Petition: Abolition of the European Union's economic support of livestock and fishing industries

Promoted by: Nutrition Ecology International Center (NEIC)

- To the European Commission - which created the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
- To the National Ministries of Agriculture EU Council - responsible for the allocation of CAP payments
- To the European Parliament - responsible for the Community's total budget

GIVEN THAT

- The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidizes the livestock and fishing industries with billions of Euros each year by various means of support;

- High meat consumption generates:
1) A significant increase in so-called diseases of affluence, tumors and cardiovascular diseases in industrialized countries.
2) Impoverishment of resources and consequent malnutrition in the Third World.
3) Deforestation of tropical forests to make way for cattle pastures and to cultivate soy for animal feed
4) Enormous environmental impact caused by consumption of energy, water, chemical and pharmaceutical products, by animal waste released into the atmosphere, the soil, seas and groundwater.

- Some European products can economically ruin producers in poorer countries who cannot compete with prices which have been artificially lowered through CAP (dumping).

THUS

The tax money from European citizens subsidize ill-considered productive choices, with great direct and indirect negative impact on human health, the environment and world economy.

THE UNDERSIGNED EUROPEAN CITIZENS ASK:

An end to CAP funding for livestock and fishing industry, in order to avoid the problems mentioned above and to promote instead the consumption of healthy plant based foods with far less environmental impact, thus leading to a diminished fiscal drag at the European level.

FORM TO SIGN THE PETITION:

Insert here the information to sign, please. All fields must be filled.

The data acquired via this form are solely for archival purposes and the aims stated in the petition. http://www.nutritionecology.org/news/petition_cap.html

Live sheep trade not valuable enough

The live sheep export trade is not delivering big dividends to the WA economy that local meat processing would, a report has found.

In its research, ACIL Tasman discovered live sheep dispatched overseas is worth 20 per cent less to the economy than sheep processed domestically.

They claimed this was due to the capacity to add value in Australia.

The report said for every $100 of output created by the West Australian live export industry, WA's gross state product is $81 higher, but for every $100 created by the WA meat processing industry, it is $101.50 higher.

However, the research claims Middle Eastern governments benefited from the live export trade because frozen sheep meat was subjected to a 5 per cent tariff in most major live sheep importing countries.

The report said winding back live sheep trading could benefit WA towns where sheep meat processing plants are already located - such as Australind, Bunbury, Coolgardie, Esperance, Geraldton and Gingin.
Full article: http://www.animalsaustralia.org/media/in_the_news.php?article=577

Animals Australia-Donations Needed

Millions of animals have been exported from Australia only to be killed 10,000 Km from home... Animals Australia is the only organisation conducting investigations to expose the cruelty endured by these animals in the Middle East. Without us, they have no-one. Please give generously to enable our investigators to continue this vital work and expose the cruelty of live animal export.

WAYNE PACELLE-HSUS

EPA Must Regulate Factory Farm Pollution
Posted: 23 Sep 2009 01:00 PM PDT
As the federal government grapples with responses to the climate change problem, there’s an effort afoot on Capitol Hill to give a free pass to animal agribusiness. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has determined that worldwide animal agriculture accounts for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and with the United States raising 10 billion of the world’s 65 billion land animals used for meat, eggs, and milk, our industry is by far the largest contributor to the problem.
Yet, when the U.S. House in the summer took up a major climate change measure, House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) extracted a promise from the bill’s authors that agriculture would not have any obligations to take any remedial action or abide by any limits. In fact, agriculture would not only get a free pass, but they’d actually get further subsidies—credits under the cap and trade system—for remedial actions they take voluntarily. So no pain and all gain.
USDA
These bills do not merely provide Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) with yet another free pass, they completely strip the EPA of its existing authority to regulate greenhouse gases from CAFOs. What’s more, during the annual funding process for the Environmental Protection Agency, certain farm-state lawmakers, led by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa), offered amendments to prevent the EPA from being allowed to gather any data on the contribution that animal agriculture makes to climate change.
This is unconscionable. Policy makers should be informed by science and data, yet some lawmakers are so in the pocket of agribusiness that they don’t even want data gathered. These lawmakers are working against the principles of sound science and transparency.
We are tired of seeing this political spectacle play out, and earlier this week, we joined with a number of environmental and public health organizations to petition the EPA to regulate air pollution, including greenhouse gases, from CAFOs. The EPA does not currently require such animal factories to meet any testing, performance, or emission standards under the Clean Air Act, which defines the agency’s responsibilities for protecting and improving our nation’s air quality. The EPA says there are 18,800 CAFOs, with millions of pigs, cattle, and chickens kept often in intensive confinement. The agency has announced that beginning in January, the largest CAFOs (those emitting more than 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases from manure) will have to report on their emissions, along with other major sources such as oil refineries and coal plants.
CAFOs are significant contributors to air pollution. Their emissions of methane and nitrous oxide—two greenhouse gases—as well as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, represent a serious threat to public and environmental health. Alarmingly, emissions from these agricultural “smokestack operations” are on the rise, especially as the animal agribusiness sector becomes more concentrated and oligarchical.
Our petition took the form of a 69-page submission detailing the scientific and legal basis for the EPA to incorporate the regulation of CAFOs into its remit. Numerous scientific surveys, including the U.S. Inventory Report adopted by the EPA, establish that CAFOs meet the standards for regulation under section 111 of the Clean Air Act as a source that causes or contributes significantly to air pollution endangering public health and welfare.
The petition explains that reducing emissions of major pollutants from CAFOs, massive industrial facilities confining animals in warehouse-like conditions, will improve human health, reduce suffering of farm animals, protect habitat for wildlife, and reduce the effects of climate change and other environmental problems. Regulating air pollution from CAFOs will also create a strong incentive for new CAFOs to employ production methods that reduce emissions.
Importantly, the petition is geared only toward the top industrial level polluters. In addition to being an environmental and public health blight, CAFOs economically harm small farms committed to better animal welfare and environmentally sustainable practices. Once CAFOs have to comply with environmental and health standards, we will have a level playing field that helps small farmers compete.
Like so much of our work, the CAFO petition puts us at the intersection of animal welfare, environmental protection, public health, and transparency. The terrible truth about CAFOs is that they threaten not just the quality of life, but life itself. It is reasonable to expect the federal government to pursue the common good and to hold this industry no more or less accountable than other polluters. To entirely exempt them makes a mockery of the legislative process, and reinforces the perception that Congress does not do what’s right, but what is ordered up by special interests.

Animal Aid’s Slaughterhouse Investigation Debunks “Humane Meat” Myth

In yet another blow to animal agribusiness, the UK animal rights nonprofit Animal Aid recently released video footage taken inside three randomly chosen British slaughterhouses. Between January and June 2009, the group captured scenes using hidden cameras they had installed at JV Richards (Rietfontein) Ltd in Cornwall, AC Hopkins (Taunton) Ltd in Somerset and Pickstock Ashby Ltd in Derbyshire. The abuses depicted are shocking to most viewers, but apparently just another working day for slaughterhouse employees. From some 40 hours of video, Animal Aid compiled a 10-minute clip, which you can see here. Among the scenes are pigs and sheep being kicked, shoved and dragged into the stun room, which was packed with frightened animals. Tormented animals slip, fall and cry out. In one instance, a ewe is stunned and killed while her young is still suckling her. Animal Aid believes that millions of animals across the UK are suffering untold torture inside slaughterhouses, and they are calling on the government to require ongoing training and assessment for all slaughterhouse workers and for cameras to be permanently placed inside slaughterhouses. Kate Fowler, head of campaigns at Animal Aid, says the video disposes of the myth that slaughter in the UK is, or can ever be, humane.

Kate kindly took time to answer some questions about this investigation.

From what I understand, this investigation was inspired by the “humane meat” myth, which seems to be as common in the UK as it is here in the US. Who there is driving the fiction that animals can be raised for meat without suffering?

The insistence that slaughter in the UK is humane comes from a variety of sources. Unsurprisingly, the industry insists that all is well and, as the government’s agencies are supposed to monitor slaughterhouses, they also state that their checks ensure high animal welfare standards in abattoirs. They couldn’t very well tell the truth and admit that animals suffer horrifically and routinely at slaughter because that would be a tacit admission that they are not doing their job properly. Other deniers include celebrity chefs and TV companies who have, in recent months, tried to boost their profile and ratings by showing slaughter on mainstream television. Of course, the slaughter they show is typically a single animal brought into a mocked-up abattoir where time is taken to ensure standards are adhered to and best practice is observed. This is a million miles away from the chaos and terror of real slaughterhouses and gives false assurances to the meat-eating public.

Reading Animal Aid’s lengthy report on this investigation made me sick. What do you see as the most shocking animal welfare violations at the three slaughterhouses?

