Posted on April 23, 2018 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
June 10th, 2018 — that’s Dooms Day for the fin whales off the coast of Iceland.
That’s because, after a two-year respite, Hvalur, inc – the Icelandic whaling company has given notice that it has begun preparations for whaling season and will commence hunting this summer.
Fin whales are an endangered marine mammal, and while some species might be regionally in jeopardy, the fin whale is at risk of being hunted to extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
That’s why it is extremely baffling that Iceland, one of the most progressive nations on Earth, would allow one of its companies. Hvalur, Inc is responsible for the agonizing death of countless. The innocent mammals are harpooned, dragged in and then secured to the side of the ship. If they aren’t already dead, they must endure an excruciating trip back to shore before they are finally butchered and sent off to Japan for consumption.
Altogether, some 200 whales could meet be murdered if Iceland doesn’t ban this barbaric practice.
Ask Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir to do what is right. Sign the petition and ask Iceland to put an end to whaling now.
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »
Posted on April 21, 2018 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Earth Day is now a global event each year, and we believe that more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.
It is a day of political action and civic participation. People march, sign petitions, meet with their elected officials, plant trees, clean up their towns and roads. Corporations and governments use it to make pledges and announce sustainability measures. Faith leaders, including Pope Francis, connect Earth Day with protecting God’s greatest creations, humans, biodiversity and the planet that we all live on.
UK works with all Commonwealth countries to take action against plastics.
Plastic straws and cotton buds could be banned in England as part of the government’s bid to cut plastic waste.
Ministers pointed to one estimate that 8.5bn plastic straws were thrown away in the UK every year.
The prime minister said plastic waste was “one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world”.
And Theresa May will urge leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which began earlier, to follow the UK’s lead in tackling the problem.
The Queen has formally opened the summit at an event at Buckingham Palace attended by prime ministers and presidents from the 53 states that make up the organisation.
It comes as 60 UK music festivals, including Bestival in Dorset and Boomtown in Hampshire, have said they will ban plastic straws at their events this summer.
Bestival’s co-founder Rob Da Bank said they were “leading the global charge against unnecessary plastic”, as the group of festivals also pledged to eliminate all single-use plastic by 2021.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who trailed the idea of banning plastic straws in February, will launch the consultation later this year.
“We’re going to consult on what the best way is in order to get rid of straws, get rid of stirrers and also get rid of plastic stemmed cotton buds that we use so many of,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“It’s a worldwide emergency – that’s why we’re choosing to act. It’s also why we’re working with other Commonwealth countries.”
Member countries
Fifty three countries are members of the Commonwealth. Our countries span Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific and are diverse – they are amongst the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries. Thirty-one of our members are classified as small states – countries with a population size of 1.5 million people or less and larger member states that share similar characteristics with them.
All members subscribe to the Commonwealth’s values and principles outlined in The Commonwealth Charter.
Leaders of member countries shape Commonwealth policies and priorities. Every two years, they meet to discuss issues affecting the Commonwealth and the wider world at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
All members have an equal say – regardless of size or economic stature. This ensures even the smallest member countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth.
Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | 1 Comment »
Posted on April 19, 2018 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
UPDATE 20/4/18
Further to our post and the letter to the OIE below, we would like to offer our thanks to animal supporters who have supported our issue by copying and sending additional copies of the letter to the OIE and others. This has come as a surprise to us, but we very much welcome the additional support.
Thanks go to the following campaigners for supporting us:
Chantal Buslot – Belgium
SANG
Maria Schneider, – Germany
Anneke Andries, – Netherlands
Hennie Oosterman; David Weisman; Susan van Ockelen; Jeanet Verweij; Miranda van Ittersum; – Netherlands.
Jean S.; Armand Beaufort; Lisette G.; Aurelie B.; Cheryl Minottes; – France.
Yvonne Suters; Inge Schroeder; Wolfgang Beckingen; Mireille Dautz; – Germany.
Tina Bartels; John Summers; Henry T.; Vickey Osborn; Teddy Miller; – United Kingdom.
Amanda Fields; Jurgen Sorens; Rita Suffolk; Mary Dalton; Joseph Pritchard; Kimberley Fields; – USA.
Simon Sears; Beverly Woods; Anita Brewer; Daniel Russell; Petra Stafford; – Australia.
Andrea Sreiber – Serbia
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Hi all; this is Mark;
First; there have not been many posts on the site recently, and I apologize for this.
The reason is that we have been very busy re Serbian animal campaigning – I will try to cover what we have been doing as quickly as I can; with additional attachments as necessary.
Overview – Both the Serbian government / authorities have a illegal approach to (stray) dog and cat management which is completely different to us. We work within the law and try to promote it; they work against the law. You can read more about Serbian animal law at https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/about-serbian-animals/ which is on our site.
