Current Events
This section features articles from the press on a variety of legal issues relating to animals, including major legislative initiatives, court decisions and general items of interest from both national and international news sources. The articles are summarized and a link is provided to the source of the story for more complete information.
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Last updated 08/26/10
Canadian Prime Minster announces protected area to conserve Belugas
DOSE.CA, August 26, 2010
http://www.dose.ca/news/story.html?id=3445668
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Thursday his government will establish a "marine protected area" in the Arctic in an effort to conserve one of the world's largest seasonal populations of Beluga Whales. It is the first marine protected area of its kind in the Canadian Arctic.
UN-backed pact launches new tool to monitor trade in endangered species
UN News Center, August 25, 2010
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35712&Cr=UNEP&Cr1=
The secretariat of a United Nations-backed conservation convention today announced the launch of a new web-based interactive tool that enables users to view trade data about wildlife and plants that was submitted by the 175 State parties to the international agreement. Users accessing this database can now quickly search illegally traded items and the countries that have been violators.
US sea turtles affected by Gulf oil spill now face drowning in shrimp nets
BYM Environmental News, August 25, 2010
http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=73710
The very turtles that have been lucky enough to escape harm from the oil spill face the very real threat of drowning in shrimp nets. These nets are pulled by fishermen who historically have not complied with federal regulations, which require the use of Turtle Excluder Devices—simple devices placed at the end of trawl nets that allow sea turtles to escape from shrimp nets before being drowned.
No parole for Alabama dog torturer; victim wags tail
ABC News, August 24, 2010
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=11471954
A scarred but friendly pit bull named "Louis Vuitton" was the star witness Tuesday as an Alabama state board denied parole for the man convicted of spraying him with lighter fluid, setting him on fire and beating him with a shovel. Juan Daniels of Montgomery, was sentenced in 2009 to nine years and six months in prison, a record in Alabama in an animal cruelty case.
Whale trainer's death: Feds slam SeaWorld on safety, seek $75K fine
The Chicago Tribune, August 23, 2010
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/os-seaworld-trainer-death-osha-20100823,0,6612289.story
Federal regulators blasted SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment on Monday for allowing animal trainers to work with killer whales without adequate protection, concluding a six-month investigation into the violent drowning of a trainer at SeaWorld Orlando.
Edmonton judge rejects PETA, Zoocheck Lucy lawsuit
Edmonton Journal, August 21, 2010
Court of Queen's Bench Justice John Rooke ruled Friday that Zoocheck Canada, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and Edmonton resident Tove Reece did not go through the proper channels in bringing their legal action against the City of Edmonton to have the court declare Lucy, the Valley Zoo's Asian elephant, in distress. The Ruling did not address elephant's health, only the legal issues.
European Union delays seal product ban
The Sydney Moring Herald, August 21, 2010
http://www.smh.com.au/world/inuit-claim-victory-as-europe-delays-seal-ban-20100820-138xq.html
Canadian sealers have claimed a victory, saying the European Court of Justice has suspended a seal products ban pending their appeal, even though the European Commission insists the ban will go ahead. The ban would prevent the import of seal products into EU countries.
Pennsylvania’s new kennel law readied
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 20, 2010
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10232/1081442-100.stm
It's been almost two years since a law giving added protection to dogs in kennels was enacted, but procedures to enforce the state law are almost ready to go. The regulations are part of a dog protection law approved in October 2008 and signed by Gov. Ed Rendell, who has two dogs of his own. After the attorney general checks the final form and legality of the new rules, they will be published in October and take effect next July.
'Wildlife criminal' goes to jail for smuggling falcon eggs out of UK
The Guardian, August 19, 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/19/wildlife-criminal-jail-smuggling-eggs
A serial "wildlife criminal" was sentenced today to 30 months in jail after he was caught trying to smuggle rare Peregrine Falcon eggs out of Britain. Last February, the British government named bird of prey persecution as one of the six top wildlife crime priorities for the UK prosecution.
International hunting and equestrian exhibition in Abu Dhabi to comply with Cites recommendations
http://www.tradearabia.com/news/newsdetails.asp?Sn=MEDIA&artid=184693
Trade Arabia, August 18, 2010
The Emirates Falconer’s Club said the upcoming International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition- Abu Dhabi 2010 will comply with Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) recommendations on animal trade which is aimed at curbing illegal buying and selling of endangered animals and their derivates.
Canadian Humane Society case withdrawn
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/Humane+Society+case+withdrawn/3406791/story.html
National Post, August 17, 2010
More than eight months after a high-profile raid at the Toronto Humane Society's downtown offices over allegations of animal cruelty, the Crown was forced to drop all charges which included obstructing a peace officer, cruelty to animals, and causing unnecessary suffering due to an improper warrant and procedural gaffes.