There are many animal welfare violations that appear to breach the law, but we didn’t set out to reveal illegal practices. What we wanted was to show a typical day in typical slaughterhouses, and the most shocking scenes weren’t necessarily those that breached welfare regulations. The images that haunt me still are of the animals ― particularly the sheep ― in the stun room at two of the slaughterhouses. Their fear was extreme and abundantly apparent: one sheep was so desperate to escape the fate she had already seen her flock mates succumb to, that she leapt through the hatch and into the slaughter area where she landed in the blood pit below her bleeding and shackled mates. Other sheep and pigs ran and ran, looking for any chance to escape. One sheep leapt up the walls while a pig attempted to climb the door. The fear the animals feel is something that cannot be “smoothed away” with increased monitoring ― it is a horrific inevitability in commercial slaughterhouses. Other shocking violations included stunning a ewe while her lamb suckled her, bringing a ewe to slaughter in a wheelbarrow because she was too sick to stand, and almost all pigs at one abattoir being stunned improperly the first time so they suffered electric shocks severe enough to floor them but not powerful enough to render them unconscious. Absolutely shocking.

Why did Animal Aid choose to install a hidden camera in each location rather than send someone in undercover to record slaughterhouse practices?

There are a number of logistical reasons for obtaining the footage the way we did but, most importantly, any person in the stun or slaughter area may change the behavior of other workers around him. We wanted no distractions, no behavior modifications, no excuses for why the workers acted in the way they did. We wanted to see what happens on a typical day ― not what happens when a new “worker” is in the room. The footage we obtained shows genuine slaughterhouse practice, and that can’t be denied.

What has been the response from the meat industry?

Extraordinary. Animal Aid has conducted many investigations over the years, but never have we had so many industry insiders queuing up to offer information about the facilities that they work in! We expected an industry backlash with denials and mud-flinging, and we did get a little of that. But by and large, the industry has thrown its hands up and admitted we did find serious issues. How could they deny it? Now, everyone is blaming someone else: farmers are angry at the way “their” animals are being killed, slaughterers are blaming the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) over its lack of enforcement and the MHS inspectors blame their management for not supporting them. We have certainly shaken things up and we’ll have to see how it all settles. But in the meantime, we are pursuing every avenue that could lead to improvements in the fundamentally flawed slaughter system.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was upset that Animal Aid didn’t report the slaughterhouse abuses to them right away. Why did you release the video evidence to the public before alerting the RSPCA?

Over the years, we have interrupted our investigations (and by so doing increased the risk to our investigators who were still filming inside facilities) to report the most shocking cruelties to the RSPCA. Not only have they never prosecuted on the basis of our evidence, they have publicly given the “all clear” to the farms involved. We even filmed inside an RSPCA-approved chicken farm ― a so-called “Freedom Food” farm, where tens of thousands of birds were crammed into a squalid unit in the same way that “standard” birds are reared. The level of leg and hip deformities in that shed was extreme, and I think it is probably the most shocking chicken farm I have ever seen. Even then, with its own reputation at stake, the RSPCA did not prosecute. I have little faith that the RSPCA would have stepped in to help the animals in the slaughterhouses. But aside from that, I believe what we filmed is typical of slaughterhouses right across the country. It is not the case of a “bad apple” that can be prosecuted and then everything will be well. The problems, the abuses, the suffering, are endemic and inevitable and the RSPCA feeds into that by sanctioning farms and promoting meat consumption.

How does Animal Aid want slaughterhouses or legislators to respond to this investigation?

What we have shown is that the system currently in place does not protect the welfare animals at the time of slaughter ― and there is no way that it could. (And of course, by the very nature of slaughterhouses, it does not protect the rights of animals ― quite the opposite.) The MHS is clearly failing in its role to protect the welfare of animals in abattoirs and that is why CCTV needs to be installed in all slaughterhouses. Even then, it is unlikely that the authorities would agree to release the footage to an independent board who has the welfare of animals as its primary motive. But I believe it would be a good step towards ensuring best practice. And there must be ongoing training and independent assessment for all stun operators and slaughterers. Currently, training and assessment is usually done in-house and there is no re-training or re-assessment ever. I would also like to see people who have violent or sexual convictions barred from working in slaughterhouses.

What can the public do to help?

Their role in eliminating animal suffering is much clearer and is guaranteed to be effective: stop eating them.

For more information about this investigation, and to support the work of Animal Aid, please visit www.animalaid.org.uk

Omak Suicide Race-Take Action!

Omak Suicide Race

It's "The Deadliest Horse Race in the World" and it's right here in Washington

"It is one thing to preserve traditions or commemorate acts of courage in the history of a people, but this staged spectacle, putting horses and humans at grave risk year after year for entertainment and profit, is an abomination. This is a blight on the organizers, promoters, participants and willing spectators, and no credit to horsemanship or anyone’s culture. It is the reckless infliction of terror, pain, exhaustion, suffering, and death on an animal that has been our faithful partner and companion through the ages." - Dr. Andrew G. Lang, Former ASPCA Director of Equine Programs

Omak is a small town in Eastern Washington State. Every year the local rodeo, called the Omak Stampede, boasts of its main attraction "The World-Famous Omak Suicide Race." The race regularly and routinely kills horses.

Over a span of four days and nights, riders repeatedly send horses off "Suicide Hill" with a 120-foot full-galloping start. Horses plunge blindly more than 210 feet downhill, at a slope organizers have boasted is an "almost vertical…62 degree angle." At breakneck speed horses then meet, with concrete force, the rocky Okanogan River. After a panicked swim of more than a football field in length, the horses face a final, grueling uphill sprint.

These horses, many 'on-loan' for the event, have suffered heart attacks from over exertion, broken bones from collisions and shocking tumbles, and even horrifying death by drowning.

In the past 25 years, 20 deaths have been documented; in 2004, three horses were killed in the first heat alone. When will they stop calling it a Suicide Race and start calling it murder?

What You Can Do
Take Action! Five Minutes of Your Time Can Save Their Lives

http://www.paws.org/outreach/campaigns/omak.php

Farmers, animal-rights groups have different views on proposed animal-welfare legislation

A pair of bills being considered in the state House regarding animal
welfare are creating contention between animal-rights groups and
farmers.

The bills would set industry-recommended care standards, require farms
to be audited by a third party hired by the state and establish a
10-member animal-care advisory council that would review standards set
by the legislation at least every five years.

Animal activists have voiced opposition to the bills, saying they do
not go far enough to protect livestock. But area farmers contend the
bills back accepted standards that have proven to be the best
practices for animal care.

"The bar is set well above anything and everything that comes along,"
Jim Spink, a Jackson County farmer and vice president of the county
Farm Bureau's board of directors, said.

--
full story:
http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/08/farmers_animalrights_groups_ha.html

DON'T TURN MACKENZIE BASIN GREEN!(NZ)

Forest & Bird fears that irrigation proposed by farmers for the Mackenzie Basin will turn this iconic russet brown tussock landscape into bright grass green.

Thirty-four companies and individuals have lodged applications to take more than 164 million cubic metres of water from high country rivers and lakes to irrigate more than 27,000 hectares of public and private land in the Mackenzie Basin.
This proposed irrigation to allow intensive farming of the area could turn its spectacular dry, sunburnt vistas into a replica of the highly developed Canterbury Plains.
The proposal puts at risk:
·56 species of threatened plants that rely on the naturally dry habitats of the Mackenzie Basin.
·Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, Ohau and Benmore, which could be affected by algal blooms caused by farm nutrient runoff.
·The grand entrance to the multi-billion dollar high country tourism industry, including scenery which is a major drawcard for international visitors.
·Destruction of extensive wetlands.
·The natural habitats and flows of numerous high country rivers and streams.
“This is a wholesale water and land grab in one of the most environmentally sensitive regions in New Zealand. The Government needs to step in and prevent an environmental disaster,” Forest & Bird South Island Conservation Manager Chris Todd says.
He says the Mackenzie Basin should be protected in a dryland conservation park as recommended by the Department of Conservation and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
“High Country tourism generates more than $4 billion each year - turning this landscape green and covering it with livestock and huge irrigators would put that tourism income at risk.”
Establishing a “Great Cycleway” from Geraldine to Mt Cook through the spectacular, wide brown landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin would be a much more appropriate and sustainable use of the landscape, Chris Todd says.
“Industrial-scale farming in our most fragile and visually stunning high country landscapes is not sustainable. This environmental destruction is planned for public land without the public’s consent.”
Government department Land Information New Zealand is supposed to act as guardian of natural values identified on Crown grazing leases in the high country. Allowing irrigation on these leases would contradict that responsibility, Chris Todd says.
Publication Details
Publication Date:
May 31, 2009
Contact Details:
Chris Todd
Phone:
021 418 502 / 03 366 6317
Email:
c.todd@forestandbird.org.nz
Associated branches
North Canterbury
South Canterbury
National
Associated regions
Canterbury

ACTION ALERTS FROM VIVA!"NO' TO BADGER CULLING IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND IN ENGLAND!

Save our wildlife - Go vegan!
http://www.viva.org.uk/campaigns/badgers/action.htm
Urgent: Michelle Gildernew. No to badger 'culling' in Northern Ireland!
Urgent: Write to Nick Clegg and David Cameron. No to badger 'culling' in England!

