January | 2015 | Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

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Serbia: News From Felix Shelter 23/1 – Little Tak Has Passed Away.

Posted on January 24, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

From Danica;

It’s with utmost sorrow and profound grief that we sadly announce the passing of our gorgeous little boy Tak.

Although we knew he didn’t stand a chance against the deadliest cat virus there is, a tiny glimmer of hope persisted almost until the end. Even if only one in a million is strong and lucky enough to win this losing battle, maybe he could’ve been that one? Sadly, FIP has claimed yet another angel…

Not so long ago, Tak was a joyous and sparkling kitty boy, full of life and loved to bits. But once the first symptoms of the most feared cat disease showed up, the decline was rapid and all of his youthful vigor disappeared at a frightening rate.

Only the sparkle in his big, bright eyes remained the same until the end.

Fly free now, my little sweetie. You’ll purr forever in our hearts.

http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/help-the-feline-residents-of-cat-shelter-felix/161828

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/milance.felixmace

Website: http://catshelter-felix.com/
Blog: http://novisadcats.blogspot.com/

Filed under: Animals Requiring Adoption or Homes - Worldwide, CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia, SHELTER - Information, The "Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) ALLIANCE | Leave a comment »

Serbia: Extreme Cruelty Exposed In Animal Fighting Videos – The EU and Serbian Authorities Have The Evidence, But Will They Act To Stop It ?

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

23/1/15

Today, we and Serbian campaigners are following up on yet another serious area of animal abuse within the Republic of Serbia – namely animal fighting.

To make it clear what we mean, here are some video links (visible to the public on Youtube) which support the cruelty we are talking about. Please note that by the time you attempt to access some of these, it is possible that some videos may be removed once the word gets out.

WARNING – VERY GRAPHIC ANIMAL ABUSE AND CRUELTY shown in the following.

By clicking on the following link, you will have access to many more (Serbian) videos which have been posted:

https://www.youtube.com/user/dogbestcom/videos

Note – the following videos may be removed at source, but hard copies have already been taken and are now being held as evidence where required.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmAljUem_8g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuuozxWKyzk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAPAzp8E6S0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCIFzA-mK4o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE9l-cm64hU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCIFzA-mK4o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmAljUem_8g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnAATwQL7OM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuuozxWKyzk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udH12guL5lM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6MfVXA0t3I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diiJvVTdPP0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO9wtBaSqm4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zovhCkxO_80

Apart from specific independent actions currently being taken by Serbian based campaigners, which we cannot give any more detail on at present; copies of the (above) videos have been forwarded to specific organisations in London for review and possible further action.

During this past week, copies of the same videos were also forwarded to the EU Enlargement Commission, specifically the Head of the department associated with Serbia’s future accession into the EU, which is currently in progress – http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/countries/detailed-country-information/serbia/index_en.htm , to make it very clear that Serbian authorities are NOT enforcing their own legislation – ie “the rule of law”; which is a paramount and fundamental requirement for accession of any new member state (such as Serbia) into the EU.

Basically, by allowing this blatant cruelty to happen within its borders, by openly allowing it to be advertised and shown on web sites and media such as Youtube, and most importantly by not enforcing its own existing national animal welfare legislation, Serbian authorities are thus failing in their requirements to become an EU member state.

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/doc/srv?l=EN&t=PDF&gc=true&sc=false&f=AD%201%202014%20INIT

Serbian authorities have to prove to the EU that they are taking action – and we have seen nothing yet.

In addition as further action by the welfare campaigners, on 23/1, Members of the European Parliament (MEP’s) have been contacted about this very same issue. Through these MEP’s; we have asked them to make direct contact with:

Commissioner Hahn, leader of the EU Enlargement Commission
The Head of the Serbian section for EU Enlargement at the same Commission
the EU Ambassador to Serbia, who to date has failed us at every attempt to make contact regarding other animal welfare issues, such as the future for ‘Nani’ deer.

… as well as supplying them with the video footage (above) and informing them that the Serbian authorities are not enforcing their own national legislation.

We have already had confirmation by some MEPs that our request and requirements have already been viewed by them; and now we wait to see what will result as follow up actions in the coming week.

In order to become even considered as a potential EU member state; the Serbian authorities need to be fully aware that they must take full action to enforce existing Serbian animal welfare legislation; and to prevent all the things happening which are shown in the above videos for example.

Serbian authorities must be seen to be enforcing the Serbian “rule of law” within Serbia when it comes to animal abuse issues. Unfortunately, through a lot of our other work and posts over many years, which can be seen openly on this site, , it is possible to see that the Serbian authorities are doing very little to enforce their own national legislation concerning animal welfare.

If they do not do this, then as European citizens, do we not have the right to make the fundamental statement that Serbia is NOT enforcing its own national rules of law; a basic requirement for EU membership.

