discard his remains? Certainly
they know that the brain of any potentially rabid animal is preserved for
analysis. Moreover, this was not their decision to make. Strays, even those
deemed dangerous, are taken to shelters rather than gunned down in fields.

Armed law officers displayed an utter lack of judgment. Their response was
inappropriate and demands your utmost attention. Please inform me of any
progress in this disturbing case.

Thank you,
*
=============================================================
FULL CONTACT INFORMATION
=============================================================
*
*Humane Society of Missouri
*1201 Macklind Ave. / St. Louis, MO 63110
HSOM Rescues And Investigations Department: 314-647-4400
fax: 314-647-4317; email: info@hsmo.org

web contact form:
http://hsmo.convio.net/site/SurveyACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=1403&JServSessionIda012=pqwxgz88w1.app11d


*Captain Roger Mayberry, Acting Chief of Police
*100 Municipal Circle / Raymore, Missouri 64083
ph: 816-331-0530; fax: 816-331-0564
email: rmayberry@raymore.com


*Eric Berlin, Raymore City Manager
*100 Municipal Circle / Raymore, MO 64083
ph: 816-892-3002; fax: 816-892-3056
email: eberlin@raymore.com


*Jim Feuerborn, Assistant City Manager
*ph: 816-892-3026; fax: 816-892-3056
email: jfeuerborn@raymore.com


*Juan I. Alonzo, Mayor
*109 N. Darrowby / Raymore, MO 64083
ph: 816-331-4504; email: jalonzo@raymore.com


*Raymore City Council
*100 Municipal Circle / Raymore, MO 64083
John Seimears, Ward 1 Council Member: john.seimears@yahoo.com

Kevin Kellogg, Ward 1 Council Member: kkellogg@raymore.com

Jeff Cox, Ward 2 Council Member: jeffreycox1@comcast.net

Mike Medsker, Ward 2 Council Member: mmedsker@hotmail.com

Jeffrey Adams, Ward 3 Council Member: councilmanadams@yahoo.com

Monique Lewis, Ward 3 Council Member: mlewis250@comcast.net

Charlene Hubach, Ward 4 Council Member: chhubach77@comcast.net

Peter Kerckhoff, Ward 4 Council Member: pkerckhoff@raymore.com


*Teresa Hensley, Cass County Prosecuting Attorney
*Cass County Justice Center
2501 W. Wall Street, 2nd Floor / Harrisonville, MO 64701
ph: 816-380-8250; fax: 816-380-8252
email: thensley@casscounty.com, hensley@casscounty.com


*=============================================================
SOURCE OF INFORMATION / REFERENCE LINKS
=============================================================
*
*Kinship Circle member Carol McCormick
*EndCruelty@aol.com
*Raymore, Mo., police shooting of cat investigated
*
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/stories.nsf/pets/story/F3FC4DE15FD1E0738625762F008251C3?OpenDocument
*Raymore police mistakenly kill family cat
*
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1437680.html?mi_pluck_action=comment_sub

*Additional information from Kinship Circle Investigative Researcher
*
*
**WEAR IT - *http://www.kinshipcircle.org/store/


*
KINSHIP CIRCLE
ACTION CAMPAIGNS * EDUCATION * ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

*SUBSCRIBE NOW – FOR BREAKING NEWS & ACTION:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org

* Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
*Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: **disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org


* Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*UNSUBSCRIBE:
** Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit "FORWARD" + Enter info@kinshipcircle.org

* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

*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.

Speak up for animals in California!

Encourage Governor Schwarzenegger to sign all of these important pro-animal bills into law. Please take a moment today to contact the Governor's office in support of these bills.
* AB 243 (sponsored by Assemblymember Nava) will provide for broader forfeiture options for seized animals and for mandatory post-conviction possession bans for those convicted of cruelty, neglect or abandonment - meaning they could not own, maintain, have custody of, reside with, or care for any animal.