Badgers are under threat across the United Kingdom. They are the scapegoats of failed agricultural policy and political backslapping. Going against solid scientific advice the Welsh Assembly have now voted to allow a pilot badger 'cull' to go ahead in Wales. This will be a wildlife massacre and for nothing. Opposition parties in England have pledged support for a 'cull' if they get into power, and now Northern Ireland is considering a 'cull' despite having the lowest incidence of the disease. The largest report into bovine TB found that badger 'culling' would actually make the situation worse by displacing surviving badgers. It is not too late to try and make them see sense!

Don't eat meat or dairy - animal agriculture is at the root of the badger's plight. Click here to find out how to ditch them!

Click here for your free badger door-dropper leaflets. For bigger numbers of leaflets for stalls and other uses please email kate@viva.org.uk
. Spread the word!
Protest!: organise you own peaceful protest in Wales. We can send you free materials (see above), we just need you to take the message to the people. Also, below are people who are organising events to raise awareness in Wales. Please get in touch with them directly if you can spare time to help:

North Pembrokeshire (where the 'cull' is planned): Adrian Stallwood and Monica Fernandez. 01437 731604 / monica.adrian@btinternet.com


Dyfed (covers Pembrokeshire): Badger Watch and Rescue Dyfed. Gorden Lumby. 01570 480571 / g.lumby@btopenworld.com


North Wales: Judi Hewitt. 07789 156022 / judi.nowar@homecall.co.uk


Viva! needs your support. Please donate to our campaign and help us stop the misery of factory farming and the destruction of our wildlife. Join Viva! if you are not already a supporter.

Please write a polite letter to Elin Jones AM, the Minister for Rural Affairs (whether you live in Wales or not!):

Elin Jones AM
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1NA

Or email: elin.jones@wales.gov.uk


using the following sample letter:

"Dear Minister

As a citizen of the UK I was extremely disappointed to hear that you have announced a pilot badger 'cull' in Wales is to go ahead. Especially as England has now decided against a badger 'cull', and is trialling inoculations in the summer.

This move goes against the advice of the largest ever study into the spread of bovine TB which found that 'culling' badgers would have no meaningful impact on the spread of the disease – and would actually make it worse. The real culprit is bad farming practices. Despite intensive culling of badgers in the Republic of Ireland the proportion of infected herds has remained largely constant since 'culling' intensified in 2002. Whereas, Northern Ireland has virtually halved infection, through effective cattle controls without badger 'culling'. I urge you to follow Northern Ireland’s lead and call off the pilot 'cull' – it will achieve nothing, only needlessly cost the lives of wild animals and tarnish the reputation of Wales.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely"

Please also write a polite letter to Wales' Chief Vet, Christianne Glossop, who is fronting the Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board (we do not currently have an email address for her):

Dr Christianne Glossop
Chief Veterinary Officer
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3NQ

"Dear Dr Glossop

As a citizen of the UK I was extremely disappointed to hear that the Welsh Assembly will not follow the lead of Hilary Benn in England and cancel plans for the pilot ‘cull’ of badgers in Wales. Especially as England has now decided against a badger 'cull', and is trialling inoculations in the summer.

The 'cull' goes against the advice of the largest ever study into the spread of bovine TB, which found that ‘culling’ badgers would have no meaningful impact on the spread of the disease – and would actually make it worse. The real culprits are bad farming practices and the movement of millions of cattle around the UK each year.

Despite being promoted as a ‘short term fix’, badgers could be wiped out in certain parts of Wales if a large scale 'cull' were to go ahead, and you have admitted that even in 2018 “the end game will not necessarily be in sight” for bovine TB. This ‘cull’ could last into the 2030s. It will achieve nothing, only needlessly cost the lives of thousands of wild animals and tarnish the reputation of Wales.

Please use your influence to stop the needless slaughter of Welsh wildlife. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely"


Write to Nick Clegg and David Cameron

Storm clouds are gathering for English badgers. Both the leader of the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have pledged to carry out 'culling' of badgers if they come to power at the next election. Again, this is a political decision, and we need them to face facts: killing badgers won't stop bovine TB. Please use the letter below as a basis to politely contact them and call for an urgent change in policy.

Nick Clegg: libdemleader@parliament.uk


David Cameron: camerond@parliament.uk


"Dear ****


As a potential voter for your party I was dismayed to hear that you would back a badger ‘cull’ in England in an attempt to halt the spread of bovine TB.



I do understand that the NFU, and other farming bodies, have been lobbying hard to force ‘culling’ back onto the political agenda in England, but their efforts are very much misguided. The bottom line is that at best a ‘cull’ will do nothing – but will cost the lives of untold wild animals – but at the worst it will actually spread the disease further.



Please also reconsider the findings of the government initiated Independent Scientific Group (ISG) on bovine TB. The final report by the ISG categorically stated that "badger culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain” .The ISG found that weaknesses in cattle testing and the movement of cattle were the keys to the spread of TB.



As you may know, 95 per cent of the people who responded to the Defra public consultation on badger 'culling' in England were opposed to a ‘cull’.



Whilst snaring and gassing have been previously ruled out as ‘culling’ methods, night shooting and caging will still cause considerable stress to animals – and many may be injured but not killed outright. The ISG report also found the incidences of baby badgers dying in setts after their parents had been killed by outside traps was increasing.



Any badger ‘cull’ would be hugely unpopular with the general public – and rightly so. It will also cost huge amounts of money and cause untold misery for our wildlife – and according to the ISG will not work.



The decision by Hilary Benn not to ‘cull’ badgers in England was the right one – and it is one that took considerable political courage to take. I hope your party can find similar courage to do the right thing and say no to killing British wildlife.



Yours sincerely"

Have you had a reply? Click here to answer their generic responses!



Stop the 'cull' in Northern Ireland

If there was one place where you would think that badgers would be safe it would be Northern Ireland (NI). The incidence of bovine TB (bTB) is lower there than anywhere in the UK, and lower than in the Republic of Ireland. Levels of bTB in NI cattle fell by 50 per cent between 2002-07 – this was achieved without killing any badgers by using effective cattle control methods. However, unbelievably, the Minister of Agriculture, Michelle Gildernew, is now considering carrying out a limited ‘cull’ of badgers somewhere in Co Down. This despite, earlier this year, the Minister herself admitting that there was no clear link between badgers and bTB in cattle.

Wherever you live, please help us change her mind before more wild animals die on the altar of agricultural folly.

Use the letter below as a template (or even better create your own).

Send polite messages to:

Michelle Gildernew
Minister of Agriculture
Room 337
Parliament Buildings
Belfast BT4 3XX

Or email: private.office@dardni.gov.uk

Or fax: 02890524170

“Dear Minister Gildernew

I was extremely disappointed to hear that you are considering a ‘cull’ of badgers in Co Down later this year (or in 2010). Particularly as Northern Ireland has shown the way in recent years in sensibly tackling bTB through the main vector – cattle-to-cattle transmission. The reduction of 50 per cent (between 2002-07) of bTB in cattle is encouraging – and all without killing wildlife.

It is therefore surprising that this move is now being considered. Despite calling this a ‘badger intervention’ – proposing to capture around a thousand animals – it is clear that it is a ‘cull’ under another name. This is folly – and will presumably be a very costly folly. Badgers are not to blame for the bTB crisis. You said yourself, “… we do not know with any certainty the extent to which badgers contribute to the incidence of TB in cattle.” Why then propose to kill a thousand of them when non-lethal vaccination trials are being carried out in England later this year? Doubly so when the largest study ever undertaken into the issue – the Independent Scientific Group’s report – stated categorically that ‘culling’ badgers would make no meaningful contribution to controlling the spread of the disease – and could make things worse.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office’s report, The Control of Bovine Tuberculosis in Northern Ireland (March 2009), highlighted several areas for future improvement in the fight against bTB in NI – but was firmly against badger ‘culling’. The report blames inadequate boundary fencing and poor on-farm bio-security; the failure of farmers to take part in training to limit the spread of disease and increase their bio-security knowledge; failure to implement pre-movement testing; and failure to tackle potentially widespread non-compliance by farmers, and insufficient fines to discourage future fraud.

Whilst these issues remain unaddressed in NI, I would suggest that your department’s efforts are better served tackling these problems – as well as fast tracking vaccination for both badgers and cattle. Badger ‘culling’ is cruel and unnecessary. Please say no to the needless slaughter of NI wildlife.

Yours sincerely”




Write to your MP - ask them to sign EDM 2090:

Alun Michael (MP for Cardiff South and Penarth), has launched an Early Day Motion (EDM) asking MPs to sign to thank Hilary Benn on his decision to not 'cull' badgers in England, and to put pressure on Elin Jones to rethink her policy on killing wildlife in Wales. You can read the EDM here.

To find out who your MP is, and to send them an email click here.

You can also write to your MP at: House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA; to MSPs at The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP and AMs at the National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF99 1NA. You can also find out the name of your MP by phoning 0207 219 4272; MSP on 0835 278 1999 or AM on 02920 898 200.