Hot branding of horses and ponies banned in Scotland
http://www.vetsweb.com/news/hot-branding-of-horses-and-ponies-banned-in-scotland-1361.html
Vetsweb, August 16, 2010
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) are delighted at the announcement from the Scottish Government that the hot branding of horses and ponies will be banned in Scotland.
California mustang round-up outrages animal rights groups
Channel 4 News, August 15, 2010
Helicopters are being utilized to round up two and half thousand wild horses over the next six weeks in the central California. Once all of the wild horses have been caught, 458 will be selected to be released back into the wild while the fate of the remaining two thousand is uncertain.
Warning: All animals at Indonesian zoo in danger
Associated Press, August 14, 2010
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100814/ap_on_re_as/as_indonesia_zoo_animals
The Surabaya Zoo in Jakarta is Indonesia’s largest zoo and all the animals there could be dead within five years unless strong action is taken to change the culture of neglect and corruption that permeates the facility. An endangered Sumatran tiger was found dead Saturday morning in its cage while the remaining 13 Sumatran tigers are being kept in dirty and cramped cages.
Nepal zoo opens “honeymoon suite” for endangered rhinos
The Telegraph, August 13, 2010
Nepal's only zoo has opened a new “honeymoon suite” for its two one-horned rhinos in the hope of persuading the endangered pair to breed for the first time. It is hoped that their new, much larger home, which features mud rather than concrete floors and two large ponds for them to wallow in, will persuade them to finally start mating.
More restrictions to be slapped on whaling in Korea
The Korea Times, August 12, 2010
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/08/123_71357.html
Korean fishermen or illegal hunters won’t be able to catch and market whales as freely as they have following government measures to strengthen related regulations on its anti-whaling policy. The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said Thursday that it will enforce several measures to prevent fishermen from taking advantage of legal loopholes.
South Korea to get tougher on animal cruelty
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100811/wl_asia_afp/skoreaanimallaws
Agence France-Presse, August 11, 2010
South Korea said Wednesday it will toughen punishment for animal abusers after a series of pet cruelty cases provoked public outrage. Offenders now could be penalized with a prison term of up to 18 months or fines of up to 15 million won (12,800 U.S. dollars) under a revised animal protection law proposed.
From circus to sanctuary, activist fights for chimps' rights
ABC News, August 10, 2010
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wirestory?id=11363027&page=1
A Brazilian biologist is on a mission to rehabilitate circus chimpanzees, fighting in the courts to get the animals freed and treated for the trauma inflicted during lives as performers. Microbiologist Pedro Ynterian's fascination with chimpanzees dates back to 1999 when he first saved a baby chimpanzee from a circus. Currently 50 rescue chimps live at his farm sanctuary near San Paulo.
Report: China zoos mistreat performing animals
The Washington Post, August 9, 2010
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/09/AR2010080901818.html
Performing animals in Chinese zoos and parks are often trained using abusive practices, including routine beatings, and are housed in inadequate shelters, according to a report by a Hong Kong-based animal welfare group released Monday
British royal guards may go faux
Toronto Sun, August 8, 2010
http://www.torontosun.com/life/fashion/2010/08/06/14946126.html
The Queen’s Guard have been wearing their high furry hats for nearly 200 years, but the adornments, made from Canadian bear skin, will soon be extinct if the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have anything to say about it. They're pushing Britain's Ministry of Defence to adopt a faux fur alternative, and Toronto-born textile specialist Atom Cianfarani is the woman who could make the change a reality.
Turkey, Syria engage in bird diplomacy
The Chicago Tribune, August 7, 2010
The latest beneficiary of improved relations between Turkey and Syria is the rare Northern Bald Ibis. In recent years, conservationists have watched in dismay as the number of critically endangered birds in a Syrian colony dwindled to just four. Extinction seemed almost guaranteed until late June, when neighboring Turkey agreed to donate two juvenile and four adult birds to Syria.
Philippine stray dogs killed with fumes
Sydney Morning News, August 6, 2010
Dog pounds in the Philippines are being allowed to kill stray dogs with vehicle exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide gassing is used in several U.S. states and Japan to put down animals, but in a far less cruel manner.
U.S. judge restores wolf protection in Rockies
Reuters, August 5, 2010
A U.S. judge in Montana ordered federal protection under the Endangered Species Act restored to the entire grey wolf population of the Northern Rocky Mountains. The ruling overturns a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision in April 2009 that lifted wolf protections in Montana and Idaho, opening those states to public hunting of the animals, but kept protections in place in Wyoming.