The provisions contained in AB 243 are vital tools in protecting animal victims from their abusers and in helping to reduce the possibility of new victims.
* AB 241 (also sponsored by Assemblymember Nava) limits to 50 the number of adult dogs or cats that an individual or business which buys or sells wholesale or to the public may possess or control.
* AB 242 (also sponsored by Assemblymember Nava) increases the penalty for being a spectator at a dogfight.
* AB 1122 (sponsored by Assemblymember Lieu) makes it illegal to sell, display, or offer for sale or give away, a live animal on any street, highway, public right-of-way, parking lot, carnival, or boardwalk.
* SB 135 (sponsored by Senator Florez) prohibits the tail-docking of cattle.
* SB 318 (sponsored by Senator Calderon) provides for the forfeiture of certain property acquired through dogfighting.
It will only take a moment to voice your support for these important bills. Call 916-445-2841 and follow the prompts given or send Governor Schwarzenegger an email here.

Thank you for speaking out for animals in California. Together, we are making a difference!
For the animals,

Stephen Wells
Executive Director
Animal Legal Defense Fund Donate to ALDF
Take Action!
This important pro-animal legislation needs your support!

Contact Governor Schwarzenegger today and encourage him to sign all of these bills into law.

Call 916-445-2841

Email the Governor
Connect with us on:

Support ALDF in our mission to win the case against cruelty. Donate today!
Be a voice for the voiceless. Sign up to be an Anti-Cruelty Team member!
Animal Legal Defense Fund
170 East Cotati Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931
Phone: (707) 795-2533 / Fax: (707) 795-7280 / E-mail: info@aldf.org / Web: www.aldf.org

Undercover investigation of elephant abuse

Our undercover investigation of the elephant abuse at Great British Circus is breaking today. Our field officers concealed a camera in the elephant tent and secured footage of elephants being hit in the face, jabbed with pitchforks, and a horrible incident where a tail is twisted.

Jan has just been interviewed on ITN news which will be broadcast in 30 minutes and I’ve just been interviewed by BBC News London – plus more coverage below.

If anyone can do links from their sites – especially to our YouTube video of the exposé or home page, that would be great.

Here’s how Sky have reported the story today (plus short reports every 30 minutes)

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/video/Circus-Elephants-Mistreated-Says-Animal-Defenders-International/Video/200908315364674?
lid=VIDEO_15364674_CircusElephantsMistreatedSaysAnimalDefendersInternational&lpos=searchresults

Here’s our video on You tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpgwLRO2XUY&feature=channel_page


Here’s the initial release:
http://www.ad-international.org/media_centre/go.php?id=1623&si=12


Feature in the Daily Express
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/121291/Beaten-and-hit-with-hooks-cruel-fate-of-our-circus-elephants


It’ll be a busy day today!





"How smart does a chimp have to be before killing him constitutes murder"' - Carl Sagan. Visit Coalettes Connection for Action at www.ccforaction.com to extend your compassion by helping nonhuman animals today. Commission art work of your companion animal or favorite wildlife. Visit www.carloscornejoart.com

IDA NEWS

Victory For Tina, Jewel, And Maybe Queenie?
Breaking News! USDA Undersecretary Ann Wright's office has confirmed that Tina and Jewel were confiscated Thursday August 20! Stay tuned for more information!
For two years, IDA and our members have been working tirelessly on behalf of three elephants - Jewel, Tina, and Queenie - suffering in a travelling circus. IDA members have written tens of thousands of letters and e-mails to their Representatives, Senators, and the USDA.
You've made thousands of phone calls. We've held demos across the nation, wherever these poor creatures have been forced to perform their demeaning, unnatural stunts. And, with the assistance of caring people, we have documented their deteriorating condition as they traveled from city to city in the hands of their incompetent and abusive handler.
It appears our efforts have paid off. Victory seems to be very close. Click here to read more!

Exxon Mobil Pleads Guilty To Killing Migratory Birds
The New York Times reports that Exxon Mobil Corp. pleaded guilty in federal court last week to killing at least 85 protected birds, including hawks and owls, in five states. The birds died from exposure to natural gas well reserve pits and waste water storage facilities at Exxon Mobil drilling and production facilities in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. Read the full New York Times story here..

