China: Giant Panda Accidently Gassed To Death

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

 

 

 

Giant Panda Accidently Gassed To Death 

Quan Quan, a 21-year-old giant panda that was on loan to the Jinan Zoo in China was moved last week to an indoor enclosure to protect her from the summer heat, but a few hours later she was found dead.  The panda was accidently exposed to deadly gasses that leaked into her habitat through a ventilation system with a design flaw.

Quan Quan, who was about 70 in panda years, was considered a national treasure in China because she gave birth to seven cubs during her lifetime.  Her death has drawn criticism from international animal advocacy groups who are calling for Chinese officials to strengthen the laws in the country that protect animals in captivity.

The autopsy showed the giant panda died from inhaling a mixture of chlorine, chlorine hydride and carbon monoxide.   The fumes made her lungs collapse. 

Reports from The Telegraph and the L.A. Times say that workers had been disinfecting an air raid shelter inside the zoo when the gasses leaked through the ventilation system and into the panda house. 

“The ventilation system was built in 1995,” a spokesman said to The Telegraph.  “It was used to keep the panda house cool, but it fed large amounts of smoke into the panda enclosure.”

Quan Quan was not the first panda to die at the Jinan Zoo.   In 2008 a panda named Tao Tao died of brain complications at the age of 36. 

China has about 250 pandas in captivity that belong to several different breeding facilities.  About half stay at a breeding center, while the other half are loaned to various zoos in the country and worldwide or given as gifts.  Quan Quan came from the Wolong Panda Breeding Center in Sichuan, which is home to 150 pandas.  Pandas are an endangered species with only 1,000 living in the wild.

Quan Quan’s death is causing animal groups and individuals to question the reasoning for having the breeding centers.

Kati Loeffler, veterinary advisor for the International Fund for Animal Welfare told the L.A. Times, “These pandas are being bred for a life in captivity.  Why are they being bred?  Just so they can circulate through zoos and live next to old air raid shelters?”

Loeffler pointed out that pandas have died in Chinese zoos and the breeding facilities because of malnutrition, stress, inappropriate breeding and poor veterinary care.

Chinese citizens have also called for change in how the pandas are treated.   They want an explanation how this type of accident could occur.  Giant pandas are treated as celebrities in the country and Quan Quan was beloved by many people.

A group of mourners that included adults, parents and their children held a funeral service for Quan Quan at the Jinan Zoo to pay tribute to her life.

Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »

USA: Pregnant Cow Shooting At State Fair Raises Animal Welfare Questions

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

http://www.ktvu.com/news/24432505/detail.html

Pregnant Cow Shooting At State Fair Raises Animal Welfare Questions

Posted: 10:59 pm PDT July 28, 2010Updated: 12:21 am PDT July 29, 2010

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Protesters gathered Wednesday at the California State Fair in Sacramento, rallying against the shooting death of an escaped cow a day earlier. Police shot the pregnant dairy cow Tuesday after the animal got loose and panicked.

The cow and her full-term fetus died.

Fair officials said the stressed cow bolted while being transferred to a birthing area. They also said attempts to tranquilized the cow didn’t work and officials feared people could me hurt.

“We stayed with it for about an hour, along with the veterinarians from UC Davis,” State Fair Manager Brian May said. “It was very agitated.”

Protesters said the cow was rightfully agitated since veterinarians brought the cow to the fair to give birth in front of fair-goers.

“You know the mayhem of the midway and a deep-fried churro walking by one of those creatures. How are you suppose to gain a real since of this animal’s sentience and consciousness?” said Humane Society’s Jennifer Fearing.

UC Davis officials said Wednesday it wouldn’t rethink performing live births, but would review their procedures on dealing with stressed animals.

Oakland has reviewed its procedures after a wild deer was pursued into a backyard and fatally shot by housing authority officers.

As a result, Oakland Animal Control now carry tranquilizer syringe poles for sick or hurt animals.

“If they’re up and moving and not laying down or unable to walk, we want to just leave those animals alone,” said Megan Webb, who works Oakland Animal Services.

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Uk: World’s Oldest Living Species Found in Scotland

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World’s Oldest Living Species Found in Scotland

The tadpole shrimp Triops cancriformis has been found in the Caerlaverock nature reserve in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. It is considered to be possibly the oldest living species in the world, because it has remained nearly unchanged for an estimated 220 million years. (Another reference states tadpole shrimp may have been living for 300 million years.)

Scientist Larry Griffin who has studied the rare shrimp, said, “Triops matures rapidly and produces hundreds of eggs in just a couple of weeks. The pond they live in may dry out, but the eggs can survive in the mud for many years.”