Animal welfare amendment bill to ban sow crates in New Zealand
Voxy.co.nz, August 4, 2010
Sow crates could soon be a thing of the past if Parliament bands together to support the Green Party's Animal Welfare Amendment Bill, Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Sue Kedgley said today. "The present Animal Welfare Act contains a series of loopholes which allow practices that clearly breach the purposes of the Animal Welfare Act, such as sow crates, to continue to be used indefinitely," said Ms Kedgley.
Feds to review the status of the Mexican grey wolf
Fox News, August 4, 2010
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/04/feds-review-status-mexican-gray-wolf/
Conservation groups hailed a decision Tuesday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to review the status of the Mexican gray wolf to determine if it should be listed as an endangered species separate from other North American gray wolves. The agency is giving the public until Oct. 4 to submit information regarding the Mexican wolf.
LA County quietly sentencing thousands of animals to death
PR newswire, August 3, 2010
As a direct result of little-known proposed amendments to Title 10 of the Los Angeles County Code, animal sanctuaries countywide could be limited to caring for only 50 dogs and cats -- and ultimately forced to surrender all the other unwanted animals to an already overburdened county shelter system.
Clone-derived milk claim prompts British food agency inquiry
The Guardian, August 2, 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/aug/02/fsa-investigating-gm-milk-claims
Food safety officials are to investigate a claim that milk from the offspring of a cloned cow was on sale for public consumption. The EU was under pressure last night to rule on whether food derived from the offspring of cloned livestock should be banned, as reports suggested a British dairy farmer was selling milk from a cow bred from a cloned animal.
Disgusting but not illegal (editorial)
The New York Times, August 1, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/02/opinion/02mon2.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., who has become one of the First Amendment’s most adamant defenders, led the Supreme Court earlier this year in refusing to create a new exception to the free speech clause for videos of animal cruelty. New proposed legislation improperly seeks to redefine what is “obscene” in reinstating a ban on crush videos.
Animal rights group wants Massachusetts zoo to release elephant’s records
The Boston Globe, July 31, 2010
An animal advocacy group filed a complaint yesterday with the US Department of Agriculture after the death of a beloved 36-year-old elephant at the Southwick’s Zoo, according to officials from the organization. In Defense of Animals is calling for the Mendon-based zoo to publicly release the medical records of Dondi, who died Wednesday, said Catherine Doyle, the group’s elephant campaign manager.
Cat abuser indicted without detention in Korea
The Korea Times, July 30, 2010
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/07/117_70517.html
A woman, who became notorious for savagely beating a neighbor’s cat and throwing it out a window on the 10th floor of her apartment building, was indicted without physical detention Friday for violating the Animal Protection Law, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office said Friday.
The Toronto Sun, July 30, 2010
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/07/30/14876441.html
So far this summer, 10 out of 20 dogs have died in the VSTEP program that allows immigrant veterinarians to obtain their credentials to work in Ontario. The dogs, which are bred specifically for use at the college, have died as a result of spay and neuter surgeries.
Nepal–India ink pact to combat illegal trade in animal parts
Deccan Herald, July 29, 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/84672/nepalindia-ink-pact-combat-illegal.html
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to conserve biodiversity and strengthen ecological security in the trans-boundary region, was signed by the director general of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Nepal and the joint director of National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forest, India.
Spain's Catalonia bans bullfighting
CNN, July 28, 2010
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/07/28/spain.bullfighting/index.html
Catalonia became the first Spanish mainland region to ban bullfighting after its parliament voted this Wednesday to outlaw the tradition on animal cruelty grounds. The vote was 68 in favor and 55 against, with nine abstentions. Bullfighting was banned on Spain’s Canary Island in 1991.
Faroe Islands pilot whale massacre exposed by undercover activist
The Huffington Post, July 27, 2010
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deborah-bassett/faroe-islands-pilot-whale_b_658776.html
Last week, The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society captured shocking and highly disturbing images of 236 pilot whales brutally slaughtered in the town of Klaksvik in the Danish Faroe Islands. Even though they are listed as "strictly protected" under the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, which is also known as The Berne Convention.
Lawsuit filed to protect gulf’s whales and turtles
Commondreams.org, July 26, 2010
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2010/07/26-17
The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a lawsuit against Interior Secretary Ken Salazar for failing to assess possible impacts on the Gulf of Mexico's endangered whales and sea turtles of a large oil spill resulting from drilling. Government approval of drilling has long operated under the assumption that the risk of a spill was too remote to jeopardize the Gulf's threatened and endangered species.
Monkey heads, rats trigger probe of Chicago store
The Chicago Tribune, July 25, 2010
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=186803
US Federal authorities are investigating a Chicago West Side store that received a shipment of monkey heads and two dozen dead cane rats in a rare criminal inquiry into what experts say is a robust but underground business: illegally smuggling meat to Chicago residents hungry for a taste from their African homelands.