National Lawyers Guild Publishes Guide For Animal Rights Activists
The National Lawyers Guild (NLG), with decades of experience defending and supporting activists, has just published "Operation Backfire: a Survival Guide for Environmental and Animal Rights Activists." The NLG is giving the guide away free at http://ida.convio.net/site/R?i=LgCgk3hn4-kt9LQ0zR4iwQ...
It's a pocket-sized booklet that features a "know-your-rights" section with advice for handling various legal issues that activists often encounter, especially those involving Constitutional rights. The NLG also set up a "Green Scare Hotline" at 888-NLG-ECOL (888-654-3265) for more assistance.

Cloud's Final Weeks of Freedom? Help Save Him and His Family
The Pryor Mountain wild horses in Montana are the descendents of the horses brought to the Americas with the Spanish Conquistadors in 1500. One horse in particular, Cloud, pictured here, and his family are perhaps the most famous wild horses in the world - having been the subject of fascinating documentaries and books. But their fame is not going to protect the herd from a drastic government round up planned to begin September 1. Read more and send an e-mail to government officials.

Free Bulk Copies Of Our Latest Guardians Magazine Available
Got a tabling event or demo coming up? IDA will be happy to send you as many copies as you need (within reason!) of our latest Guardians Magazine..
E-mail Jessica or call (415) 448-0048 x215.
This and other cool vegan buttons only $1. Click here to see more!
In Defense of Animals, located in San Rafael, Calif., is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA's efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi, Mumbai, India, and Cameroon, Africa.
In Defense of Animals is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We welcome your feedback and appreciate your donations. Please join today! All donations to IDA are tax-deductible.
In Defense of Animals3010 Kerner, San Rafael, CA 94901Tel. (415) 448-0048 Fax (415) 454-1031http://us.mc1100.mail..yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=idainfo@idausa.org

Circus worker sacked in Animal Defenders International abuse scandal

Secret video exposes UK circus elephant suffering



Animal Defenders International (ADI) today released shocking footage
from behind the scenes at the Great British Circus, showing violence and
confinement of circus elephants, resulting in an elephant keeper being
sacked.



The results of an undercover investigation by ADI shows the animals
being hit in the face, being kept chained and barely able to move for up
to 11 hours a day, and displaying disturbed, abnormal behaviour.



Responding to ADI accusations, the circus has admitted for the first
time ever that they use negative reinforcement to control the animals.
Though they have sacked one of the workers, the circus has still failed
to address the issues of the elephant trainer abusing the animals or the
confinement. In addition, the presenter, who on the video hits an
elephant in the face and uses a hook on the animals, remains with the
circus. The circus has also failed to address the fact that the
elephants are chained for up to eleven hours every day.



Watch the disturbing video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpgwLRO2XUY&feature=channel_page

The circus, which has been touring the UK since February 2009, features
two Asian and one African elephant. Despite the Government's 2006
promise to ban "certain non-domesticated animals" from travelling
circuses, Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
allowed the elephants, Sonja, Vana Mana and Delhi, to be brought into
the country by the Great British Circus to tour this year, signalling a
major backward step for circus animal protection.



ADI secured footage from a camera concealed inside the elephant tent of
the Great British Circus, which shows a staggeringly high level of
casual violence in just a few days of observations. Incidences include
elephants being hit in the face with a metal elephant hook, a broom and
a pitchfork, a worker cruelly twisting an elephant's tail, and the
frightened animals retreating and crying out when struck or hooked.



Jan Creamer, ADI Chief Executive, said: "This is not about one bad
apple. This is about a culture of violence and confinement. In the
name of entertainment these elephants are beaten, jabbed with hooks,
chained up for hours every day, and pushed into a metal box each week
where they remain for hours on end whilst the circus moves to another
site."



"The circus themselves have admitted that they use negative
reinforcement which shows that violence towards animals is a part of the
life of a circus. This is simply unacceptable and it is the fault of
the Government who have failed to fulfil their commitment to ban the use
of wild animals in travelling circuses, ignoring the evidence and the
recommendations of all major animal welfare groups. It is time for the
Government to act decisively and end this suffering once and for all."



The ADI team filmed two elephant hooks being brutally used, a long metal
hook was used to hit an elephant across the face during training and a
smaller one which was concealed in the palm of the hand and used in the
ring, unseen by the unsuspecting audience. ADI footage in slow motion
shows how the hook was used on the elephants as they performed and other
film shows the elephants reacting and sometimes crying out when the hook
is used.