This requirement is further supported by the “Responsibilities” statement made by Commissioner Hahn on his very own EU website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission/2014-2019/hahn_en – see the 5^th bullet point – “Supporting pre-accession countries in implementing democratic and economic reforms, upholding the rule of law,”

Commissioner Hahn

And so, as far as we are concerned as an NGO, Serbia is NOT enforcing its own rules of law. We see the EU Commission making it clear that it has responsibilities for ensuring that new member states DO uphold the rule of law; and we, a simple EU animal welfare NGO, continue yet again to provide the clear evidence to everyone at the EU Enlargement regarding animal abuse and cruelty within Serbia; for which very little seems to be happening as a result !

Now this latest pile of evidence has been submitted, we wait and see what is going to happen within the EU Enlargement and the EU Ambassador about all of this.

Is the EU Enlargement Commission actually going to live up to its declared responsibilities of supporting the upholding of the “rule of law” within Serbia prior to it attaining EU membership ?; or is the EU going to turn a blind eye to this animal suffering ?

More importantly; are Serbian authorities going to act relating to the existing Serbian laws by following up with actions regarding all of the footage which is shown in the videos ? – or again, are they also going to turn a blind eye and allow this to continue happening ? – blind eyes have been turned on most issues we have raised for the last 10 years or more; now we want to see positive action prior to Serbian EU membership.

The Serbian authorities have the video evidence; they know where this is happening; so why are they not acting to enforce the laws of the land and stop it ???

We wait with a great deal of interest to see what happens from all parties contacted in the coming week(s).

One thing is for sure; whatever happens or does not happen, we will report it to you, our dedicated supporters, via this site.

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, LETTERS, PHOTOGRAPHS - **WARNING** (Animal Suffering), SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia, The "Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) ALLIANCE, VIDEOS | Leave a comment »

UK RESIDENTS ONLY – How to Take Part In the Big Garden Birdwatch – 24 / 25 January.

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Note – this event is for UK residents only.

This weekend (24-25 January) is the weekend for the annual RSPB – Royal Society for the Protection of Birds big garden birdwatch.

For 1 hour anytime over the weekend; you can record all the birds that visit your garden.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/images/BGBW_download_guide_tcm9-385127.pdf

At the end, complete the form which can be downloaded from the link given above or below, and enter the numbers of each bird species which you have seen within the hour you select.

Freepost the completed form back to the RSPB who will then be able to use your data along with thousands other to build up a national picture of bird species in the UK.

For lots more info and your form, please visit the following :

http://www.rspb.org.uk/images/BGBW_download_guide_tcm9-385127.pdf

This download will provide you with all the information you need for your 1 hour birdwatch in your garden.

Its easy and it is free – and it helps the RSPB to get an accurate picture of birds located throughout the UK.

Note – this Big Garden Birdwatch must be completed during the weekend of 24/25 January.

Good luck and happy watching !!

http://www.rspb.org.uk/images/BGBW_download_guide_tcm9-385127.pdf

This post will be removed at the end of January 2015.

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

Nani Update January 2015.

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

On December 1 2014, the Enlargement Commission of the EU wrote to the Serbian Agriculture Minister regarding the situation of ‘Nani’ deer.

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2014/12/01/serbia-england-eu-eu-enlargement-commission-now-writes-to-serbian-agriculture-minister-re-nani-deer-asking-for-dialogue-with-epar-and-sav-we-now-wait-to-see-what-happens/

More importantly, the Serbian Minister was informed by the EU:

“As a candidate country to the EU, Serbia is encouraged to apply best EU practices, such as engaging in dialogue with stakeholders, including NGO’s. For this reason, I would ask you to give this case your attention”.

As of 20/1/15, we can confirm that there has been no attempt whatsoever by the Serbian government to enter into any form of dialogue and correspondence with us and other internationally based NGO’s attempting to improve Serbian animal welfare. The Serbian government sent a document instead to the EU, which we have reviewed and from which we find many errors.

A copy of the same Serbian ministry letter regarding Nani can be found via this link:

Document_10 (1)

Also, despite several NGO’s writing many times to the so-called ‘EU Ambassador to Serbia’ specifically regarding the situation of Nani deer; he, the EU Ambassador, has completely ignored every single effort we have made to establish contact. We have been treated as if we do not exist.

There may be many valid reasons for this; only EU officials can answer this in detail. As you can see from many of our posts over several recent years, the Serbian government is in our opinion so corrupt and its regional authorities often so very non-compliant with their own current and existing Serbian legislation; (certainly in the case of animal welfare), we can only assume that the government will not enter into dialogue with any NGO’s as it does not know how to respond to the endless questions and proofs of non-compliance with the law that we will question them with.