Not only are the shrimp unique for having survived several major extinctions, they also can  have both male and female reproductive parts so just one can generate a new colony. Tadpole shrimp live in seasonal, freshwater ponds. Their eggs are very tough. They can resist high temperatures (almost boiling), dryness and even consumption by birds. It is thought they also can remain in a dormant state for years, or even centuries until favorable conditions occur, and then they hatch. Tadpole shrimp have outlived dinosaurs, trilobites and mammoths. They are endangered and protected by law in Scotland.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/worlds-oldest-living-species-found-in-scotland.html

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Uk: Could Guards Wear Stella McCartney Synthetic Bearskin ?

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/7903157/Could-Guards-wear-Stella-McCartney-synthetic-bearskin.html?ea.url.id=35603&ea.campaigner.email=EZHmm%2FpN2AOWon0byxX%2Ff2JQPMb61MHn%2FU1dYLj9Pwra3xEzZ4tJzA==&ea_broadcast_target_id=0

Could Guards wear Stella McCartney synthetic bearskin?

For almost two centuries the Army’s Guards regiments have been decked out on ceremonial occasions in real bearskin hats.

 By Sean O’Hare and Stephen Adams
Published: 9:00PM BST 21 Jul 2010

PETA’s faux-fur version of the bearskin. Photo: Paul Grover

Tourists come to marvel at them at Buckingham Palace.

But the Guards could soon be wearing a faux-fur version, designed by the vegetarian Stella McCartney.

On Thursday a delegation from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) is meeting Peter Luff, minister for defence equipment, support and technology, to propose their animal-friendly alternative.

Peta claims the plastic-fibre hat now meets rigorous Ministry of Defence water repellency tests, after years working on a technology called Bear28.

The hats are also fitted with air vents to keep wearers cool on parade.

McCartney said: “Historically, England has a very high regard for animals, so it makes perfect sense that the MoD should continue shedding ceremonial furs from uniforms.

“Initially the big bear fur hats were intended to make soldiers look taller as they marched over hills in battle, but they haven’t been worn in action for over a hundred years.

“I’ve been working on this with Peta for a few years now and am really happy with the final product, as I hope the MoD will be when they see it.”

Dan Matthews, senior vice-president at the animal rights group, added: “In 2005 the MoD carried out specific weather tests on their own prototype which failed on water absorption levels.

“After four years working on this hat, we carried out the same tests at the same test centre and it passed.”

He claimed it was a “win-win situation” as the synthetic hats were cheaper than real bearskins, 230 grams lighter “and the bears will certainly be happier”.

However, while the MoD said it “remains open” to new ideas, a spokesman stressed it would not be chucking out the original bearskins anytime soon.

They are worn infrequently, need little maintenance and last many years, she explained.

She said: “The MoD remains open to testing material that industry might offer us to asses whether a faux fur meets the requirements for a replacement bearskin hat material. So far industry has not been able to produce a suitable material to meet the Guards’ requirements.”

She also stressed: “All bearskins used in the UK are sourced from Canada where bears are culled under the direction of the Canadian government to keep the bear population under control.”

Bearskin hats have been worn since the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 where they were taken as a badge of honour by the Grenadier Guards when they defeated Napoleon’s bearskin-wearing Imperial Guard.

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SAV Comment

As an Englishman, the attitude and negativity of the MoD for many years just because of what they attribute to ‘historic importance’ disgusts me. 

We are in the 21st Century and if the MoD is still not capable of using fake fur for soldiers to wear on the hats every now and again then the MoD is still living in the past.  Their attitude for many years to this has been disgusting and not what the vast majority of British people want – they want fake fur on hats !

The talk by the MoD of ‘bears being culled under direction’ is complete and utter rubbish.  You do not have to kill bears and their cubs so that every now and again, a soldier can walk around thinking he looks impressive.

Get real MoD, get modern, and get fake fur !

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »

Spain: Excellent News – Catalan Parliament Votes to BAN Bullfighting !

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

A message from our good friend John at ARAN;

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Dear supporters,

Hurrah! Hard work pays off: The Catalan parliament in Spain has voted to ban bullfighting! It was clear that no other outcome was possible after officials were presented with the signatures of 180,000 people who don’t believe that bulls should be stabbed to death for entertainment. According to a 2009 Gallup survey, 76 per cent of Spaniards have no interest in attending or supporting bullfights, and public condemnation of this bloody spectacle is growing worldwide. Cities and towns all over the world have taken positions against bullfighting, joining Spain’s Canary Islands, which voted to ban bullfighting back in 1991.

ARAN congratulates everyone who took part in the campaign to encourage Catalonia to ban bullfighting. This weekend you now have something more meaningful to celebrate!