In addition to the casual violence, the elephants were also limited for
long periods of the day in a small tent and chained tightly every night
for up to eleven hours with only enough room to take one step forward or
backwards.



When the circus moved to a new location, the elephants were confined to
their cramped transporter and forced to wait until their tent was
erected, resulting in many hours being shut away. During the move from
Watford to Bushey on 19 July, the elephants were kept inside the
transporters for seven and a half hours -though the distance travelled
was just five and a half miles.



ADI is also horrified at the level of disturbed, abnormal behaviour
exhibited by the elephants such as rocking, swaying and head bobbing.
These pointless, repetitive movements often seen in certain captive
animals is known as stereotypic behaviour. Sonja, a wild-caught African
elephant, was observed for 11 hours and spent nearly 40% of this time
displaying stereotypic behaviour, and the two Asian elephants also
showed similar movements. Animal behaviourists believe that this shows
that the animal is suffering and is not able to cope with its situation.




Over 80% of the public want to see a ban on wild animals in travelling
circuses and over 80 MPs signed a motion calling on the Government to
ban wild animal acts and to strictly regulate the use of domesticated
species. However, the Government has still failed to keep its pledge to
ban certain animals from circuses.



Jan Creamer continued: "This latest ADI investigation shows how animals
like elephants suffer in the travelling circus. Given the circumstances
of constant travel, temporary accommodation and small spaces, the use of
these animals in circuses cannot be justified. The public wants to see
a ban, Parliament wants a ban, animal protection groups want a ban.
Surely, it is time for the Government to take action to stop this
suffering right now."



Ends

_______________________________________________________________________



NOTES FOR EDITORS



For further information, footage and images, contact ADI Press office

Amanda Gent

Office Tel: 020 7630 3340

Mobile: 07785 552548

Email: pr@ad-international.org




The scientific report 'Animals in Travelling Circuses: The Science on
Suffering' can be downloaded here:

http://www.ad-international.org/admin/downloads/SCS_US_rep_FINAL_Jun%2015%2008_LOW%20RES.pdf






The full-length video of Stop Circus Suffering - UK is available here:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVsuGOpvUxc&feature=PlayList&p=B9BB7235F3CF0235&index=1





Findings from an ADI Mori Poll in the UK in 2005 include:

80% say ban all wild animal circus acts and 65% say ban all animal
circus acts.
90% against whipping and beating when training circus animals.



In 2006, Ben Bradshaw, then minister for animal welfare at Defra,
announced: "I sympathise with the view that performances by some wild
animals in travelling circuses are not compatible with meeting their
welfare needs. ... To provide this clarity I intend to use a regulation
under clause 10 of the Animal Welfare Bill to ban the use in travelling
circuses of certain nondomesticated species whose welfare needs cannot
be satisfactorily met in that environment."



According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2008):

the Asian elephant is listed as 'endangered'
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/7140


the African elephant is listed as 'near threatened'
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12392


.

Animal Defenders International (ADI)

With offices in London, San Francisco and Bogota, Animal Defenders
International (ADI) campaigns to protect animals in entertainment,
replacement of animals in experiments; worldwide traffic in endangered
species; vegetarianism; factory farming; pollution and conservation.
ADI also rescues animals in distress worldwide. Our evidence has led to
campaigns and legislative action all over the world to protect them.
www.ad-international.org



----
ADI PR Desk
Animal Defenders International
Millbank Tower
Millbank
LONDON, SW1P 4QP, UK
tel. +44 (0)20 7630 3340
fax. +44 (0)20 7828 2179
www.ad-international.org


Please sign our petition to replace animal testing in Europe
http://www.ad-international.org/petitions/



www.ad-international.org

-----------------------------------------------
www.YouTube.com/AnimalDefenders

www.CafePress.com/AnimalDefenders

SOUTH AFRICAN ANIMAL ORGANISATIONS UNITE AND CALL FOR BETTER ANIMAL PROTECTION LEGISLATION AND ENFORCEMENT

“Violence begets violence”, delegates were told at the ‘South African Law Review Consultation Workshop’ held at the Chalsty Conference Centre, Law School, at the University of the Witwatersrand on 13 August 2009.