With fancy letters coming from Ministers aimed at the EU to keep everything looking good in the garden, the Serbian government are literally pulling a veil over the eyes of the EU Enlargement Commission by making fancy statements to make everything look good and true; but as NGO’s working within Serbia and with ‘ears and eyes to the ground’ on many, many national issues, it is probably best to say that the NGO’s know the real situation better than anyone. And the reality is, the current situation is very far from even acceptable, let alone any better.

For example, has the EU Enlargement Commission ever asked the Serbian government agriculture minister about the following situation for example ? – something we exposed years ago, where animals killed were simply dumped off to the side of a highway – presenting a real attraction for stray animals looking for something to eat ! – we would ask about this and what action has been taken as a result if we ever had the chance to enter into dialogue with the government. Maybe it is because of things like this and the difficult questions that would be asked of them, the Serbian government wishes to avoid us at all costs !

Here are the links to these photos if you want to read more about what we have said in the past:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2011/12/11/serbia-dead-farm-animal-bodies-just-dumped-near-the-highway-a-perfect-food-source-for-stray-animals-a-perfect-method-of-spreading-disease-and-a-perfect-way-for-corrupt-politicians-to-keep-catchin/

Or as another case, take this issue (below) at a Serbian farm, where NGO’s were informed by the government that everything was ‘ok’. We were told ‘dont pressure us’ when we first drew attention to the issue shown here.

Dont pressure us !! – sorry but we assumed they were the government Agriculture Ministry who should be made aware, and act regarding things like this !!

Check out the following links for more photos and information:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/serbia-november-2010-conditions-ok-at-a-farm-according-to-serbian-veterinary-ministry-and-complaining-campaigners-dont-pressure-us/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/serbia-farm-animal-update-12111-throw-straw-in-the-liquid-excrement-and-let-them-get-on-with-it-nothing-really-changes-at-the-serbian-republic-veterinary-ministry/

At the time we were so very concerned about conditions; that we alerted CIWF here in England; asking them for a quote on what is seen (above). As part of their response; Phil at CIWF provided the following:

“It is clear beyond doubt that what is shown in these photographs does not comply with existing EU legislation, and consequently would impact Serbian accession to the EU. In the event of Serbia’s accession, these photographs could form the basis of a formal complaint to be made to the Legal Affairs Dept of the EU associated with animal welfare”.

Phil Brooke

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/serbia-farm-animal-conditions-update-261110-formal-statement-on-conditions-now-provided-by-ciwf-uk/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2014/09/24/serbia-formal-charge-sent-to-serbian-government-regarding-those-who-profiteer-from-animal-suffering/

So where are we now ? – have these issues ever been resolved by the Serbian ‘dont pressure us’ Ministry ? – or are things like this still happening ?

If the Serbian government is ignoring the wishes of the EU Commission by refusing to enter into any dialogue with NGO’s, then we now have little option but to further disclose information regarding the current situation of Nani deer.

Basically; the government works to cover up issues, whilst we work to expose the realities.

As regular visitors to this site will be aware, and which you can see from past posts on this site, we have made many attempts over many recent months to get Nani returned to the Mitic family who will take care of her. Instead, the government has decided that Nani should be imprisoned at Zoo Jagodina.

The government letter (link further above) seems to appear very formal; but what is the actual reality of what is being said ?

Is putting Nani into a zoo a simple way of the government hopefully closing the door on the entire issue rather than actually taking the actions that are really necessary for the welfare of the animal ? – could it be the very close relationship that government officials have with the hunters that prevents them from delving deeper into the realities of the case ?

It would appear from information that we have that the Minister was actually out killing male deer with hunters on the very day that Nani was taken from the Mitic family. This being 1/8/14. So, would the Minister take action against those he was out hunting deer with ? – probably not.

Nani has now been sent to a zoo; to be yet another exhibit for people to look at.

Here is a link to the zoo website:

http://www.zoovrtjagodina.rs/

It is interesting to read one of the statements in the letter –

“Article 86 on … provides that wild animals can be kept in captivity for their own needs only if their well being is not compromised, or if their living conditions that are appropriate for the type, race, gender, age and the physical and biological characteristics, behavioral traits or animal health are provided; such wild animals shall necessarily be marked n the prescribed manner“.

The zoo declares:

“our animals Zoo offers a variety of facilities, all of which constitute the basic animal. In what kind of objects located 250 animal species with over 320 copies, whether certain types of their intellect reaches the human species, in which some kind of special, how big calves on arrival into the world, how certain animals can withstand under water and many other interesting things You can find out if you should come with us and take a look at this marvellous animal world situated in Jagodina. WELCOME! –”

Above – Bear ‘living conditions’ appropriate for the type ?

Above – Lion ‘living conditions’ appropriate for the type ?

Above – Giraffe ‘living conditions’ appropriate for the type ?