So; time again for another gripe in speaking out for animals in Serbia. The OIE – or ‘World Organisation for Animal Health’ (Health ??) has a website which can be viewed at http://www.oie.int/ The attitude of the OIE in the Balkans has been very much one of allowing stray dogs to be killed under the guise of ‘disease control’. Naturally, this works perfectly for the Serbian government and regional authorities who wish to kill off as many strays as the can – and reap the financial rewards that are associated with doing this.
Our view, which is supported by Serbian law, is different. We do not feel that healthy stray animals should be murdered just to comply with the term ‘disease control’. As you can read in https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/about-serbian-animals/ since 2005 there have been national (Serbian) laws which should give the right of life and protection to stray animals. Despite being ‘law’; the government and authorities have ignored our suggestions of a national sterilisation approach which would gradually reduce stray animal numbers; in favour of an attitude of killing as many strays as they can. This works in several ways in their favour – they get a ‘head count’ financial reward for every animal which they kill (up to 500 Euros per animal); and by not sterilising as we suggest; they have a continual source of new strays on the streets to catch and kill for this financial ‘bounty’. Some people may thus be getting very rich financially our of adopting this attitude; we have a tendency to call it ‘corruption’.
Ok; so now we need to give people the facts. Slavica has worked brilliantly hard to draft out a letter re this issue. We have then taken this draft and attempted to make it read better English. Slavica’s letter defined all the legal Serbian legislation with regard to the supposed ‘protection’ of Serbian strays – ie what the Serbian law says on paper and which the courts should work to re legal issues. We took the letter further by making suggestions of the ‘rule of law’ which is required to be shown by any member state wishing to join the EU. Serbia is one such country; it is currently an EU ‘Candidate Country’ applying for EU membership.
The EU ‘rule of law’ issue is an important one; as it requires that any state seeking EU membership needs to show / prove that it is enforcing all of its own national laws. If it cannot do this, then effectively EU membership should not be permitted. As we have always shown since the foundation of SAV back around 2005; Serbia has been NON Compliant with Serbian law regarding the treatment of stray animals. So, this new letter needed to make this clear.
A formal letter was produced which has now been presented to the Serbian government. Copies have also been provided to the EU ‘Enlargement Commission’ who are responsible for new member states. We suggested in our review of the draft that certain contacts at the EU dealing specifically with the ‘rule of law’ be informed of this current situation of non compliance. This has been done.
You can see a full copy of Slavica’s letter here – along with an additional copy of the letter which has been presented by the ‘No Kill Coalition’ who are based in the capital of Serbia; Belgrade.
Original EPAR letter – ENGLISH:
Original EPAR Letter – SERBIAN
NO KILL COALITION Copy Letter – Belgrade, Serbia – ENGLISH:
So, here we now have it. A formal letter of the current situation for Serbian animals and the non compliances with existing Serbian laws sent to all those who should be informed of the situation; and this includes the OIE.
In an additional way, via Slavica also, we have today (19/4) been provided with a copy of the formal EU Progress report for 2018 in relation to Serbia.
A copy to this is given here if you wish to review:
EU Progress Report (2018) on Serbia:
This official report from the EU on the situation in Serbia is not especially good, and in many ways backs up what we have been saying for many years especially with regard to corruption.
On pages 20 and 21 there is a lot which shows that corruption is still prevalent within Serbia, which comes as no surprise to us. The EU had made several suggestions to attack this; and hopefully we would like to see actions regarding animal welfare get involved with this anti corruption policy.
Now that all the evidence has been provided to both the Serbian government, and more importantly, the ‘rule of law’ enforcement personnel in the EU; we can only hope that the evidence and non compliance with national legislation will work in favour of the animals in the future.
Who knows, we may even see the day come that we have campaigned for over so many years – the day when national stray sterilisation, vaccination and microchipping takes priority over the corrupt and money making attitude of many officials who simply want to undertake a stray dog kill approach as we are currently experiencing.
Stray sterilisation is the way to control and eventually eliminate stray animals on the streets. A policy which is better in the long term for all – strays and humans.
Whatever; our fight to be a voice for the voiceless will continue what ever happens in the towers of importance.
For the animals – Mark.
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, DOCUMENTS, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, LETTERS, PHOTOGRAPHS - **WARNING** (Animal Suffering), SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia, The "Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) ALLIANCE | Leave a comment »
Posted on April 18, 2018 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Future of marine parks comes to Saudi Arabia!
Have you heard of National Geographic Encounter? A virtual marine park where you can marvel at realistic sea creatures.