It is important that we keep the pressure on in Wales. Use the letter below as a template, but personalise it if you have time.

“Dear [your MP’s name]

I was delighted that Hilary Benn has decided not to slaughter badgers in England in an attempt to control bovine TB. However, I am very concerned that a trial 'cull' in Wales is now set go ahead. As a constituent of yours, I urge you to sign the Early Day Motion (2090) to back Benn's decision, and to put pressure on Elin Jones AM, the Minister for Rural Affairs in Wales, to call off this proposed slaughter of wildlife.

The science is clear, killing badgers would not halt bovine TB – and could actually make the situation worse.

11,000 badgers were already killed as part of the Randomised Badger Culling Trials, which found that nearly 90 per cent were free of the disease. A further trial 'cull' is pointless, and will be an animal welfare disaster.

The real culprits for the spread of TB in cattle are intensified farming practices and the mass movement of farmed animals around the country. Around 14 million cattle are moved across the UK each year – this number has quadrupled since 1999. According to Government figures, between 2005 and 2006 over 600,000 more cattle were moved than the previous year.

Dairy herd sizes have more than doubled since the 1970s – when bovine TB was at its lowest. There is a direct correlation between larger herd sizes and the spread of disease. The rush to intensify animal agriculture has led to this disastrous situation. Dairy cows suffer the dual burden of pregnancy and lactation during much of their lives. Their immune systems are shot to pieces and they are physically exhausted and killed at a fraction of their natural lifespan. Add to this unreliable bovine TB testing that is inaccurate in one-third of cases and you start to see the real causes of the problem.

Please sign Early Day Motion (2090) (http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=36437&SESSION=891)
and urge a non-lethal approach to controlling cattle TB in Wales.

I look forward to your response."



Please also write to Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. He has made the courageous decision not to kill badgers in England. Please write a polite letter to thank him (no matter where in the UK you live) and insist that the Government police farmers who try and take the matters into their own hands, and prosecute any that are found killing these protected animals:

Hilary Benn MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA – or email Hilary.Benn@defra.gsi.gov.uk
– or phone 020 7219 3000:

"Dear Minister

Firstly, thank you for your courageous decision to go with science and common sense, and not allow a ‘cull’ of badgers in England. I understand that you must have been under huge pressure from the farming community, but your decision was the right one. The science is clear, killing badgers would not halt bovine TB – and as you yourself pointed out it could actually make the situation worse.

As I know you are aware, a trial ‘cull’ in Wales is still planned. This despite the fact that 11,000 badgers were already killed as part of the Randomised Badger Culling Trials, which found that nearly 90 per cent were free of the disease. As you know, the real culprits are intensified farming practices and the mass movement of cattle around the country. I urge you to write to Elin Jones and ask her to follow your lead and call off the ‘cull’ in Wales.

I am also concerned that misguided farmers may try and take matters into their own hands. Please can you tell me what measures you will put in place to police this and ensure that these protected animals are not the victims of vigilantes? I urge you to ensure that anyone found illegally killing badgers will be prosecuted under the full force of the law.

Yours sincerely"




> Find out what you can do to help stop the suffering


Order materials
Fact sheet Download Welsh leafletDownload general leaflet






"The culling of badgers is absolutely obscene. The largest ever study found that it would make things things worse not better, yet they still push ahead towards the meaningless destruction of our wildlife. Please help Viva! stop this madness by ending the cull and helping people give up the very things that are at the root of it: meat and dairy."
TV wildlife presenter and Viva! patron Wendy Turner-Webster

“I'm so thrilled to hear that the proposed extermination of this country's Badgers has been scrapped. I congratulate Hilary Benn on a brave and humane decision. And I am encouraged by the rejection of what I regard as a disgracefully scientifically unsound report by ex chief scientific advisor to the Government, Sir David King.

“The Farming community must now logically look to improvements in their own methods to control TB in Cattle. We can only hope that this leads to long-term improvements in the way farm animals are treated; it is long overdue.

“Just for the sake of making more money out of what some of us eat (not me) ... these people wanted to exterminate a whole population of innocent wild animals who have as much right to live in this land as we humans do.”
Brian May from Queen

“Now farmers will realise the strength of the science and will recognise that culling has no part to play. They should now objectively, alongside government, consider the cattle control elements that we all know are absolutely essential as outlined in our report.”
Professor John Bourne, chairman of the Independent Scientific Group

"Culling badgers is historically known to be totally ineffective in stopping bovine TB. Northern Ireland has proved that the most effective procedures are strict cattle controls and no culling. We should all follow their lead- It works!"
Jenny Seagrove

“We must not make badgers scapegoats for bovine TB”.
Joanna Lumley

“How can we condemn a protected species to death when the reasons for doing so have been discredited by valid scientific evidence? Badger culling is utterly barbaric and pointless. Please support Viva! in their fight to stop this needless massacre of our precious wildlife.”
Twiggy

“Deep down anyone with common sense knows that killing animals is wrong, but what makes the idea of culling badgers even more sinister is that it’s being done in order to cover up bad farming practices and lazy testing methods. I don’t want to stand by knowing that these great creatures are suffering and being killed, but I also don’t want to see a time in the future when we look back and wonder how we let another group of our animals disappeared from our country.

I say no to this or any other badger cull and I urge all caring people to do the same. Get rid of ignorance, not badgers.”
Benjamin Zephaniah

“I totally support Viva! in their campaign to stop the badger cull which is both obscene and unnecessary since top scientists say it will only make the spread of TB in cattle worse.”
Rose Elliot



Viva! Vegetarians International Voice for Animals
8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH, UK
T: 0117 944 1000 F: 0117 924 4646 E: info@viva.org.uk

(US/oh) Investigator Exclusive: Animal cruelty charges against livestock market selling to restaurants

MEDINA COUNTY -- Animal cruelty charges have been filed against Edward
Lind's livestock market in Medina County.

Lind has been slapped with eight counts of animal cruelty for
neglecting to care for sick and injured animals at his livestock
market on Church Road in Medina.

Lind denied allegations that he was selling diseased, injured and
abused animals.

He admitted to The Investigator Tom Meyer that he sells animals to
restaurants in Cuyahoga County but refused to identify the
restaurants.

Animal welfare groups are concerned, based on undercover buys they
made at Lind's operation.

In a 100-page report, investigators identified a number of sick and
abused animals they had purchased.

Annette Fisher, who operates an animal sanctuary, also assisted in the
investigation by buying a number of animals at Lind's place.

--
full story:
http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=117868

(US) Michigan farmers, activists at odds over animal treatment

LANSING — Michigan farmers and animal rights advocates are fighting
over the treatment of farm animals, a conflict that ultimately may be
taken to voters.

The farm lobby is backing bipartisan legislation that would put into
law the agriculture industry’s guidelines for farm animals’ health and
welfare, and require audits of livestock farms. A 10-member council
would review and possibly update animal care standards at least every
five years and local governments would be pre-empted from setting
their own rules.

Upset by what it calls the industry’s “blatant power grab” in the
debate, the Humane Society of the United States is threatening a 2010
ballot initiative to give farm animals in confined spaces more room.
Voters passed similar proposals in Arizona, California and Florida.
Governors and lawmakers also enacted measures in Colorado, Maine and
Oregon.

Supporters of the Michigan bills say people want to know more about
where their food comes from, particularly in the wake of food recalls.
Workers at a since-closed California slaughterhouse were caught on
videotape abusing weak cattle to force them to slaughter, leading to
the country’s biggest beef recall last year.

--
full story:
http://www.freep.com/article/20090712/NEWS06/90711035/Michigan-farmers--activists-at-odds-over-animal-treatment

Videos!

Please spread these videos around far and wide. We have GOT to do this for the animals. They are counting on us!!!!!!

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=LUkHkyy4uqw

http://video. google.com/ videoplay? docid=6361872964 130308142

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=fbhEw-8GePI

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=VIjanhKqVC4

P.S. Add these video links to your signature and/or spread it around so the world can know about this please!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE! Today's Hearings on H.J.R.2 and S.J.R. 6 (Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board ) / H.B. 124 (OH Puppy Mill)



Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

For those of you who were unable to attend today's hearings, below is a quick recap:

H.J.R. 2 - (scroll down to read article from Ohio.com. HUGE thanks to Nancy D. for passing this along!) http://www.legislat ure.state. oh.us/res. cfm?ID=128_ HJR_2. The resolution was amended and reported unanimously following testimony from the bill sponsors and others. The amen dment removed the word implementation from the responsibilities of the board, making it only responsible for establishing standards. It also changed language to allow the two members of the board from statewide organizations that represent farmers to come from more than one organization.

Rep. Sayre and Rep. Ruhl gave sponsor testimony saying the bill would create a diverse board to oversee the treatment of Ohio's livestock and ensure the safety of the food supply. "The current heightened awareness around animal diseases and food safety have opened up a productive dialog among industry experts, and all agree that Ohio must take proactive steps to ensure that standards are in place to protect the well being of our livestock and safety of our locally grown food supply," said Mr. Sayre.