“living conditions that are appropriate for the type, race, gender, age and the physical and biological characteristics, behavioral traits or animal health are provided”

Above and below – Tiger ‘living conditions’ appropriate for the type ?

Above and below – Nani deer current ‘living conditions’ at the zoo.

Is this appropriate for the type of animal; and better than would have been provided by Mrs. Mitic at her home ?

Please take a look at the photographs above and below that have been taken at the very same (Nani current) zoo during an information gathering visit made during 12/14. We question if this is a “marvellous animal world”; but leave this for you to decide from the evidence we present. Are the zoo conditions you see in these photos so much better than the conditions in which Nani would be kept by the Mitic family ? – No. So we ask the question of rules and regulations only being applied when the government wants them to be; otherwise they are ignored.

We give an example of an illegal zoo further on in this post as an additional example of what we are saying.

“wild animals can be kept in captivity for their own needs only if their well being is not compromised”

Are people to assume that there is nothing wrong with the animals well being from the following pictures ?

Are we to assume that government ministries are ensuring that the welfare of the animals is paramount; just like they did NOT with the animals kept in terrible conditions at ‘VUK’ zoo facility in Novi Pazar, Southern Serbia,? – see the following links and pictures for more proof

2 Photographs Below – Tiger and Bear living conditions at the illegal ‘VUK’ zoo facility in Novi Pazar.

Does again the EU Enlargement Commission accept everything that the Serbian government puts before them; without raising a single question as per the wishes of animal welfare NGO’s ?

Finally, take a look at a post we issued a few years back regarding another Serbian zoo; ‘VUK’ zoo facility in Novi Pazar, Southern Serbia, from which the above photos were taken:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2011/07/27/serbia-270711-investigation-reveals-illegal-zoo-operating-and-a-minister-who-does-not-have-a-clue-about-things/

Quote by NGO’s at the time – “We (NGO’s) now have official confirmation from the Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning that they undertook an inspection of the facility on 5^th of July 2011, and that it was found that the owner of zoo park, one Mr. Ismail Redzepovic, from Novi Pazar, does not possess any documentation in relation to this facility being operated / kept as a zoo park“.

Would the Serbian government ministry have even looked into the issue if NGO’s had first not exposed that this zoo even existed ? – or were they fully aware of the wrongs but actually decided to do nothing until exposed ?

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/serbia-take-action-for-zoo-animals-write-to-government-minister-responsible-sample-letter-to-send/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/serbia-we-now-have-serbian-zoo-standards-documentation-is-this-legislation-a-paper-smokescreen-for-animal-prisons/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tTtV7AYWBM&feature=channel_video_title

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2011/07/14/belgrade-zoo-park/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2011/07/14/serbia-jagodina-zoo-park/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2011/07/14/serbia-palic-zoo-park/

You have to ask; regarding Nani now being moved to a zoo, and the ‘behavioural’ conditions which are shown in the photographs; have things really changed much ? – are the ‘living’ conditions for wild animals at this zoo really adequate for their behavioural traits and good health ? – there hardly seems to be a lot in the way of ‘environmental conditions’ for natural behavioural traits to be shown. In fact, environmental conditions such as basic plants and trees don’t even appear to exist for some of the animals within their facilities!

The Ministry take no action and obviously thus think this is acceptable. Or are there other reasons ?

Do the EU Enlargement Commission and the EU Ambassador to Serbia really take any notice of the evidence that is presented to them by the NGO’s such as we are showing here ? – do they actually ask any questions to the government Ministry about all of this ?

From their actions and the clear lack of Serbian Ministry entry into dialogue with NGO’s to this present day, it would appear not.

We will continue to expose animal welfare wrongdoings whenever we are able.

The following photographs show animals at the zoo at which Nani deer is currently being held.

In their letter to the EU, the Serbian Minsistry declare:

“Article 86 on … provides that wild animals can be kept in captivity for their own needs only if their well being is not compromised, or if their living conditions that are appropriate for the type, race, gender, age and the physical and biological characteristics, behavioral traits or animal health are provided; such wild animals shall necessarily be marked n the prescribed manner“.

The following pictures are all of conditions at Jagodina zoo – please see the lions, tigers, bear, Nani deer and giraffe photographs from the same zoo which are shown en bloc above. We very much question the Ministry statement that:

“wild animals can be kept in captivity for their own needs only if their well being is not compromised, or if their living conditions that are appropriate for the type, race, gender, age and the physical and biological characteristics, behavioral traits or animal health are provided”

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

Hunting Snippets – Global.

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Lone wolf shot

At the beginning of Nov, a lone female grey wolf made international headlines after she was spotted in the Kaibab National Forest north of the Grand Canyon National Park, marking the first time one has been seen in Arizona in 70 years.