Why does the world pick on the donkey?
Express.co.uk, July 24, 2010
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/188848/Why-does-the-world-pick-on-the-donkey-/
It is a sad irony that it’s a donkey’s ability to suffer in silence that has made it one of the world’s most abused animals. Docile and trusting, with its doleful eyes and long ears, the donkey stoically carries on in pain when injured, hiding its suffering.
Imperiled giant pandas need replanted bamboo forests in order to reconnect
Scientific American, July 23, 2010
http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=reconnect-the-pandas-says-new-study-2010-07-23
Giant panda habitats are too fragmented and need to be reconnected in order for the endangered animals to maintain their genetic diversity, a new study shows. The researchers say that bamboo forests need to be replanted, which would give the giant pandas enough food to wander and mix their populations.
Activists hope to secure ban on 'inhumane' snare devices in Scotland
Deadline Scotland, July 22, 2010
Scottish Parliament member Christine Grahame, who supports a ban, said: “Snares may be cheap low-maintenance traps, but the suffering that they cause to wild animals, farmed animals and pets is far too high a price to pay for their continued use.”
U.S. House seeks to revive law to stop 'crush videos'
The Associated Press, July 21, 2010
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100721/ap_on_go_co/us_animal_cruelty
Congress is attempting to put back on the books a 1999 law that bans so-called "crush videos" which graphically depict the abuse and killing of animals. The 416-3 vote in the House Wednesday to again make crush videos illegal came three months after the Supreme Court struck down the federal law on the grounds that it was too broadly written and violated free speech protections.
Australia-Japan whaling case arguments due in 2012
Reuters, July 20, 2010
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE66J1R420100720
Australia filed its case at the Hague-based International Court of Justice last month, arguing that Japan was violating the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW) by killing whales for research purposes. Cases at the court typically take years to resolve, and this is no exception. Australia must file initial pleadings by May 2011 and Japan must counter by March 2012.
'Extinct' primate, slender loris, pictured in Sri Lanka
The BBC, July 19,2010
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10681635
The first known photograph of a rare primate that was feared extinct has been captured by researchers in central Sri Lanka. The Horton Plains slender loris, which has short, sturdy limbs and long fur, was tracked down in a highland forest. The elusive primate has been spotted only four times since 1937 and disappeared altogether from 1939 until 2002, when it was last glimpsed.
Ohio cruelty cases spur call for tougher laws
http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100718/NEWS16/7180308/0/SPORTS
The Toledo Blade, July 18, 2010
Mona Guinaugh of South Toledo has been nursing her foster dog Darby back to health since the animal was attacked with caustic chemicals poured directly onto her fur. Darby was found last month wearing a collar, dragging a leash, and with a nearly foot-long, festering wound.
Federal officials resume Nevada wild horse roundup
The Associated Press, July 17, 2010
Federal land managers have removed about 250 more wild horses from a Nevada range after a judge allowed a controversial roundup of the animals to resume. U.S. Bureau of Land Management spokesman Doran Sanchez said the roundup in northern Elko County began again shortly after U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks on Friday rescinded a temporary restraining order.
Rescuing dogs from 'corridor of cruelty' in Texas
CNN, July 16, 2010
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/07/15/cnnheroes.hoffman.dog.rescue/index.html
In the scorching summer heat, Deborah Hoffman can be found patrolling a section of Houston, Texas, that she's dubbed "The Corridor of Cruelty." "It's basically a dumping ground for live and dead animals," said Hoffman.
The corridor -- an area more than a mile wide where abused dogs are abandoned -- is located in northeast Houston near the Little York exit off U.S. 59 (Eastex Freeway).
Japanese cat rehab weans feral felines off endangered birds
Treehugger A Discovery Company, July 15, 2010
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/07/cat-rehab-weans-feral-felines-off-endandered-birds.php
It may be a long way from the forests of Japan's Ogasawara Islands to the high-rise apartments of Tokyo, but a special cat rehab is helping feral felines find their way by putting to rest their wild side. For the last 15 years or so, the islands have been virtually overrun by an ever growing feral cat population that has a problematic appetite.
Russia urged to halt oil survey during rare whale's breeding season
The Guardian, July 14, 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/14/russia-oil-whale
A seismic survey planned around Sakhalin Island would affect a fragile population of western grey whales.
A joint letter to Russia, coordinated by British officials and signed by representatives of 11 other nations, including France, Germany and the US, calls for the survey company to change its plans to protect the whales.
Tasmanian Devils leave Tasmania for Australian mainland to escape disease
The Brisbane Times, July 14, 2010
A ''devil's ark'' is to be created in the Hunter Valley to provide a last refuge for Tasmanian devils, as facial tumors continue to decimate Tasmania's “devil” population. The Tasmanian population is collapsing and about 80 percent of them have succumbed to the contagious facial tumor disease since it first struck in the mid-1990s.