ARAN campaigners and volunteers are gearing up for our next round of action to ban fur farming in Ireland, bring in animal-act circus motions in news towns and working towards a ban on hare coursing so be sure to get involved with our work today!

Thank you for all you do to help animals, ARAN certainly does appreciate your support.

ARAN

‘Fighting Animal Abuse Across Ireland’

http://www.aran.ie/

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »

Serbia: Latest Pictures From EPAR Shelter, Subotica.

Posted on July 25, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

EPAR shelter has now changed its name to Shelter Azil Alex.

See and read more at our ‘Shelters’ section (Tab at Top) –

Shelter ‘Azil Alex’ – Subotica, Serbia

Things have been happening at EPAR shelter.

This is a dog and cat rescue facility which gets no support or funding from the authorities or government, despite many attempts to have funding as a rescue shelter for stray animals from the streets.

Slavica covers all the costs herself.  If you can help with a donation, please go to the end of this post for further information.

A member of the public called about a dog who was in the forest; tied to a tree with wire around his neck.

The injury to his neck caused by the wire.

After the wire had been removed and the dog had been taken back to care at EPAR shelter.  You can clearly see the wire which was wrapped around his neck.

Another call was made by people about a dog from the street who had found cover and who was now living in an old garage with no door.  You can see her cowering under the old tractor.

These people wanted to call the shinters to catch and take the dog – to kill her;, but then a call was made to EPAR shelter.  EPAR arrived and rescued her; she in now living at the EPAR shelter.  You can see her here being rescued by Adrijana, one of the EPAR team. 

Back at the EPAR shelter, building work is happening; new wood and bags of cement are being purchased to make new corners for the new dog houses.

Because it is very hot in summer and the dogs need plenty of fresh, clean water; new drums are selected ready to be cut down into new large drinking bowls.

When the drums are cut down to size; they make clean new water dishes for all the dogs at EPAR shelter.  Below are just a few ready for dogs and the hot days of summer.

And below are a series of pictures of some of the residents at EPAR shelter; dogs which have been saved from the streets and killing by the shinter teams.

Daily costs continue – food, new shelters, drinking dishes, medicines, building materials;

See more recent pictures of the dogs by visiting:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/serbia-june-2010-new-pictures-of-the-rescued-stray-dogs-at-epar-shelter/

If you would like to give a donation to help the running costs of EPAR shelter, then please make your donation in the following way.

Thank You.

Please use the following for any donations to EPAR shelter:

One of the best and cheapest ways to send money donations internationally is by Western Union. 

Transfer costs vary and are worked out simply depending on the amount of the donation – you only pay more if you donate larger quantities. 

In most countries donations can be done on line, by telephone, or visiting a local agent. 

Please look at the web site for further info:

http://www.westernunion.com/info/selectCountry.asp

For direct donations, the following EPAR account in Hungary should be used as a preference to Serbian accounts; as taxes and costs are smaller and more goes to helping the animals:

OTP Bank

Szeged

Klauzal ter,5

Hungary,EU

Account number : 11775355-37518886

Account name : MAZAK-BESLIC JANOS

Address : Subotica 24000,Matka Vukovica, 9

IBAN : HU31117753553751888600000000

Swift : OTP VHUHB

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Filed under: Animals Requiring Adoption or Homes - Worldwide, CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, PHOTOGRAPHS - **WARNING** (Animal Suffering), SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia, SHELTER - Information | Leave a comment »

Serbia: At Meeting With President Tadic, NGO to Ask For Exemption From Import Charges For All Donations Given To Stray Animal Welfare

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Serbian campaigners have now asked permission to be given for free admission of all humanitarian supplies for dogs and cats into (entering) Serbia.

This means that there would be an exemption from charges and costs for all products which are donated and supplied to stray animals at Serbian shelters.

At her recent meeting with President Tadic, Nancy; the representative of NGO ‘SOS for Serbian Animals’, – see photograph below; was told by President Tadic that an official request would need to be made to the Veterinary Department of Serbia.

This request has now been produced and sent.  We eagerly await a response from the Veterinary Department.

At the end of this post are copies of the request letters which have been sent.

We very much hope that the request meets with approval from the Veterinary Department, as then, the strays of Serbia will be able to receive food and medicines from all over the world without the fear of large additional costs being placed on the sender once the goods arrive at the Serbian border.

More news, hopefully positive, will be provided when we have it.

Copies of letters :-

 
 
 

From: epar

To: zoran.micovic@minpolj.gov.rs ; goran.milosev@minpolj.gov.rs

Ministarstvo poljoprivrede sumarstva i vodoprivrede RS, Beograd

 

Uprava za veterinu, Beograd
19.7.2010.
 