Mr. Sayre and Ms. Ruhl agreed the legislation supports those farmers that are doing things humanely, and does not tolerate those that are not. Many people testified on behalf of the bill, largely saying it is the best way to ensure Ohio's farmers continue to provide adequate care for their animals, and would help put consumer's minds at ease.

Kim Davis fr om the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation said, "Our consumers can be confident in the care that Ohio farmers are giving their animals and in the safety and quality of the food we produce. It is our livelihood and our responsibility. "

Tom Herzfeld, President of the board of the Ohio Poultry Association reiterated Ms. Davis' point and added, "From our perspective, the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is a natural progression of what we as egg producers have always stood for: taking thoughtful, proactive steps to make continuous improvements in how we produce safe, affordable food without ever putting animal care or quality at risk."

Many proponents also mentioned the importance of agriculture to Ohio.

Adam Ward, Acting Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture said, "The importance of agriculture is evident - it is Ohio's number one industry and contributes over $98 billion to the Ohio economy."

Make Carper, President of the Ohio Cattleman's Association said his organization sees the board as, "an important step forward in further establishing Ohio agriculture as a leader in the nation and the world."
Some witnesses suggested that passage of the ballot issue would avoid oversight of Ohio's farms by out-of-state entities such as the Humane Society of the United States.

"Groups like HSUS have been working in other states to pass measures that ban certain types of housing all in an effort to achieve their ultimate goal of eliminating animal agriculture, " said Todd Stickley, President of the Ohio Pork Producers Council.
Rep. Richard Adams asked Mr. Ward for an example of something that would result in costs for funding the board. Mr. Ward said costs that would occur would be because of oversight, but he does not yet know how things would be done so the exact reasons are not clear.

Roger Wise, President of the Ohio Farmers Union testified as an interested party, saying the Union feels like the best way to produce a positive outcome for consumers, as well as farmers, is to work with groups like HSUS. "We feel like HJR 2=2 0and the Livestock Care Standards Board prevent this collaborative relationship between agriculture and animal rights groups and instead create an adversarial climate," he said. Mr. Wise also said they are concerned about the portrayal of farmers as villains, the "sketchy" details of the formation of the board, the creation of a hostile environment between farmers and regulators and the costs of implementing the legislation during hard economic times.

George Ondick also testified as an interested party, raising similar concerns about the costs of implementation, and adding he feels the bill is a hasty reaction to threats from HSUS. Large factory farms will inevitably control the board, he said. Ohio would be better off engaging in dialogue instead of amending the constitution.

Rep. Adams asked Mr. Ondick why he was interested in the bill. Mr. Ondick said he is an advocate for the responsible location of mega-farms.

Rep. Derickson said he did not see any representatives from Agribusiness on the board, and asked Mr. Ondick to explain why he expects factory farms to have an influence. Mr. Ondick said almost all the proposed members of the board would also be mem bers of the Farm Bureau. Those individuals, along with the Department of Agriculture would push for the interests of Agribusiness, he said.

The only person to testify in opposition of the bill was Dean Vickers from HSUS. Mr. Vickers suggested the government take a serious look at farm factory practices in Ohio and consider encouraging civil dialogue instead of legislation. Representatives from Farm Sanctuary, a leading farm animal protection organization, reinforced Mr. Vickers' stance in a press release saying, "Their attempt to amend the constitution is a blatant power grab that seeks to subvert the will of the people."

Rep. Wagner asked what Mr. Vickers would say to farmers who think HSUS is trying to take control. Mr. Vickers said they just want to sit down with farmers and compromise for better conditions.

Rep. Okey asked Mr. Vickers if he believed HSUS is not already well represented by local humane society personnel on the proposed board. Mr. Vickers said they are not because only one person from the humane society is allowed.

Rep. Adams asked if HSUS's object ive is to eliminate certain practices. Mr. Vickers said they would like to phase out the use of crates.

Rep. Pryor asked if letting a board that participates in deliberation would be better than the solution Mr. Vickers proposed. Mr. Vickers said HSUS is uneasy about the board makeup.

Rep. Murray said HSUS's testimony was completely false and announced his commitment to keep Ohio safe from their "big dollar campaigns."

S.J.R. 6 - (scroll down to read article from Ohio.com. HUGE thanks to Nancy D. for passing this along!) http://www.legislat ure.state. oh.us/res. cfm?ID=128_ HJR_2. A group of resolution supporters led the parade of witnesses that included only the Humane Society of the United States as an opponent. The proposal was crafted to head off or weaken a potential HSUS initiated law that would deal differen tly with livestock care than would the 13-member board that would be created if proposed constitutional amendment is adopted.

Sen. Wilson, a co-sponsor, said it would let professionals, such as farmers, veterinarians and food specialty specialists "do what they know best." Sen. Gibbs, a co-sponsor, said in testimony that animals that are not stressed are better and safer food producers.

Dean Vickers, Ohio director for HSUS, said, "This effort to amend Ohio's constitution by creating an industry dominated council to oversee farm animal treatment is poor policy and an obvious attempt to thwart meaningful reform."

Sen. Grendell led pointed questioning of Mr. Vickers about his organization' s policies, beliefs and efforts in Colorado and California for enactment of laws or a constitutional amendment about animal treatment. Mr. Vickers defended his opposition, contending the Ohio Farm Bureau refused to "engage in meaningful dialogue" last February when the issue began to surface in private talks. He said he has met with 20 House members seeking support for a law change along unspecified lines the HSUS favors. He said the organization supports vegetarian diet s, which would save animal lives, but recognizes that most people are not vegans. That stance is seen as a threat as a threat to the food production chain Ohio, he said.

Roger Wise, Ohio Farmers Union president, spoke against the resolution that would "prevent a collaborative relationship between agriculture and animal rights groups and instead create an adversarial climate." Appearing as an interested witness, he said the organization favors enacting negotiated regulations into law rather than a constitutional amendment.

Dr. Brad Garrison, president of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, spoke as an interested party. He said "significant veterinary representation" should be part of "any entity created to establish appropriate care and well being standards livestock... ." He stressed the profession's commitment to proper animal care and noted their profession keeps up with ever-changing advancements in animal care. "My dairy farmers are using techniques they weren't 20 years ago."

Also testifying for the proposal to create a 13-member Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board were Adam Ward of the Ohio Department of Agriculture; Jeff Wuebker of the20Ohio Soybean Association; Tony Watchman of the Ohio Wheat Growers Association, representing corn growers, too; and Jake Wolfinger, of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association.

The Ohio Environmental Council submitted interested party testimony raising six questions about the need for a constitutional amendment and the speed with which the proposal is moving.

H.B. 124 - http://www.legislat ure.state. oh.us/bills. cfm?ID=128_ HB_124. Several witnesses testified in support of the bill, saying the conditions puppies in kennels experience are horrible, and state regulation is needed to fix the problem.

Kellie DiFrischia, director of the Columbus Dog Connection, said, "The targets of this language are those who breed dogs in filthy, cramped conditions, without access to vet care, clean water or daily food." 32 other states have either passed or have pending legislation, she said.

Annelle Mullet, a resident of Holmes County, said her conversations with local dog wardens suggest local control is no longer an option. Government regulation would be more profitable for the good, she said.

Joe Rock, an employee with the Franklin County of Animal Care and Control supported Ms. Mullet's claim when he said, "In many cases, [the agencies] make the most of their limited resources, but to address a cruelty situation involving hundreds of animals is daunting at best and impossible at worst."

Suzanne Wilcox, a veterinarian, illustrated multiple situations in which puppies from kennels were mistreated and obtained diseases. "Breeders need specific guidelines and specific consequences, " she said.

Rep. Hall asked Ms. Mullet if the lack of inspectors is a weakness of the federal government, and if the bill needs to specifically refer to pet shop inspections as=2 0well. Ms. Mullet said the bill does refer to pet store brokers, and as far as she knows there are two federal inspectors for the state of Ohio.

Mr. Hall asked Mr. Rock if his organization was able to inspect claims made by SPCA about improper care of puppies. Mr. Rock said the site was out of their jurisdiction, but the proper authorities are inspecting the claim now.

Rep. Weddington asked Ms. Wilcox if the common person would be able to identify issues with puppies. Ms. Wilcox said some are obvious, while other issues are hard for even trained professionals to recognize.

Many people also stepped forward in opposition, saying the bill is simply a way to drive commercial dog breeders out of business. The opponents said the fees incurred by breeders from the bill would be too much for breeders to endure.

Harold Neuhart, a member of the Ohio Professional Dog Breeders Association, said, "House Bill 124 will directly affect me, as well as our member breeders, to the extent that it will put us all out of business." He said the fees set forth by the legislation would cost breeders an additional $893.

Polly Britton, legislative agent for the Ohio Association of Animal Owners also testified against the bill, saying it is unfair and benefits those who are proponents of the bill. "To sum it up, this is an agenda driven bill that will financially benefit certain individuals while forcing commercial dog breeders out of business."