The brutality of factory farms
The Huffington Press, July 13, 2010
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-robbins/the-brutality-of-factory_b_643567.html
Recognizing how widespread concern about the humane treatment of farm animals has become, the California Milk Advisory Board has recently ramped up its 10-year "Happy Cow" advertising campaign with a new series of ads proclaiming that "Great milk comes from Happy Cows. Happy Cows come from California. Unfortunately, there are a few problems with the ads. For one, they weren't filmed in California at all; they were filmed in Auckland, New Zealand.
Euro-MPs want to reduce animal testing
EuBusiness.com, July 12, 2010
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/animal-testing.127
The use of animals in scientific experiments could soon be reduced by new legislation, if approved by the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee on Monday, which aims for a balance between improving animal welfare and assisting research against diseases.
A "humane egg" editorial
The New York Times, July 11, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/opinion/12mon4.html
The life of animals raised in confinement on industrial farms is slowly improving, thanks to pressure from consumers, animal rights advocates, farmers and legislators. In fact, there is no justification, economic or otherwise, for the abusive practice of confining animals in spaces barely larger than the volume of their bodies. Animals with more space are healthier, and they are no less productive.
'Twilight' star Ashley Greene has been honored by animal rights organization PETA with a new 'Kind Choices Award'
The Deccan Herald, July 10, 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/80518/ashley-greene-awarded-peta.html
The 23-year-old actress has been honored for signing on as the new face of Avon cosmetics, the first major cosmetics company to adopt a cruelty-free policy and which ended all animal testing of its products and ingredients since 1989.
Rendell refuses to enforce his own dog laws in Pennsylvania
K9 Magazine, July 9, 2010
Shock soon turned to anger as animal advocates attending last week’s Dog Law Advisory Board meeting were told by Governor Rendell’s Special Secretary Jessie Smith and Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement’s Sue West that important elements of Pennsylvania’s hard fought new dog law would not be enforced. The signed law would require that breeding dogs in commercial kennels have unfettered access to the outside and that all dogs over the age of twelve weeks not be housed on wire flooring.
Laws on 'puppy farms' tightened
The BBC, July 8, 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/10546818.stm
New legislation to replace the Breeding of Dogs Act in Wales will introduce a minimum supervision requirement of one human supervisor to 20 dogs.
Tokyo court hands down suspended prison sentence to N.Z. anti-whaling activist
People’s Daily, July 7, 2010
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7056543.html
The Tokyo District Court on Wednesday handed down a two-year suspended prison sentence and five years' probation to anti-whaling activist Peter Bethune for his role in boarding a Japanese whaling ship and obstructing their activities. This is the first time an anti-whaling protester has been brought to Japan for trial and prosecuted.
Bears, bile, and extraordinary tales of survival: just who do we think we are?
The Huffington Press, July 7, 2010
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-bekoff/bears-bile-and-extraordin_b_635059.html
Thousands of moon bears remain trapped on bile farms throughout Asia. Moon bears are listed at the highest level of endangerment by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, but China gives them only Category II protection, which allows them to be farmed.
BUAV - EU Council accused of issuing misleading public statement on animal testing
politics.co.uk, July 6, 2010
The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments, a coalition of animal protection groups across Europe, has accused the EU Council of Ministers of issuing a highly misleading press statement about the changes to the animal experiments directive (Directive 86/609).
Tiger 'rescue plan' to be drafted in Indonesia
Agence France-Presse, July 6, 2010
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jA40n2qOev5h_muGVC0I_4eSGcJA
Representatives from 13 "tiger-range countries" will draft a global recovery plan at a meeting in Indonesia next week in a bid to rescue the big cats from extinction. The plan to be drafted on the Indonesian resort island of Bali will be used as the basis for discussion at a "tiger summit" scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg, Russia, from September 15 to 18.
Tough new bill to replace ‘failed’ Dangerous Dogs Act in U.K.
K9 Magazine, July 5, 2010
http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/5899/tough-new-bill-to-replace-failed-dangerous-dogs-act/
Animal welfare organizations, veterinary professionals and local authorities today joined forces to condemn the much-criticized Dangerous Dogs Act, demanding that it must be replaced by a hard-hitting new Dog Control Bill focusing on prevention rather than cure
Massacre of endangered rhinos continues
The Sunday Independent, July 4 2010
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=&art_id=vn20100704075145284C701196
The massacre of South Africa's endangered rhino population continues with the discovery of two more mutilated carcasses in the North West and Limpopo. The public outcry over the brutal annihilation of South Africa's rhinos rose this week when a Kempton Park magistrate passed out the harshest sentence to date in South Africa for rhino horn smuggling.