Vegan investor Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed now wants to bring this animal friendly underwater experience to Saudi Arabia. And that at ten locations!
animal friendly.
Not only does National Geographic Encounter teach you a lot about the inhabitants of the seas, you can even interact with them. There is also the possibility to experience them in 3D. A woman described her visit with the words:
“It feels like you’re underwater.”
In contrast to SeaWorld or other marine parks, dolphinariums, or aquariums, National Geographic Encounter does not snatch any animal from the wild, lock it up, and force it into unnecessary tricks.
In Germany there are also two dolphinariums with real animals that animal lovers should not visit under any circumstances. Here data are hushed up, psychotropic drugs are distributed and in Nuremberg just under one dolphin dies every year.
So it is all the more important that people like Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed are committed to making these institutions a thing of the past as soon as possible.
The future is animal suffering free!
But who is Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed anyway?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed grew up in a huge palace. No wonder, because his father is one of the richest people on this planet. A few years ago, the prince discovered the vegan lifestyle and fell in love with the idea of creating a world where animals no longer suffer and die for us. A world in which we humans protect the environment and pay attention to our health.
He invested in vegan-friendly companies for egg alternatives or meat from the lab, opened the first vegan restaurant in the Middle East, and made even his father Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud vegan!
By 2020, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed plans to open ten vegan restaurants in Saudi Arabia alongside the ten virtual marine parks.
“There is always hope and, as cliché as that may sound, it is the truth. We can reverse what’s happening in the world ” says Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed
We thank you in the name of all animals for this royale engagement! 🙏
I am also very happy with this news and just want to say one thing: it just shows that our fight, years long, brings results.
And if such prominent billionaires champion veganism, then it’s very likely that other social groups will follow suit. Maybe in the beginning this will only be curiosity and fashion, but then a new consciousness will develop in society.
So it was five years ago with the abolition of animal testing on 11.März 2013 in the cosmetics industry by EU decision. Before, every woman thought that only testing the cosmetics on animals gives her security.
Today, and according to statistics, every third woman wants to buy cosmetics that are certified as vegan and only tested on human skin.
The massive advertising of the vegan industry has developed a new awareness wine for consumers.
Best Regards
Venus
Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, VIDEOS | Leave a comment »
Posted on April 18, 2018 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Following on from our recent post about the horrendous suffering of Australian animals in the live export trade:
Animals Australia has now released a short video which is aired on Australian television.
You can see a copy of the video here:
Please donate to an emergency broadcast.
As you read this, live exporters are preparing to load thousands of gentle sheep onto ships. Conditions will soon go from bad to worse as ships enter the deadly northern summer.
We now know that on board these ‘floating ovens’ animals can be left to stew in their own filth while literally cooking to death.
Live exporters know that the truth can sink their trade — which is why getting this ad series on TV is the last thing they’ll want.
No-one who sees this footage can defend subjecting animals to such extreme abuse.
Please help us broadcast this message to every politician, farmer, and power broker before it’s too late.
Donating by phone? Call us on 1800 888 584
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, VIDEOS | Leave a comment »
Posted on April 15, 2018 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Dear Mark,
I’ve showered our readers with bad news and reports over the weekend.
But now I have good, very good news: it is a very harsh punishment against an animal abuser, in the US.
As I translated, I thought: here in Germany we can only dream of it. We have a tortious justice system and a society that protects psychopaths and animal abusers because it is a society of cowards and empathy-less people.
Anyway, I want to share this message with you and everyone.
Radoslaw Czerkawski was accused of animal cruelty and sentenced. (Image: AP Images)
In Dedham, Massachusetts, a man accused of animal cruelty has now been sentenced to a long prison term. An animal activist sees the punishment as a historical example.
According to the Associated Press news agency, Radoslaw Czerkawski, born in Poland, had a mixed breed of pit bull named Kiya in 2013. But the dog lady did not have a long life.
In August 2013, she was found alone on a playground in Quincy. She had a puncture wound in the eye, a split tongue and skull and back fractures and broken ribs.
The dog had to be euthanized due to severe injuries.
Owner Radoslaw Czerkawski was now in court five years after the cruel crime. He was convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to eight to ten years in prison.
He was also sentenced to two years probation. Furthermore, it is now forbidden by the court for him to own an animal or to come into contact with animals.
He is also not allowed to work voluntarily in any animal shelter.
On top of that threatens him expulsion: As soon as Czerkawski has ended his prison sentence, he should be deported, as a spokesman told the immigration authorities. The verdict was well received in circles of animal activists. Mary Nee, president of the Animal Rescue League, called it “historic” and made sure that it would serve as a precedent.
Best regards to you and all,
Venus
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Posted on April 15, 2018 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) 