Addressing an historic gathering of close on one hundred animal protectionists from across South Africa, Cora Bailey, founder of Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW), explained how the link between violence to animals and violence to fellow human beings were interlinked. She said that on numerous occasions when her organization was called in to rescue animals who had been violently abused in the disadvantaged communities served by CLAW, she found that the abusers, often children as young as four years old, had been directly exposed to horrific incidents of human-on-human violence in the communities where they lived, even within their own family home.

Speaking on the same subject, human-animal interaction specialist, Dr Magdie Van Heerden explained that throughout the world there was recorded evidence of a definite link between violence to animals and violence to people, and that the situation in South Africa was no different.

Bailey and Van Heerden were two of a number of speakers presenting papers at the workshop which was organized by Animal Rights Africa (ARA) for the purpose of initiating a transparent public process of South African animal protection legislation review.

ARA conference organizer, Michele Pickover, said that this was the first time in South Africa that animal protectionists ranging from small, single issue animal care groups to large, nationally active animal rights and animal welfare organizations had come together for a common purpose. “We were united in our common goal to work towards social and legislative reform that will see animals treated with the respect they deserve and are entitled to. A key component in this process is the enactment of legislation that will provide all animals with meaningful protection against abuse and exploitation.”

Pickover said that, “Prior to the workshop ARA sent out a questionnaire to hundreds of individuals and organizations in South Africa, all of whom have an interest in the welfare of animals. We wanted to know what they thought of existing animal protection legislation, how it affected their work for animals, and what they would want a revised package of South African animal protection legislation to look like. We received over 70 organisational sponses and with only one exception they all expressed serious dissatisfaction with the existing legislation as well as the implementation and enforcement thereof.”

Dr David Bilchitz, Director of the South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law, spoke on the ‘Conceptual foundations of statutes protecting animals and the shift required by the Constitution’. He highlighted the contradictions in existing South African animal protection legislation and said that it was drafted during the Verwoerdian era and does not reflect the more enlightened attitude that post-apartheid South Africans have regarding animals. He suggested that there should be a complete redrafting of animal protection legislation but warned that this should take into account that such proposed legislation would not see the light of day if it was too radical.

Public and Development Management Consultant, Dugan Fraser, advised the workshop on ‘strategic and other issues to consider when seeking to achieve law reform in South Africa’.

International perspective was added to the workshop by Mariann Sullivan of the American Bar Association, Animal Law Committee, whose presentation was titled, ‘The USA Experience: Lessons learnt’.

Lawyers from Johannesburg-based Bowman Gilfillan Attorneys did an enormous amount of research in putting together a presentation titled, ‘International Comparisons and Best Practices’ which clearly showed that whilst not having the worst animal protection legislation in the world, South Africa certainly does not compare with the best!

Environmental legal expert, Cormac Cullinan, explored the links between environmental legislation and animal welfare, showing that the former in no way protects individual animals for their inherent value, but merely affords them protection relative to their value in the bigger environmental and poorly defined biodiversity context.

“The workshop was a huge success and a major step towards legislative reform that will see animal rights become an ever growing consideration in all areas of human-animal interactions and relationships,” said Pickover. “A task team was appointed to formulate a draft strategy for ongoing action in order to ensure that the enthusiasm, energy and vision expressed during the workshop by all delegates and speakers manifests in tangible benefits for animals through the drafting, implementation and enforcement of effective and ethically-based animal protection legislation in South Africa.”

All papers presented at the workshop, together with extracts of ensuing discussions, will be posted on the ARA website, www.animalrightsafrica.org

Any queries and/or comments can be directed to info@animarightsafrica.org

ARA Mobile Contacts:
Michele Pickover 082 253 2124
Steve Smit 082 659 4711

Ends.

PRAIRIE DOG POISONING IS TAKING PLACE RIGHT NOW

Alison M. Collins
Interim Director
The Prairie Dog Coalition
director@prairiedogcoalition.org
http://prairiedogcoalition.org/
2525 Arapahoe Ave. #E4-527
Boulder, CO 80302
720.938.0788 work cell



---------- Forwarded message ---------


As I write this email, they are actively poisoning the Ranch Open Space prairie dogs just east of Federal Blvd. on the south side of 120th Ave. I have already called the City of Westminster about this poisoning and was unable to get any information about why they are poisoning this colony which has been there for well over 20 years and has historically supported our local golden eagles, bald eagles and other area raptors who nest immediately across the street. I do not know if they have plans to poison on the other side of 120th along the Big Dry Creek Open Space or on the NE Corner of Federal and 120th Ave.