John Silva, past president of the Ohio County Dog Warden's Association, and Brad Cole of the County Commissioners Association raised concerns about the bill. Mr. Silva said some of the references are confusing and need to be cleared up for the sake of the public. He also brought up a number of issues including the lack of cer tification requirements for inspectors, only using the Franklin County Court system to prosecute and the inability for county auditors to issue kennel licenses. Mr. Cole testified as an interested party, but suggested a number of revisions in his testimony, such as changing the definition of animal shelter, creating exemptions for licensure requirements for medical kennels, research kennels, and veterinarians and changing the definition of regulated dog intermediary.

Rep. Hall asked Mr. Neuhart if it would be difficult for him to get to a Franklin County Court if he was prosecuted. Mr. Neuhart said it would be. If someone does something wrong they should be tried in front of their peers in their own county, he said. Rep. Richard Adams asked Mr. Neuhart why so little kennel owners are members of the USDA. Mr. Neuhart said the ones who do things properly are not afraid of the USDA. In a later response to a question from Rep. Zehringer, Mr. Neuhart said the reason could be that some people are scared of the government.

Rep. Derickson asked Mr. Neuhart if he has been able to sell his puppies for between $500 and $2500 like previous testimony suggested. Mr. Neuhart said he usually gets between $50 and $300 for his puppies. "You people have been lied to," he said. He encouraged the members to come up to his kennel and see the conditions the puppies are in. "We aren't ashamed for you to come up there any day of the week," he said. To review the most recent USDA reports available online for Mr. Neuhart's kennel, click here.

Mr. Hall asked Ms. Britton if she has seen instances in which rescue dogs are not properly taken care of. Ms. Britton said she has read about it, but does not know the frequency. Unfortunately some nice people take on more than they can handle, she said.

Rep. Zehringer asked Ms. Britton if the association would entertain the idea of making breeders who reach a certain point undergo USDA inspections twice a year. Ms. Britton said they would.

Mr. Weddington told Mr. Silva he has heard county courts do not have the capacity to take on kennel cases and asked if he knows of any counties that could handle it. Mr. Silva said he was not sure the Franklin County Court moves that much faster and suggested things be handled at a local level.

Mr. Hall asked Mr. Silva if the bill passed as is would force a lot of kennels underground. He also asked if it would put a burden on local dog wardens and sheriffs. Mr. Silva said he anticipates people finding ways to get around regulation, most likely by creating subdivisions. He also said unless people have the resources for increased inspection, anybody would be overwhelmed with the new workload.

A technical amendment was made to the bill to delete the word "commission" and add "director" in line 368 and to insert an underlined comma after "dogs" in line 793.

If you would like copies of all proponent/opponent/ interested party testimony provided during today's hearings, please feel free to reply to this message.

Thanks for continuing to serve as a strong voice for the animals!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.lostpetusa.net/

LEGISLATIVE ALERTS: Please visit our Home page for pending legislation impacting the welfare of OH animals - http://www.columbus topdogs.com/

P.S. You or someone you know has requested you be added to the Columbus Top Dogs email list. If you do not want to receive emails from columbustopdogs. com, please reply and put "remove from list" in subject. Thank you!


-------- Original Message --------

Hurry to harvest - http://www.ohio.com/editorial/opinions/48983066.html
State officials suddenly want a constitutional change for agribusiness

Amending the Ohio Constitution is serious business, changes made by a statewide vote achieving a permanency not enjoyed by statutes or regulations. Rushing the process, as the legislature is prepared to do today with a proposed amendment on livestock farming, merely increases the chances of locking in details that would benefit from a fuller airing, with future modification tedious and expensive. In a state as big as Ohio, it can take millions of campaign dollars to give voters even a cursory understanding of a complex issue.

The livestock issue is anything but simple. Proponents, among them Gov. Ted Strickland and legislative leaders of both parties, suddenly have elevated the creation of an Ohio Livestock Standards Board to a top priority, citing food safety concerns. In the Senate, Bob Gibbs, a Lakeville Republican, noted last week's recall of tainted cookie dough. The connection appeared strained.

More telling20is a July 1 deadline for putting constitutional amendments before the voters in November, which the legislature can accomplish with a three-fifths majority in each house. Opponents, such as Dean Vickers of the state Humane Society, say the amendment would pre-empt an initiated statute his group would like to place on the ballot next year.

The Humane Society wants to phase out methods that immobilize animals such as hens, sows and calves in what it considers cruel conditions. He rightly fears the composition of the 13-member livestock board, with one practicing veterinarian and one member of a county humane society, would tilt in the direction large-scale farming operations. Vickers is threatening a competing ballot issue this fall.

Whatever problems exist in the food chain, Ohio is not having a food safety crisis. Thus, there is no compelling need to use the state constitution to enshrine quickly the composition and scope of a new state board, no matter how promising. The interests of the Humane Society must be balanced carefully against the economic impact on Ohio's farmers and limited to issues directly related to food safety.

That's a discussion that should take place in the legislature, with plenty of hearings and expert testimony. Any new layer of oversight should be passed as a statute, subject to later adjustment if needed.

Amending the Ohio Constitution is serious business, changes made by a statewide vote achieving a permanency not enjoyed by statutes or regulations. Rushing the process, as the legislature is prepared to do today with a proposed amendment on livestock farming, merely increases the chances of locking in details that would benefit from a fuller airing, with future modification tedious and expensive. In a state as big as Ohio, it can take millions of campaign dollars to give voters even a cursory understanding of a complex issue.

The livestock issue is anything but simple. Proponents, among them Gov. Ted Strickland and legislative leaders of both parties, suddenly have elevated the creation of an Ohio Livestock Standards Board to a top priority, citing food safety concerns. In the Senate, Bob Gibbs, a Lakeville Republican, noted last week's recall of tainted cookie dough. The connection appeared strained.

More telling is a July 1 deadline for putting constitutional amendments before the voters in November, which the legislature can accom plish with a three-fifths majority in each house. Opponents, such as Dean Vickers of the state Humane Society, say the amendment would pre-empt an initiated statute his group would like to place on the ballot next year.

The Humane Society wants to phase out methods that immobilize animals such as hens, sows and calves in what it considers cruel conditions. He rightly fears the composition of the 13-member livestock board, with one practicing veterinarian and one member of a county humane society, would tilt in the direction large-scale farming operations. Vickers is threatening a competing ballot issue this fall.

Whatever problems exist in the food chain, Ohio is not having a food safety crisis. Thus, there is no compelling need to use the state constitution to enshrine quickly the composition and scope of a new state board, no matter how promising. The interests of the Humane Society must be balanced carefully against the economic impact on Ohio's farmers and limited to issues directly related to food safety.

That's a discussion that should take place in the legislature, with plenty of hearings and expert testimony. An y new layer of oversight should be passed as a statute, subject to later adjustment if needed.

EU UPGRADES STUNNING,SLAUGHTER METHODS FOR ANIMALS

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/8571035

LUXEMBOURG, June 22 (Reuters) - Slaughterhouses across the European
Union will have to change the way they stun and kill millions of cattle,
pigs and poultry after farm ministers agreed on Monday to tighten the
rules and improve animal protection. Every year, nearly 360 million
pigs, sheep, goats and cattle and several billion turkeys and chickens
are killed in the EU for their meat. A further 25 million animals are
killed for fur and hatcheries also kill around 330 million day-old-chicks.

Welfare and safety rules governing how this may be done date from 1993
and, experts say, are in serious need of an overhaul.

From January 2013, stunning and killing criteria for slaughterhouses
will be updated, and the general parameters for using electricity to
knock out animals, for example, or gas for birds, more concretely
defined than now.
Slaughterhouses will also have to appoint a specific person responsible
for animal welfare and make sure all staff are properly trained and
certified. The updated rules will not ban any major method of stunning,
although the use of certain techniques will be limited.

Carbon dioxide for pigs and poultry, for example, may still be used
despite some scientists' reservations, and using waterbath stunners for
poultry will remain permitted -- to the annoyance of the Dutch, who
wanted a ban.
Slaughterhouse operators will see their responsibilities increase,
regularly monitoring the efficiency of stunning techniques to ensure
animals do not "wake up".

"We have a duty to take care of animals. Their welfare is crucial, not
only for ethical reasons but also to ensure animal health and the
quality of food," EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said in a
statement.
The agreement would make "a real difference to the way animals are
treated at the time of slaughter", she said, adding that distress would
be minimised in the slaughtering process. (Reporting by Jeremy Smith)

Legislative Alerts-Ohio

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

Our Ohio legislators, including Governor Strickland, and the Farm Bureau are proposing an amendment to the Ohio constitution which will create an Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (scroll down for more details on these hearings). It is the belief of many humane advocates that the true purpose of this in-house monitoring council is to stop or hinder any ballot issue (similar to Prop 2 introduced and passed in California) that HSUS or others may propose to help animals in factory farms (cafos -- confined animal feeding operations).