She was wearing a radio collar, and DNA testing confirmed that she had travelled all the way from the Northern Rockies, nearly 450 miles away. Later named Echo in an online naming contest, her presence raised hope that this iconic species could continue to disperse and establish desperately needed new territories essential for wolf recovery in the Southwest.

Sadly, her life and the hope that came with her are believed to have been cut tragically short by a coyote hunter in Utah who is confirmed to have killed a collared grey wolf.

According to the Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), the unnamed hunter shot the wolf in question a few miles away from Beaver near the Tushar Mountains. He called the DWR to report the kill after finding the collar and realizing she wasn’t a coyote. The DWR then contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which confirmed the wolf was a young female who was collared in Cody, Wyo. Echo’s advocates are still waiting for confirmation via DNA testing that it was her, but they fear the worst. Wolves still have federal protection in most of Utah, but the anti-predator crowd has made it clear that they and coyotes are unwelcome.

In 2012, Utah started offering a $50 bounty to encourage killing coyotes under the guise of a predator control programme even though coyotes could already be killed year round in unlimited numbers. Last year, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife successfully convinced politicians to fork over $300,000 from the state’s general fund to lobby against wolves, who don’t even exist in the state, while the DWR wants them stripped of any and all protection.

Wanton killing of coyotes and cases of mistaken identity have also threatened red wolf recovery in N. Carolina and Mexican grey wolf recovery in Arizona and New Mexico. The issue also raises serious concerns about the cruel, misguided and unregulated targeting of coyotes who are also a vital part of healthy ecosystems – yet have been continuously left out in the cold with no protection, despite the fact that they also suffer as a result of hunting and trapping.

Culling wolves doesn’t save the lives of the sheep and cattle they feed on, according to new research which found that the more wolves that are killed the greater the risk to local livestock of being eaten.

Washington State University researchers discovered that it is counterproductive to shoot and trap wolves because losses in their numbers change the animals’ social behaviour, and encourages them to eat more sheep and cattle.

While an intact breeding pair of wolves will keep young offspring from mating, disruption can set more sexually mature wolves free to breed, leading to an increase in breeding pairs. An increase in pups means they become bound to one location and can’t roam more widely to hunt deer and elk as freely – so they turn to livestock.

SAV Comment – we have always used a very similar defence (to that above) for foxes against hunts and the issue of hunting. Normally only the Alpha female (vixen) will have young; all other females in the pack do not; instead they teach the young newborns how to grow up and be secure. If the hunt kill the Alpha vixen during one of their ego trips; then all the other females suddenly compete and all become pregnant to attempt a higher ranking to Alpha vixen. With the one original Alpha; she may have say 4 or 5 cubs. If the hunt kill her and 3 or 4 other females in the pack then all try to become Alpha; you end up with say 16-20 new cubs in the pack rather than the controlled and limited 4 or 5. Lots more foxes; lots more hunting for food. And the hunts claim that they control fox populations by hunting them ? !! – don’t think so; they encourage MORE foxes to be born rather than less. But then the real story is that they do not cut numbers, they breed more = more to hunt.. Hunts do not control wildlife numbers !!

Whaling curtailed in Iceland

On 16^th Dec. representatives of all 6 parties with delegates in Reykjavik council introduced a resolution urging the minister of fisheries to enlarge the whale sanctuary in Faxaflói Bay, just outside Reykjavik. Since whaling resumed in Iceland in 2003, after a pause of 13 years, almost all of the minke whaling has been taking place in Faxaflói and 80% of it at the very border of the whale watching area, resulting in clashes between Reykjavík whale watching operators and the small but influential group of active whaling supporters. In the spring of 2013 the former minister of fisheries, decided to enlarge the whale watching area by a relatively small amount, to which the whalers responded by saying it would mean the end of minke whaling. The current minister, sympathetic to the whalers’ cause, made it one of his first tasks to put the whale watching area back where it was before. Traditionally the centre/right Progressive Party and the right wing Independence Party have been more supportive of the whaling but now that has changed, at least in Reykjavík. All parties, across political lines, voted last week in favour of the resolution calling for the whale sanctuary to be enlarged, and therefore in fact for whaling to leave Faxaflói Bay. Only one council member abstained, but nobody voted against. This is very good news for whales and for IFAW, which has campaigned to end the cruel and unnecessary whaling in Iceland for more than 11 years. This positive result has been brought about by close cooperation between different stakeholders within Iceland, mainly the Icelandic Tourism Association and Icewhale (the organisation of whale watch operators) as well as open-minded politicians. More than 100,000 tourists go whale watching from Reykjavík alone, making it the single biggest organised tourism activity in the city. This cannot be ignored anymore. The strong partnership between IFAW and Icewhale, resulting in the Meet Us Don´t Eat Us project, Whale Friendly Restaurants and much more has opened the eyes of people within Iceland for the need for change and informed foreign tourists about the importance of choosing responsible whale watching rather than a cruel hunting activity that has no place in the 21^st Century.