Please call or email the City Manager's Office today at 303-658-2006 or westycmo@cityofwest minster.us to make a FORMAL complaint about this action.

You can also go to their website at http://ci.westminster.co.us/818.htm and email all members of the City Council and the City Manager's office.

------------ ------

Talking points:
Our local raptors cannot take further losses of their food source just before winter. Westminster just lost nearly 1,000 ACRES of prairie dogs (15,000-20,000 animals) at Colorado Hills Open Space due to plague and next door to that, the City and County of Broomfield also lost their adjacent 500-600 acres of prairie dogs (10,000-12,000 animals) due to the same plague occurrence.

This colony has been there for well over 20 years and has historically supported our local golden eagles, bald eagles and other area raptors who nest immediately across the street.

We have entrusted the health and welfare of our wildlife populations to our local governments and they have been failing in their job of protecting our natural heritage. It is one thing to lose wildlife to plague, but quite another to purposefully poison a historic colony.



------------ -----

The City of Westminster has continually poisoned without notice on our parks and open space areas since Council allowed them to begin to use poisoning for Windsor Park and Cobblestone Park around approximately 2004. I am working toward trying to get an accounting of all poisonings since Windsor Park, # of acres and/or # of prairie dogs killed, where each poisoning took place, when each poisoning took place and why each poisoning took place and how much money has been spent on this poisoning. Prairie Dog Action can use your help in making this kind of thing a part of history.

Thanks for your time and effort!



Deb Jones
President
Prairie Dog Action
(303) 439-9264 home
(303) 324-6829 cell
notestodj@aol.com

Animal rights activists rally against pigeon net

CITY HALL — Animal rights activists staged a small protest before the
City Council meeting Tuesday in opposition to a plan to install
netting underneath the Santa Monica Pier in an effort to prevent
pigeons from fouling the waters.

Their hope is to change the minds of city officials who just last
month approved a $107,758 contract with Bird Busters to put up a net
that will run the length and width of the pier. Doing so could be a
matter of life and death, at least for the birds, opponents say.

"When you try to put a net under there to exclude pigeons from getting
up in there, everything above the net, that is all the babies and the
parents who won't leave the nests, are going to starve to death," Dr.
Red Enright, an attorney and self-proclaimed pigeon expert, said. "Any
of the pigeons that happened to be out at the time (the net is
installed) are going to die of exhaustion trying to get back to the
only place they know to roost and where their young ones are and their
nests are."

--
full story:
http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-08-12-61243.113116_Animal_rights_activists_rally_against_pigeon_net.html

Tough abuse law makes detectives of animal officers

Christopher Meihls is no shrinking violet.

In nearly 20 years as a Fort Wayne police crime scene technician, he
has handled more than 500 human death investigations – including
shootings, stabbings, beatings and car crashes.

But Meihls said he was horrified when he went through Animal Care and
Control’s archive of neglect and abuse cases.

“You wouldn’t believe the cruelty and the injuries,” he said,
admitting he is an animal lover. “I don’t know how they do it.”

This spring, Meihls and other Fort Wayne police officers helped
provide every Animal Care and Control officer with instruction in the
art and science of criminal investigation.

--
full story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090809/LOCAL07/308099915/1043

Gold Coast council joins circus animal ban

The Gold Coast City Council has joined RSPCA Queensland's campaign to
ban circuses using exotic animals from operating on council land.

The Gold Coast joins the Ipswich City Council, which has also signed up.

"This is terrific news and we applaud the council for its courage and
foresight," the RSPCA's scientific research officer, Mandy Symons,
said.

"We're hoping that other councils will follow in the footsteps of
Ipswich and the Gold Coast."