If these resolutions are passed on Wed., June 24, we are confident the Farm Bureau will use various "scare tactics" to convince Ohio voters to pass the resolutions during the November elections. Below is a message from Dean Vickers, HSUS State Director, regarding these proposals.

We are very opposed to the resolutions. And yes, it is scheduled for a sponsor testimony and vote on the same day. [June 24] The Farm Bureau knew that it could not win if HSUS backed a ballot campaign in Ohio, so they put their money towards a different approach, their legislators. The intent of the bill would be to stop anyone outside of the big Agra industry from having any impact on what they do and how they do it.

To get a better perspective on the leadership driving the Ohio Farm Bureau, I invite you to read the following comments shared by Jack Fisher, Executive Vice President, published in a May 12, 2009 article, 'Farm Bureau Center to elevate animal issues':

"Animal rights activists are very accomplished at manipulating public opinion," Fisher said. "They make what sound like simple demands regarding animals when in reality their true goal is to give animals status equal to humans."


Please join Columbus Top Dogs in taking time to contact your state Senator and House Representative, asking them to OPPOSE these resolutions! You can locate contact information for both legislators by visiting Ohio Legislative Service Commission.

Thanks everyone for your kind consideration.

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/

http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.lostpetusa.net/

LEGISLATIVE ALERTS: Please visit our Home page for pending legislation impacting the welfare of OH animals - http://www.columbustopdogs.com/

P.S. You or someone you know has requested you be added to the Columbus Top Dogs email list. If you do not want to receive emails from columbustopdogs.com, please reply and put "remove from list" in subject. Thank you!



At the behest of Governor Strickland (and the Farm Bureau), the Ohio General Assembly is preparing to rush the following PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE OHIO CONSTITUTION through a vote this coming week in time for it to be before Ohio voters in this November's election.
You can read the (identical, I believe) proposals at:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/res.cfm?ID=128_SJR_6

http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/res.cfm?ID=128_HJR_2

OHIO SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
Wed., Jun. 24, 2009, 9:00 AM, North Hearing Room,
Chair: Sen. Schuring
SJR6 OHIO LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD (GIBBS B) Proposing to enact Section 1 of Article XIV of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.
First Hearing, All Testimony, PENDING REFERRAL/POSSIBLE VOTE
OHIO HOUSE AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Wed., Jun. 24, 2009, 9:30 AM, Hearing Room 018
Chair: Rep. Domenick
Committee might reconvene after Rules and Reference Committee.
HJR2 OHIO LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD (SAYRE A) Proposing to enact Section 1 of Article XIV of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.
First Hearing, All Testimony, POSSIBLE VOTE

Jack Shaner, Deputy Director, Senior Director of Legislative and Public Affairs
Ohio Environmental Council, 1207 Grandview Avenue, Suite 201 Columbus, OH 43212-3439
W: 614-487-7506 ext. 112 C: 614-446-1693
F: 614-487-7510
Jack@theOEC.org

BUFFALO FIELD CAMPAIGN!ACTION ALERT AND UPDATE!

Buffalo Field CampaignYellowstone BisonUpdate from the Fielld

In this issue:* Update from the Field - Four Bulls Killed by Agents* Our Friend Frog: BFC Celebrates His Life, Mourns His Passing* Last Words* Kill Tally------------ --------- ---------* Update from the Field Bull bison rubs on a tree. BFC file photo.We lost four brother buffalo yesterday to the ignorance and greed of Montana's livestock industry.We are sad to report that the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) sent three bull buffalo to slaughter yesterday after capturing them on private land at Duck Creek, in a trap just 200 yards from the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.Read the full press release here.In addition, agents shot another bull buffalo on Gallatin National Forest land yesterday. Both DOL and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) participated in the killing and processing of this beautiful emblem of the wild. In a disgraceful act, the FWP agent, game warden Jim Smolzynski, even brought his young daughter along to help participate in the violent act. Just three weeks ago, she participated in the prayer ceremony with Chief Arvol Looking Horse. The FWP agent's dog was also present at the kill site, and was allowed to sample the buffalo carcass, which will likely be processed and given to a food bank or a Native American charity organization.This bull bison was on Gallatin National Forest land, where, according to the Adaptive Management Plan, bulls are supposed to be allowed year-round. However, a local hobby rancher insists that the bull co-mingled with cattle, which in Montana is an immediate death sentence for buffalo under the ill-intentioned Interagency Bison Management Plan.The bulls captured at Duck Creek were also set up to fail. The Adaptive Management Plan put forth by the Interagency Bison Management Plan participants states that bull buffalo will be allowed in certain areas outside of Yellowstone year round. However, the agents made sure to make it as difficult as possible for buffalo to live through these changes as they exclude bison from areas north of Duck Creek, the favored migration corridor for bull bison along Yellowstone' s western boundary lands.You can view footage of both incidents here but please be warned that some of the images are very graphic and disturbing. It is important to remember that federal tax dollars are being used to carry these atrocious activities out.The Adaptive Management changes have been used by the agencies in an attempt to tranquilize the public and make us believe that things are actually getting better for the buffalo. It is a lie, these incidents - like last month's intensive hazing - clearly demonstrate that little, if anything, has actually changed on the ground.Bull bison cannot transmit brucellosis to cattle. The disease, which no wild bison has ever transmitted to cattle, is the excuse Montana uses to justify the harassment and slaughter of wild bison. A closer look at the issue, underscored by the death of bulls, reveals that it's really about grass, and the cattle industry would rather kill bison than share the grass with them.Make your voice heard for these buffalo so that their lives are not lost in vain:1. Contact Montana Department of Livestock State Veterinarian Marty Zaluski and let him know how you feel about these tragic and senseless incidents: http://us.mc337.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mzaluski@mt.gov / 406-444-07822. Then, please contact President Barack Obama, even if you have done so before, and keep pressure on until he takes positive action to help the buffalo and stops the slaughter once and for all! BFC file photo.

AS SWINE FLU DECLARED A PANDEMIC,DOCTORS OFFER VEGEYATIAN STARTER KIT

Hog Industry Bears Responsibility for Disease; Meatless Diets Could Help Prevent Development of Novel Influenza Viruses
WASHINGTON—The World Health Organization’s announcement that swine influenza is now officially a pandemic is prompting the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to offer a free 16-page Vegetarian Starter Kit to worried consumers. WHO’s pandemic designation comes after swine flu has reached 74 countries and infected nearly 30,000 people.
“There would be no swine flu pandemic without pig farms,” says PCRM president Neal Barnard, M.D. “These huge pig facilities are unsanitary, inhumane, and extremely dangerous to human health. The federal government should take action against these flu factories, but consumers can also reduce the risk of new influenza viruses by eating meatless meals.”
Hog producers have tried to distance themselves from culpability for the swine flu outbreak. But crowded pig farms offer a breeding ground for new strains of influenza, according to the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production. One-third to one-half of pigs on modern farms have antibody evidence of influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Five years ago, the American Public Health Association called for a moratorium on new factory farms because these facilities pose grave public health risks. Last year, the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production cited numerous public health issues associated with factory farms and recommended the phaseout of intensive confinement on farms.
A meatless diet helps eliminate the farms that breed infectious disease. Vegetarian eating habits also eliminate animal fat and cholesterol, which have been linked to heart disease, one of America’s top killers.
PCRM’s Vegetarian Starter Kit offers a three-step plan for moving to a healthier diet and is packed with recipes, nutrition information, and cooking tips. Research has shown that vegetarians are slimmer than meat-eaters and have less risk of heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes. Consumers can request a free copy of the Vegetarian Starter Kit at www.GoVegetarian.org.
For more information or an interview with a PCRM expert, contact Patrick Sullivan at 510-834-8680 or psullivan@pcrm.org.
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.