Norway’s parliament has voted to scrap a controversial subsidy for seal hunting, potentially spelling the end of the much-criticised activity, a lawmaker told AFP

Botswana intends to ban canned hunting – in a statement made last week the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism said it “does not tolerate cruelty to our wildlife in any form.” The move follows the implementation of bans on both trophy hunting and the export of wildlife (excluding pets) in January of this year.

Pine Martens

A leaked plan by the hunting lobby to remove pine martens from Scottish woodlands has sparked fierce opposition from wildlife groups which suspect landowners of planning a cull to protect their lucrative grouse stocks.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), a charity funded by landowners, farmers and sporting interests, wants to launch a trial next year to trap and relocate pine martens, which are protected under law as an endangered species. But the plan has been condemned as “deeply flawed” by experts who fear it could open the door to the widespread killing of pine martens. It has also been rejected by the RSPB, which owns 2 of the woodlands where the trial had been proposed. 3 of the forests – Rothiemurchus, Glenmore and Inshriach are owned by the Forestry Commission and one – Kinveachy – by the 13^th Earl of Seafield.

The purpose of the trial is to test whether martens are harming the prospects of another endangered species, capercaillie, by eating their eggs and chicks. These birds have declined from 20,000 in 1970 to about 1200, many of which share Strathspey woodlands with martens. But conservationists suspect ulterior motives. They point out that landowners and gamekeepers have been increasingly pushing for the right to cull pine martens in order to protect red grouse so they can be shot for sport.

The Mammal Society, which promotes science- based conservation, has written to the Government’s wildlife agency, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), expressing “deep concern” about the proposed trial. Evidence in support of it was poor, the society said, and there were no organisations willing to take any relocated martens. “If this trial were to go ahead it is very likely to generate immense negative publicity both for SNH and the Scottish Government, not just within the UK but internationally,” the society concluded. “This will be particularly vociferous if the fate of the removed pine martens is to be culled. It will also greatly damage the reputation of Scotland as a destination for wildlife tourism.”

One of letter’s authors was the chairman of the Mammal Society and a leading pine marten specialist, Dr Johnny Birks. “Instead of pursuing a flawed scheme to remove it, we should be celebrating the marten’s return to Speyside,” he said. “Unlike our Victorian ancestors, thankfully we now understand that predation is a natural component of healthy ecosystems. Pine martens have coexisted in a stable predator-prey balance with capercaillie in forests across northern Europe for thousands of years.”

Gamekeeper jailed

A gamekeeper found guilty of killing a rare bird and setting traps illegally to capture 2 others on an Aberdeenshire estate has been sentenced to 4 months in prison. George Mutch, of Kildrummy, was accused of recklessly killing or injuring a goshawk and illegally taking away another goshawk and a buzzard in 2012.

Mutch was found guilty of 4 charges at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in Dec. Sheriff Noel McPartlin said he would consider a custodial sentence. It is one of the first times in Scotland that hidden camera footage, obtained by the RSPB, had been used in a case of this kind.

For more info on gamekeepers jailed or fined (there are lots) go to: https://nwhsa.wordpress.com/?s=gamekeeper

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

Serbia: Charge Made Against Subotica City Council For Non Compliance With Serbian Animal Welfare Legislation.

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Prijava17.1.15.SubMinPolj

Serbian campaigners have been busy – above is their charge against Subotica City Council because it still has no legal shelter within the City.

It would seem that the republic veterinary inspector had a ban in place for the catching of street dogs and cats; and also demanded a new contract be established within the next 60 days with a new shelter – because JAZIP Vrbas city had deleted its existing contract with Subotica city because it appears they were exporting dogs to other facilities from the shelter at Subotica.

A criminal charge has been brought against JAZIP because the firm does not have enough places for Vrbas’s city dogs; a city which needs 300-400 new places every year. JAZIP only has the capacity for 200 dogs and Subotica city is taking in 800-900 new stray dogs and cats every year.

It appears that the technical director (who you can see on the video link given in the above attachment) has declared that the (Subotica) city will catch, sterilise and then throw out onto the streets many of the animals – which is forbidden by Serbian animal welfare laws.

This is also proof that now in 2015, Subotica city still has no legal shelter facility and that by throwing animals back onto the streets, it is also acting illegally here. Animal welfare legislation has existed since 2009 and Subotica City does still not implement the correct Serbian animal welfare legislation.

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

Serbia: 18/1/15 – Further News From Felix Shelter.

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Utterly sad and totally heartbreaking, but we should’ve seen it coming 😦

Our wonderful, sparkling, loving boy Tak, the only survivor out of the three kittens that arrived from a construction site in Belgrade in September has FIP. It’s a fatal and incurable viral disease which has already killed his sister Tok, and now thinking of it, it’s highly probable that the non-effusive (dry) form of FIP claimed the life of his brother Tik.