Prognosis promising for Ohio dog with gunshot wounds, couple charged in connection with shooting
The Toledo Blade, July 3, 2010
http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100703/NEWS02/7030391/0/SPORTS16
Suspects Mr. Skowron and Ms. King were charged with injuring an animal and with animal torture, and the City of Toledo prosecutor's office is considering additional charges against the pair for criminal trespass, illegal discharge of a firearm, petty theft, and filing a false police report
Phase out dissection of animals: recommends UGC panel in India
The Hindu, July 2, 2010
http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/02/stories/2010070262981600.htm
Favoring replacement of animal dissections for experimentation in a phased manner with the acquisition of appropriate technology, an expert committee of the University Grants Commission has suggested a reduction in the number of animals, and the kind of species used for dissection and experimentation.
Tougher new penalties for animal cruelty in New Zealand
The Bay of Plenty, July 1, 2010
The maximum sentence for willful ill-treatment of an animal has been increased from three to five years prison and the maximum fine doubled to $100,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a company.
The Animal Welfare Institute files suit against BP for burning endangered sea turtles alive
Animal Welfare Institute, June 30, 2010
http://www.awionline.org/ht/display/ReleaseDetails/i/22111/pid/232
The Animal Welfare Institute and other environmental groups are suing BP after findings that endangered sea turtles trapped in oil slicks are dying in the clean up efforts “controlled burns.”
Contentious Irish wildlife bill scrapes through Dáil vote
Irish Examiner, June 30, 2010
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/contentious-wildlife-bill-scrapes-through-dail-vote-123761.html
A night of high drama in the Dáil saw the Government scramble to victory, but lose three of its supporters over a Green Party animal welfare law.
Meat and antibiotics: getting our animals off drugs
Time, June 29, 2010
The Food and Drug Administration gingerly took a step on Monday towards addressing one of the most fundamental but unknown threats to public health: the overuse of antibiotics in animal food and water.
Malaysian ministries to meet regarding proposed animal-testing lab
Bernama.com, June 28, 2010
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=509244
Four ministries are due to meet as soon as possible to discuss the building of an animal-testing laboratory in Malacca, Malaysia. They are the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry.
Editorial: Anti-whaling cause must be pursued
The New Zealand Herald, June 28, 2010
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10654881
The collapse of international whaling negotiations at Morocco is a chilling moment for the future of controlled whaling, let alone the prospect of a complete ban.
Woman comes to aid of poorly chained dogs
NorthJersey.com, June 27, 2010
http://www.northjersey.com/news/97251469_Woman_comes_to_aid__of_poorly_chained_dogs.html
A New Jersey woman protested the state’s failure to regulate the tethering of dogs by chaining herself to a tent. While state statutes on animal cruelty require dog owners to provide constant access to water and protection from the weather, it fails to consider other needs of some dogs tethered for long periods of time.
New database uses dogs’ DNA to track their abusers
New York Times, June 25, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/27/science/27dna.html
Scientists have created the first DNA database for dogs. This database should help criminal investigators trace an abused dog’s history, hopefully leading them back to breeders, pit operators, and known dog fighting bloodlines.
Lion burgers on Phoenix menu for World Cup spur protests from animal rights activists
The Baltimore Sun, June 25, 2010
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/sns-ap-us-fea-lion-meat-burgers,0,2874710.story
A restaurant owner who put lion burgers on the menu in honor of the World Cup has felt a roar of anger from outraged animal rights activists. Serving African lion meat is perfectly legal, said Michael Herndon, a spokesman for the Food and Drug Administration.
British study aims to help animal welfare
United Press International, June 24, 2010
A University of Leicester School of Psychology study will measure people's attitudes to animals, as well as animal abuse, with a view to changing in the way people and authorities tackle the issue.
Nations can't agree on how to curb whaling; Japan can still raid marine sanctuary unchecked
Fox News, June 23, 2010
An international effort to truly limit whale hunting collapsed Wednesday, leaving Japan, Norway and Iceland free to keep killing hundreds of mammals a year, even raiding a marine sanctuary in Antarctic waters unchecked.
Critic wants FBI probe of BLM horse roundups in Nevada
KLAS-TV 8 News NOW, Las Vegas, NV June 22, 2010
http://www.8newsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12692979
U.S. Bureau of Land Management conservation and population control efforts have been met with criticism that they are taking more horses than necessary into captivity.
Australian farmers paid to report animal cruelty
ABC News, June 22, 2010
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/22/2934209.htm?section=justin
A new animal welfare organization will pay farm workers to report on businesses where chickens or pigs are cruelly treated. The Animal Justice Fund is funded by a $5 million donation from Jan Cameron, who founded the Kathmandu chain of outdoor stores.