Take action For Egyptian Pigs!From Animal Voices

Dear Friends
First the good news! Please see how a town of passionate people is going meat-free one day a week
Click here .Another piece of good news (thank you for your patience in this regard), you will soon be getting an Animal Voice in hard copy with the latest progress that we have made over the last six months - and it's been a hectic six months! The bad news needs your voice. Please read on: Compassion in World Farming Headquarters in Britian has alerted authorities around the world to the unthinkably brutal mass killing of pigs that is taking place in Egypt.Please express your revulsion at what is happening, for the attention of the Egyptian Ambassador to South Africa,,on egyptemb@global. co.za You could say:For the Attention of the Egyptian Ambassador to South AfricaPlease see: Al-Masry Al-Youm: Pigs Culled through Chemical Substances We wish to express our revulsion at the unconscionable brutality currently being meted out to pigs in Egypt. It brings absolute sorrow and torment to us, as South Africans. Signed...... The mass killing of pigs in Egypt is a response to the swine flu pandemic that now records 7520 confirmed cases worldwide. Philip Lymbery, CEO of Compassion in World Farming, has written to Egyptian authorities, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the European Commission, calling for action to be taken to stop the killing whereby truckloads of pigs are sprinkled with chemicals causing excruciating pain and death that takes up to about 40 minutes. They are then dumped in mass graves. The is despite the fact that the OIE has counselled against the culling of pigs on the grounds that this will not safeguard public or animal health in the face of the current A/H1N1 Influenza situation.Below is the English version of media coverage by Egyptian media outlet, Almasry-alyoum. com and the horrific footage can be viewed at the following links:http://helpinganimalsworldwide.blogspot.com/2009/05/video-of-egyptian-pig-slaughter.html
http://www.youtube.com/almasryalyoum and http://www.vimeo.com/almasryalyoum .
With appreciation for your help in this matter,LouiseLouise van der MerweSouth African Representative: Compassion in World Farming
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Please forward this appeal to others.
Please support our efforts on behalf of South Africa's farmed animals:Our bank details are: The Humane Education Trust, Account No. 9094070046, ABSA Bank, Branch No. 334 712
With best wishes, Louise van der MerweSA Representative: Compassion in World FarmingEditor: Animal VoiceManaging Trustee: The Humane Education TrustCEO: Humane Education PublishersTel./Fax +27 21 852 8160http://www.het.org.za/ http://www.animal-voice.org/
Animal Voice is a magazine published by the Humane Education Trust in South Africa. The HET is an organisation dedicated to increasing our compassionate footprint. Animal voice is also the official mouthpiece in South Africa of Compassion in World Farming.
Our website can be found at http://www.animal-voice.org/
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WORLD'S FIRST VEGETARIAN CITY!

World's first vegetarian city!! Following UN findings on climate change
http://www.fairhome%20.co.uk/2009/%2005/19/the-%20worlds-first-%20vegetarian-%20city/
The world’s first vegetarian cityby David Masters May 19, 2009

In an effort to prove that the United Nations is not completely ignored by everybody, city councillors in Belgium have decided to follow UN advice on food habits and impose a vegetarian diet on residents for one day per week.
According to the UN, livestock is responsible for a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the world must reduce its meat consumption if it is to have any chance of fighting global warming.
Last year, the head of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Dr Rajendra Pachauri, said the world’s population must cut back on eating meat and move towards vegetarianism.
Pachauri suggests starting by eating vegetarian food for one day per week – and this is the action being taken by Ghent city council to reduce its carbon footprint and tackle obesity in the city.
Civil servants and elected council officials at Ghent City Council will not be fed meat at their workplace eateries on Thursdays.
City residents will be encouraged to follow their lead, and from September, school children will find meat taken off the canteen menu on Thursdays.
Local restaurants are being urged to replace their Thursday menu with meatfree dishes, and to only offer meat that day as part of a special smaller menu.
In addition, 90,000 vegetarian street maps are being printed to help residents and visitors find the best places in the city for veggie food.
Announcing the veggie day, city councillor Tom Balthazar told Ghent residents that the move will be “good for the climate, your health, and your tastebuds.”
According to research by the University of Southampton, children with a high IQ are more likely to become vegetarian as an adult.
-- http://www.societyofpeace.org/"Promoting peace & compassion for ALL living beings"
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They did not print my reply to the twit who stated vegetarianism is not eco friendly but they printed this one :-

Veganism IS eco-friendly :
"In response to Cesar Rodriguez [Metro, Fri] - choosing not to eat meat and other animal products is one of the most eco-friendly actions possible.
A vegan diet uses one third of the land and water needed to produce a meat-based diet, not to mention that 18 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the livestock industry - a figure higher than the entire transport industry, including aviation. Meat eating is quite simply unsustainable. "
Charley Roberts, Derby.
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Go Vegan with Bob Linden Radio Show needing help desperately to resume
Hi Everybody,
I know we are all worn out and exhausted from the KPFT pledge drive, but I just received an urgent call from Bob Linden in California, who started the vegan radio movement. His show has been off the air for two weeks, and he is desperate for donations to resume broadcasting. He asks if anyone could send $20, or even $5 on behalf of his show, that it would make a tremendous difference. He is really struggling and asking for the hat to be passed around to get him back on the air. He is reaching out for help in California as well, but asks for any friendly support he may have here in Texas. He mentioned that he was able to receive a large donation from a very kind benefactor, who also gave kindly to our show here on KPFT during this recent pledge drive. However he needs $3,000 to get back on the air, so any other donations could still add up to help him.
If you could spare another $5 or $20 to help Bob out, please follow the steps below, and leave him a message to know some help is on the way. I heard a real sense of panic in his voice, so I am going to do what I can, and promised him that I would help get the word out here in Texas.
Thanks, and extra thanks to people who already helped with our pledge drive,
Jerrilyn
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"Go Vegan with Bob Linden" Radio Show
Bob@GoVeganRadio. com 818-623-6477NO NEW PROGRAM THIS WEEK / next new program weekend of May 23, 24- returning to KTLK-AM-1150 SUNDAY MAY 24 10AM - on brief hiatus "If you don't like to miss a week of this program, if you don't like the idea of us taking a hiatus, support this program financially and we'll be there for you, the animals, and the environment every week.These may be hard times because of the economic environment, but please remember - times are always hard for the animals, oppressed with no vote, with no voice in mainstream media - except for this radio program - which relies on your tax-deductible donations and the advertising sponsorships for vegan and cruelty-free products and services. DO YOU WANT THIS PROGRAM TO CONTINUE? We are facing the economic challenges of an economy where advertising dollars and donations are diminished - but the animal suffering is not. Don't leave the animals voiceless. It costs $2500 weekly to pay for airtime and production costs."
Any amount that you can send today will be greatly appreciated, whether it be $5 or $5,000. CLICK the DONATE button on the left, or make your check payable to
GO VEGAN RADIO / IHCand mail to
International Humanities Center860 Via De La PazPacific Palisades,CA 90272GO VEGAN RADIO- a project of 501c3 International Humanities Center

BUFFALO FIELD CAMPAIGN

LIVESTOCK INTERESTS HARASS WILD BISON IN AND AROUND YELLOWSTONE
Exclusive Video Footage Available
May 11, 2009
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contacts:
Stephany Seay, BFC, 406-646-0070 / bfc-media@wildrockies.org
Mike Mease, BFC, 406-646-0070 / mease@wildrockies.org

WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA: For the past two weeks government officials have been engaged in large-scale hazing operations, forcing wild bison off of their spring calving grounds on Gallatin National Forest, deep into Yellowstone National Park. Agents from the MT Department of Livestock, Yellowstone National Park and other agencies use horses, snowmobiles, ATVs, and helicopters to target America's only continuously wild bison.

Bison are often injured during such operations. Calves are separated from their mothers or chased to exhaustion. Pregnant bison, fleeing the agents, sometimes miscarry. Hazing operations disrupt the all of the area's native wildlife. At least two grizzly bears have been caught up in the agency's recent hazing operations. Wolves, moose, elk, Sand Hill cranes, bald and golden eagles and numerous other resident and migratory species are disturbed during hazing operations. The DOL helicopter flies above local housing areas, disturbing and upsetting residents.

Under the new Adaptive Management Changes to the Interagency Bison Management Plan, more tolerance was to be provided to bison along the Park's western boundary. However, the adaptations set human-crafted rules that trigger management actions before May 15 as evidenced by the hazing operations on Gallatin National Forest along the south side of the Madison River beginning in late-April.
"The Adaptive Management changes were designed to set the buffalo up to fail, with bison numbers, land-use timelines, and manmade boundaries that even the IBMP partners know are meaningless to buffalo, their group dynamics, and migratory instincts and behavior," said Stephany Seay, Media Coordinator with Buffalo Field Campaign.

Buffalo Field Campaign patrols have so far witnessed more than two hundred bison, including dozens of newborn calves and many pregnant buffalo, being chased for miles through pockets of deep snow, barbed wire fences, thick forests laden with dead-fall, fast moving river currents, mucky wetlands, and steep, sandy bluffs.

Today, hazing is expected to resume, lasting through the week and likely into June. The agencies' goal is to rid Montana of wild bison family groups by May 15th. Bison will even be forced off of the Horse Butte Peninsula where they should have year-round access, since there are never any cattle on the landscape.

"Buffalo are a keystone species that are needed on Horse Butte to help restore grasslands harmed by grazing cattle," said Darrell Geist, habitat coordinator for Buffalo Field Campaign. "By forcibly removing buffalo from the land, every plant and native species benefiting from their presence suffers."

Fewer than 3,000 wild bison exist in the United States, all inhabiting areas in and around Yellowstone National Park. Since 2000, under the Interagency Bison Management Plan, thousands of wild American buffalo have been harassed and killed, with millions of federal tax dollars wasted each year to carry out these abusive, superfluous operations. The purported excuse for the activities is to prevent the transmission of brucellosis, a European cattle disease, from wild bison to livestock. There are no cattle present in the area and there has never been a documented case of wild bison transmitting the livestock-disease brucellosis to cattle.

Buffalo Field Campaign is the only group working in the field, every day, to stop the slaughter of the wild American buffalo. Volunteers defend the buffalo and their habitat and advocate for their lasting protection. For more information, video clips and photos visit Buffalo Field Campaign.