It seems all of them were doomed from the start…
We don’t really know if these three cuties were blood related, as we’ve received confusing and contradictory information about them for months, but at least one of them, if not all, were probably born to a mother who was a carrier of coronavirus.

It’s impossible to say if Tak, Tik and Tok got infected from her or from each other and if genetic or husbandry factors were involved. But the sad reality is that all of them got sick with a horrible disease with a virtual 100% mortality rate for which not only that there is no diagnostic test, but also no effective treatment.

FIP is still mysterious and the only thing that’s known for sure is that it usually starts in little kittens and strikes suddenly, weeks, months or years after the initial infection.

Just a week ago, Tak seemed to be a happy, cheerful, energetic kitty boy with no problems in the world. Without warning he began to slow down, became lethargic and his belly looked slightly swollen, but none of us wanted to see what the vet confirmed – that he too has FIP. He’s been under treatment ever since, he’s being given IV fluids, antibiotics and is being force fed as we’re hoping to make him as comfortable as possible and trying to achieve at least temporary palliation of the clinical signs.

Things couldn’t look darker at the moment and the prognosis couldn’t be worse, but maybe a miracle will happen tomorrow…
http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/help-the-feline-residents-of-cat-shelter-felix/161828

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From Danica;

It’s with utmost sorrow and profound grief that we sadly announce the passing of our gorgeous little boy Tak.

Not so long ago, Tak was a joyous and sparkling kitty boy, full of life and loved to bits. But once the first symptoms of the most feared cat disease showed up, the decline was rapid and all of his youthful vigor disappeared at a frightening rate.

Only the sparkle in his big, bright eyes remained the same until the end.

Fly free now, my little sweetie. You’ll purr forever in our hearts.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/milance.felixmace

Website: http://catshelter-felix.com/ Blog: http://novisadcats.blogspot.com/

23/1/15

Today, we and Serbian campaigners are following up on yet another serious area of animal abuse within the Republic of Serbia – namely animal fighting.

To make it clear what we mean, here are some video links (visible to the public on Youtube) which support the cruelty we are talking about. Please note that by the time you attempt to access some of these, it is possible that some videos may be removed once the word gets out.

**WARNING** – VERY GRAPHIC ANIMAL ABUSE AND CRUELTY shown in the following.

By clicking on the following link, you will have access to many more (Serbian) videos which have been posted:

Note – the following videos may be removed at source, but hard copies have already been taken and are now being held as evidence where required.

Apart from specific independent actions currently being taken by Serbian based campaigners, which we cannot give any more detail on at present; copies of the (above) videos have been forwarded to specific organisations in London for review and possible further action.

Serbian authorities have to prove to the EU that they are taking action – and we have seen nothing yet.

In addition as further action by the welfare campaigners, on 23/1, Members of the European Parliament (MEP’s) have been contacted about this very same issue. Through these MEP’s; we have asked them to make direct contact with:

Commissioner Hahn, leader of the EU Enlargement Commission

The Head of the Serbian section for EU Enlargement at the same Commission

the EU Ambassador to Serbia, who to date has failed us at every attempt to make contact regarding other animal welfare issues, such as the future for ‘Nani’ deer.

… as well as supplying them with the video footage (above) and informing them that the Serbian authorities are not enforcing their own national legislation.

We have already had confirmation by some MEPs that our request and requirements have already been viewed by them; and now we wait to see what will result as follow up actions in the coming week.

In order to become even considered as a potential EU member state; the Serbian authorities need to be fully aware that they must take full action to enforce existing Serbian animal welfare legislation; and to prevent all the things happening which are shown in the above videos for example.

If they do not do this, then as European citizens, do we not have the right to make the fundamental statement that Serbia is NOT enforcing its own national rules of law; a basic requirement for EU membership.

Now this latest pile of evidence has been submitted, we wait and see what is going to happen within the EU Enlargement and the EU Ambassador about all of this.

Is the EU Enlargement Commission actually going to live up to its declared responsibilities of supporting the upholding of the “rule of law” within Serbia prior to it attaining EU membership ?; or is the EU going to turn a blind eye to this animal suffering ?

The Serbian authorities have the video evidence; they know where this is happening; so why are they not acting to enforce the laws of the land and stop it ???

We wait with a great deal of interest to see what happens from all parties contacted in the coming week(s).

One thing is for sure; whatever happens or does not happen, we will report it to you, our dedicated supporters, via this site.

Note – this event is for UK residents only.

This weekend (24-25 January) is the weekend for the annual RSPB – Royal Society for the Protection of Birds big garden birdwatch.

For 1 hour anytime over the weekend; you can record all the birds that visit your garden.

At the end, complete the form which can be downloaded from the link given above or below, and enter the numbers of each bird species which you have seen within the hour you select.