Crimea, a autonomous republic of the Ukraine, passes proposal to protect exploited exotic animals
Kyiv Post, June 22, 2010
http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/70521/
The Supreme Council of Crimea has called on residents and guests to help in the protection of exotic animals from cruelty by informing police if they see anyone exploiting exotic animals for commercial purposes on beaches and in recreation areas.
New plan to save the chimpanzee from extinction
Mongabay.com, June 21, 2010
http://news.mongabay.com/2010/0622-hance_eastchimp.html
The nations of East and Central Africa have developed a 10-year action plan to save one of humankind's closest relative, the eastern chimpanzee from hunting, habitat loss, disease, and other threats.
U.S. lawsuit looks to protect Canadian whales
The Montreal Gazette, June 21, 2010
http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/science/story.html?id=3181506
The U.S. lawsuit, filed last month in Boston, is seeking to curb naval exercises, oil drilling and other potential habitat disturbances in areas off Florida and Georgia, where the female right whales give birth each year to small but crucial numbers of young.
Kangaroo activists vow to stop cull in Australia
The Cabberra Times, June 21, 2010
Animal welfare activists have vowed to stop the ''brutal and unnecessary'' killing of about 2000 kangaroos in Canberra reserves over the next six weeks.
'Worrying' 100% increase in reports of horse neglect
Irish Tribune, June 20, 2010
In the first five months of this year alone, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has received almost 1,000 calls to its helpline from members of the public concerned about sick or malnourished horses. This compares to 1,141 such calls in the whole of 2009.
Canada bill to prohibit horse slaughter for human consumption proposed
The Examiner, June 19, 2010
Bill C-544 will amend the Health of Animals Act and the Meat Inspection Act (slaughter of horses for human consumption) and will prohibit the importation of horses for slaughter for human consumption in Canada.
Israel's chief rabbi to mark imported beef unkosher if slaughtering process not changed
Haaretz, June 18, 2010
By 2011 the Chief Rabbinate will no longer certify more than 80 percent of the meat imported to Israel from slaughterhouses that use shackle-and-hoist methods.
Little dog, large estate
The Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2010
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/109848/little-dog-large-estate
Her name is Conchita, a thin, spa-loving, diamond-draped heiress, and she's at the center of one of America's nastiest estate battles. She is also a dog -- a chihuahua who along with two other dogs inherited the right to live in a $8.3 million Miami Beach mansion and a $3 million trust fund.
Return to commercial whaling could be determined by tiny Pacific island
The Guardian, June 18, 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/18/return-to-commercial-whaling
One of the world's smallest states, Pacific island of Palau, could determine whether commercial whaling is legitimized after a 25 year ban when the 88 countries who are members of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) vote in the next few days.
Vets welcome European Parliament vote for better welfare labeling
Vetsweb.com, June 17, 2010
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the European Parliament vote to improve the labeling of food, including new country of origin labeling and a requirement to label meat from animals slaughtered without stunning (according to certain religious traditions).
Alaska officials object to federal polar bear plans
Los Angeles Time, June 16, 2010
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-0616-polar-bears-20100616,0,7385981.story
The U.S. has proposed designating 187,166 square miles of special habitat for the bears. The state says that's too big and the project would be too expensive.
China mulls first animal protection law
Agence France-Presse, June 15, 2010
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100615/sc_afp/chinawildlifeanimal
At a wildlife park outside Beijing a dozen lions battle over a live chicken thrown into their enclosure by a tourist—who has paid four dollars for the privilege. Ethically questionable practices such as this, seen at zoos around China, have contributed to the government producing the nation's first draft animal protection law.
New laws putting bite on Pennsylvania puppy mills
The Baltimore Sun, June 14, 2010
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2010/06/new_lines_putting_bite_on_pa_p.html
Pennsylvania had long been known as a breeding ground for puppy mills when Gov. Ed Rendell signed off on an overhaul of the dog law in 2008. Many breeders have closed voluntarily rather than comply. The number of commercial kennels in Pennsylvania plummeted from 303 at the beginning of 2009 to only 111 today.
Dieter Lütticken Award for in vitro model bovine respiratory tract
VetWeb.com, June 14, 2010
The Dieter Lütticken Award 2009, a prestigious international annual award dedicated to alternatives in animal testing for veterinary medicines, goes to Dr. A.W. (Dan) Tucker, senior lecturer in veterinary public health at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom).
Revealed: Japan’s bribes on whaling
The Times, June 13, 2010
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7149091.ece
An undercover investigation has exposed Japan for bribing small nations with cash and prostitutes to gain their support for the mass slaughter of whales. The investigation found officials from six countries were willing to consider selling their votes on the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
Animal lab operating on the quiet for three years
The Star Online, June 12, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/12/nation/6459019&sec=nation
While animal lovers are up in arms over the setting up of an animal testing laboratory in the Malaysian state of Malacca, a similar facility is believed to have been operating on the quiet here for the past three years.