MOLBA
 
Postovani  gospodine  Dr.vet. Zorane   Micovic  i  gospodine  Dr.vet .  Gorane Milosev,
 
Nas saradnik  i predstavnik SOS for  animals in Serbia , EU  , Brisel ,  je   na  zvanican poziv  g.Ambasadora Srbije u Belgiji , bila gost  u Ambasadi Srbije,  da bi  imala  razgovor sa g. Predsednikom Tadicem , na temu humanitarne pomoci  nevladinog sektora EU napustenim psima i mackama u Srbiji .
G.Predsednik  Tadic   je proporucio da vam se  hitno obratimo radi  sto hitnijeg pojasnjenja najjednostavnijeg  nacina  da humanitarna pomoc  u hrani za pse i macke ,koju nevladine organizacije  EU   za pomoc  napustenim zivotinjama u Srbiji ,  iz   EU  zele  kontinuirano slati azilima za napustene pse i macke  u Srbiji ,  i  nacina  da ova humanitarna  pomoc najbrze stigne do  zivotinja u Srbiji .
 
Molimo vas da nam sto je moguce pre  pozitivno odgovorite , jer je g. Nancy  Dequeker obecala g. Predsedniku Tadicu  , na njegov zahtev , da ce mu  preko g . Radomira Diklica -Ambasadora u Briselu , poslati  zvanican izvestaj  o tome da li smo : nevladin sektor iz EU  i nevladin sektor  iz Srbije ,  uspeli s vama  uspostaviti   korisnu  saradanju na ovu temu , u cemu se nadamo  da cemo uspeti .
 
Hvala na Vasem vremenu.
 
S postovanjem, srdacno
 
Dr.med.  Slavica Mazak Beslic
Prijatelj-EPAR/OIPA Srbija/Alijansa za prava zivotinja
24000 Subotica, Matka Vukovica,9
 
———————————–
 
From: epar

To: zlatko.kuzmanovic@minpolj.gov.rs ; tatjana.bozic@minpolj.gov.rs ; s.celebicanin@minpolj.gov.rs ; zoran.marinkovic@minpolj.gov.rs ; zoran.micovic@minpolj.gov.rs ; vetuprava@minpolj.gov.rs ; generalni.inspektorat@minpolj.gov.rs ; vet.uprava@minpolj.gov.rs

Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 1:17 PM
Subject: Zahtev 12.7.2010. informacije u vezi humanitarna pomoci : hrana za napustene pse i macke u Srbiji
Ministarstvo poljoprivrede, sumarstva i vodoprivrede RS
-Veterinarska inspekcija
Generalni inspektorat
-Fitosanitarna inspekcija
12.7.2010.
 
Zahtev  ovlašćenom  licu u skladu sa Zakonom o slobodnom pristupu informacijama od javnog značaja
 
S obzirom na tekst celog predmeta – molimo pogledajte dole-
 
1.   da li je potrebno  raditi  i to  svaki put raditi  veterinarske analize i fitosanitarne analize  hrane  za pse i mačke spakovane u originalnom  fabričkom pakovanju  koju  humanitarne organizacije i pojedinci  šalju iz EU  kao humanitarnu pomoć napuštenim psima i mačkama u azilima u Srbiji , s obzirom da u Srbiji nema kulture davanja pomoći  napuštenim psima i mačkama  kako od strane pojedinaca tako ni od strane  firmi i s obzirom da jedinice lokalne samouprave  ne ispunjavaju svoju zakonsku obavezu  po čl.46.Zakona o veterinarstvu  tj ne finansiraju  zbrinjavanje  i nabavku hrane ,
2 . S obzirom da se u ovom slučaju  pomenutom u tački 1. ovog Zahteva ,ne radi o komercijalnom uvozu  nego o humanitarnoj pomoći  od koje zavise životi  napuštenih životinja  u azilima kojima je ova humanitarna pomoć u hrani  za životinje namenjena  odgovorite nam 
: kolika je cena  pojedinačne analize, tj  dostavite kopiju cenovnika analiza iz tačke 1. ovog Zahteva
i koliko se dugo čeka na rezultat, s obzirom da se radi o  slučajevima hitne humanitarne pomoći koja je upućena  životinjama da ne bi umirale od gladi.
 
S poštovanjem
 
Prijatelj-EPAR/OIPA Srbija /Alijansa za prava životinja i ljudi
24000 Subotica, Matka Vukovića,9
 

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, PHOTOGRAPHS - **WARNING** (Animal Suffering), SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia | Leave a comment »

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