Freepost the completed form back to the RSPB who will then be able to use your data along with thousands other to build up a national picture of bird species in the UK.

For lots more info and your form, please visit the following :

This download will provide you with all the information you need for your 1 hour birdwatch in your garden.

Its easy and it is free – and it helps the RSPB to get an accurate picture of birds located throughout the UK.

Note – this Big Garden Birdwatch must be completed during the weekend of 24/25 January.

Good luck and happy watching !!

This post will be removed at the end of January 2015.

On December 1 2014, the Enlargement Commission of the EU wrote to the Serbian Agriculture Minister regarding the situation of ‘Nani’ deer.

More importantly, the Serbian Minister was informed by the EU:

“As a candidate country to the EU, Serbia is encouraged to apply best EU practices, such as engaging in dialogue with stakeholders, including NGO’s. For this reason, I would ask you to give this case your attention”.

A copy of the same Serbian ministry letter regarding Nani can be found via this link:

Also, despite several NGO’s writing many times to the so-called ‘EU Ambassador to Serbia’ specifically regarding the situation of Nani deer; he, the EU Ambassador, has completely ignored every single effort we have made to establish contact. We have been treated as if we do not exist.

Here are the links to these photos if you want to read more about what we have said in the past:

Or as another case, take this issue (below) at a Serbian farm, where NGO’s were informed by the government that everything was ‘ok’. We were told ‘dont pressure us’ when we first drew attention to the issue shown here.

Dont pressure us !! – sorry but we assumed they were the government Agriculture Ministry who should be made aware, and act regarding things like this !!

Check out the following links for more photos and information:

At the time we were so very concerned about conditions; that we alerted CIWF here in England; asking them for a quote on what is seen (above). As part of their response; Phil at CIWF provided the following:

Read more and see more on this from our past post at:

So where are we now ? – have these issues ever been resolved by the Serbian ‘dont pressure us’ Ministry ? – or are things like this still happening ?

If the Serbian government is ignoring the wishes of the EU Commission by refusing to enter into any dialogue with NGO’s, then we now have little option but to further disclose information regarding the current situation of Nani deer.

Basically; the government works to cover up issues, whilst we work to expose the realities.

The government letter (link further above) seems to appear very formal; but what is the actual reality of what is being said ?

It would appear from information that we have that the Minister was actually out killing male deer with hunters on the very day that Nani was taken from the Mitic family. This being 1/8/14. So, would the Minister take action against those he was out hunting deer with ? – probably not.

Nani has now been sent to a zoo; to be yet another exhibit for people to look at.

Here is a link to the zoo website:

It is interesting to read one of the statements in the letter –

The zoo declares:

Above – Bear ‘living conditions’ appropriate for the type ?

Above – Lion ‘living conditions’ appropriate for the type ?

Above – Giraffe ‘living conditions’ appropriate for the type ?

“living conditions that are appropriate for the type, race, gender, age and the physical and biological characteristics, behavioral traits or animal health are provided”

Above and below – Tiger ‘living conditions’ appropriate for the type ?

Above and below – Nani deer current ‘living conditions’ at the zoo.

Is this appropriate for the type of animal; and better than would have been provided by Mrs. Mitic at her home ?

We give an example of an illegal zoo further on in this post as an additional example of what we are saying.

“wild animals can be kept in captivity for their own needs only if their well being is not compromised”

Are people to assume that there is nothing wrong with the animals well being from the following pictures ?

Are we to assume that government ministries are ensuring that the welfare of the animals is paramount; just like they did NOT with the animals kept in terrible conditions at ‘VUK’ zoo facility in Novi Pazar, Southern Serbia,? – see the following links and pictures for more proof

2 Photographs Below – Tiger and Bear living conditions at the illegal ‘VUK’ zoo facility in Novi Pazar.

Does again the EU Enlargement Commission accept everything that the Serbian government puts before them; without raising a single question as per the wishes of animal welfare NGO’s ?

Finally, take a look at a post we issued a few years back regarding another Serbian zoo; ‘VUK’ zoo facility in Novi Pazar, Southern Serbia, from which the above photos were taken:

Would the Serbian government ministry have even looked into the issue if NGO’s had first not exposed that this zoo even existed ? – or were they fully aware of the wrongs but actually decided to do nothing until exposed ?

The Ministry take no action and obviously thus think this is acceptable. Or are there other reasons ?

Do the EU Enlargement Commission and the EU Ambassador to Serbia really take any notice of the evidence that is presented to them by the NGO’s such as we are showing here ? – do they actually ask any questions to the government Ministry about all of this ?

Website: http://catshelter-felix.com/
Blog: http://novisadcats.blogspot.com/

WARNING – VERY GRAPHIC ANIMAL ABUSE AND CRUELTY shown in the following.