The Animal Cruelty Syndrome
The New York Times Magazine, June 11, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/magazine/13dogfighting-t.html?emc=tnt&tntemail0=y
In addition to a growing sensitivity to the rights of animals, another significant reason for the increased attention to animal cruelty is a mounting body of evidence about the link between such acts and serious crimes of more narrowly human concern, including illegal firearms possession, drug trafficking, gambling, spousal and child abuse, rape and homicide.
Japan launches whaling fleet 10 days from international whaling vote
ABC News, June 10, 2010
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/10/2923869.htm?section=justin
Conservation groups have condemned Japan for starting its summer whaling hunt in the north-west Pacific less than 10 days before the annual whaling commission meets.
Black market in dogs big business in Germany
The Spiegal Online, June 9, 2010
http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,699228,00.html#ref=rss
Lured by lower prices for pedigree puppies, German dog lovers are turning to Eastern Europe to find their Fido. But often the cut-price pooches come with diseases and behavioral problems, and sometimes die after just a few days.
Alaska Gov.'s bad idea: Suing to kill Unimak wolves
The Huffington Post, June 8, 2010
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-medred/alaska-govs-bad-idea-suin_b_600172.html
A federal judge in Alaska has refused to allow state officials to launch an aerial wolf hunt on a federal wildlife refuge in the Aleutian Islands intended to save a herd of caribou that is on the verge of collapse.
Pierce County hoarding case inundates local Humane Society for Tacoma/Pierce County
The Examiner, June 7, 2010
This past Thursday, Pierce County Animal Control officers seized 78 animals from a rural property outside of Eatonville, Washington. As with so many hoarding situations, the house and surrounding property were filthy, with feces up to 2 ft deep in areas.
Why bullfighting is making Spain see red
The Guardian, June 6, 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/06/bullfighting-outlawed-catalonia
A proposal is currently going through the Catalan parliament which when finally approved this summer, will abolish bullfighting in that region, the first legislation of its kind in Spain.
Cycle of cruelty and violence demonstrated in New Zealand
The New Zealand Herald, June 5, 2010
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10649759&pnum=0
Despite knowing she was buying a male and a female rabbit from the pet shop, the possibility of babies seemed to have escaped a West Auckland woman, which is an unfortunately common example of ignorance and indifference to animal care, making one wonder why some people have animals.
Legal settlement will protect seven penguin species at risk from global warming and fisheries
The Center for Biological Diversity, June 4, 2010
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2010/penguins-06-04-2010.html
A federal judge yesterday approved a settlement that requires the federal government to finalize protections for seven penguin species under the Endangered Species Act.
Noise from injured dog justified warrantless entry—California
Metropolitan News-Enterprise, June 4, 2010
http://www.metnews.com/articles/2010/chun060410.htm
A report of a dog crying in distress can constitute an emergency that justifies police entering a home without a warrant, a state appeals court ruled Thursday while upholding a Los Angeles County man's conviction for animal cruelty.
Two Vermont slaughterhouse workers charged with cruelty
The Washington Post, June 4, 2010
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/04/AR2010060403562.html
Two former employees of a now-closed Vermont slaughterhouse have been charged with animal cruelty for the excessive shocking of calves with an electric prod. The charges stem from hidden-camera video footage from last November at the Bushway Packing Inc. in Grand Isle, Vermont.
'Drunk' parrots baffle vets as they fall out of trees in Australia
The New York Daily News, June 3, 2010
Red collar lorikeets have been falling out of trees in Australia and then staggering around in an apparently inebriated state, alarming wildlife experts and veterinary surgeons.
Calling in the dogs to sniff out prostate cancer
Examiner.com, Jun 2, 2010
Dogs are being used to sniff out prostate cancer in human urine. A Belgian Malinois Shepherd was clicker trained to differentiate urine samples. Using 33 biopsy confirmed prostate cancer samples in two test groups, the dog was able to correctly confirm 63 out of 66 specimens.
Animal waste on factory farms comes under closer EPA scrutiny
Environment News Service, June 1, 2010
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2010/2010-06-01-093.html
In a legal settlement that could affect the entire U.S. meat industry, the Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to identify and investigate thousands of factory farms that have been avoiding government regulation for water pollution with animal waste.
Scientist attempt to make test-tube gut
The BBC, June 1, 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/scotland/edinburgh_east_and_fife/10208162.stm
Scientists are developing a "test-tube gut and liver" as an ethical alternative to animal testing for the nanotechnology industry.
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