--
full story:
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gold-coast-council-joins-circus-animal-ban-20090809-edsa.html

Students support seals via series of protests

In an attempt to change the face of activism at the La Jolla
Children’s Pool, students began a series of protests at the beginning
of the summer, including a gathering at the courthouse steps and then
at the governor’s office.

Now the students said they will continue their battle for a La Jolla
seal colony, taking their fight to the California Department of Fish
and Game in an attempt to alter the Children’s Pool’s designation.

“We recently became tax-paying citizens. We’re trying to get as many
people as possible, but right now we’ve got a core group of ten
people,” said 19-year-old Summer Dunsmore. “We have been focusing on
some of the issues around the seals. That’s how it began, a reaction
to that sort of news… We were dealing with citizens’ rights - what we
want the city to support and not support, and animal rights.”

--
full story:
http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-08-07/news/environment/students-support-seals-via-series-of-protests

Curing vision problems in children?

The infant pictured here was one of eight macaques used for durations of 3 to 24 weeks and was fitted with the goggles shown on the first day of their lives to decorrelate their vision under the claim of studying infantile esotropia. Like so many similar experiments in the past, the macaques developed the desired vision problems.
Nothing new there.
The macaques left Yerkes Primate Center at Emory University and were shipped to Washington Univ. in St. Louis, MO. between 4 to 6 months of age and were trained to perform tasks and were rewarded with food. Eye coils were implanted at one year of age and all the macaques were teted for 3 to 6 months. These visually impared infants were required to maintain their eye position within a certain range for up to five seconds to receive a juice reward.

"...scleral search coils were implanted in both eyes and a custom-built polycarbonate head restraint device was attached to the skull"...

"...The monkey sat in a primate chair in the middle of field coils. The head restraint was locked to preclude head movement and the room was lit with dim background illumination. Eye position was calibrated at the start of each recording session by using a calibration coil and by having the animal maintain eye position within a 2 degree window of target position."

Similar experiments continued to be performed with varying degrees of difficulty but the macaques came to their deaths in the following manner:

"The animals were anesthetized deeply and a lethal dose of pentobarbital was administered, followed by perfusion of fixative through the left ventricle using an electric pump. The cerebral hemispheres and brain stem were then removed from the cranium and immersed in a separate container of fixative. The visual cortex was unfolded and flattened, then cut in to 40-um sections on a freezing microtome in a plane parallel to the pial surface."

This horrific waste of time, money and primate lives was funded by your tax dollars from the National Institutes of Health grant # 5R01 EY010214 08-11 and the National Eye Institute. Additional funding was received from the Walt and Lilly Disney Scholars Award. This information is taken directly from an article published in The American Ophthalmological Society, titled, Causing and Curing Infantile Esotropia in Primates: The Role of Decorrelated Binocular Input (An American Ophthalmological Society Thesis), Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 2007 December; 105: 564-593 by Lawrence Tychsen, MD.

The National Eye Institute, with the help of the National Institutes of Health, has funded approximately 52 similar grants for a total of almost $100 milllion dollars.
NIH data tells us researcher Lawrence Tychsen was awarded $2.8 MILLION dollars to perform this cruel experiment. He stole any happiness the primates might have enjoyed in their all too short lives.
These facilities are nothing more than a death-trap for animals and are not producing the cures and treatments American taxpayers have funded and been promised for decades.
Researchers continue to ride the federal gravy train and receive grants but produce no new information. Experiments similar to the one describe here have been performed many times and until we complain LOUDLY to our elected officials, this waste, pain and suffering will never end.
We hope you will consider contacting Sen. Edward Kennedy who is Chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and let him know how you feel about this and the many other experiments just like it.
These eight primates are dead but their siblings remain in the laboratories. Please speak for them.
About Primate Freedom ProjectPlease visit us on the web at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102662226137&s=1474&e=001M9pBDoay6Xn-gOCxSZOdRHoS--JM226BtVit9ifQ7ROPI5h0rWBeRqPge4gwZMFQGV8ysL7YCrnTBFsU-UGXtgdwzhb74P1ZBYOO1m5TJbAAYSkIee-Agd6SQZ-JZ-ak

We have the life stories of primates in facilities and with your help and support can continue the effort to help shine a bright light on what's happening inside the laboratories across the US.

Their future begins with you.