Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

…bevore the lock is over

Regards and a good night from Venus

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In March 1994, Sea Shepherd acquired the British ship SWITZER MERCATOR and renamed it WHALES FOREVER. The ship was brought directly to the Netherlands to be repaired and refitted.

WHALES FOREVER became the target of two arson attacks during its short but turbulent time at Sea Shepherd. While the first attack did little damage, the second act of sabotage triggered a fire and explosion in the engine room. Due to the extensive repairs, it took a month longer to get the ship going again.

The WHALES FOREVER subsequently left the Netherlands and opposed illegal whaling on the coast of Northern Norway, which triggered widespread coverage in the European media.

The Norwegian Navy ship ANDENES intercepted the WHALES FOREVER and tried several times to damage its propeller, but Captain Watson was able to maneuver the ANDENES over and over again.

Frustrated, the ANDENES captain misjudged his next approach and rammed the Sea Shepherd ship. The impact smashed the bow of the WHALES FOREVER and tore a leak into a gas tank, spilling hundreds of gallons of fuel on the deck and soaking three crew members.

During the collision, the propeller was also blocked by a rope that the ANDENES pulled behind it.

The WHALES FOREVER team reacted quickly to remove the gasoline and thus avoid the risk of an explosion.

At the same time, Sea Shepherd divers went into the water and cut the rope from the screw.

Although the ANDENES fired two cannons at the WHALES FOREVER and detonated four water bombs in front of its hull, the WHALES FOREVER managed to prevent the Norwegian Navy from boarding and to return to the Scottish Shetland Islands.

When the damaged ship was brought to dry dock in Bremerhaven, it turned out that the water bombs had caused massive damage.

In October 1994 the WHALES FOREVER set off for Florida, where Captain Watson sold the ship a few months later. He ended up getting more money for the ship than he originally paid for it.

In less than 12 months, WHALES FOREVER had managed to make a name for itself in the media and repeatedly drew public attention to illegal whaling in Norway.

Photo: © Sea Shepherd

My comment: Every year the same! The hunting season in Norway started again on April 1st.

Norway hunts for whales in large quantities, although the meat is not more popular.
Norway sets the quotas itself and also slaughters significant quantities of female minke whales.

The quota is so high that Norway kills more whales than Japan and Iceland combined. Since 1993, around 12,000 whales have been killed (“officially”).

A very large proportion of the females are pregnant, so the rate is much higher than officially stated.

The whales will have to suffer for a long time when they go whaling. The agony can last from a few minutes to 2 hours.

The victim tries to escape with the harpoon in her body and loses a lot of blood and is in great pain. A whale is often fired at the whale’s head several times and some animals are still alive when they are brought on board and only then are they killed.

Norway has long known that whaling is no longer worthwhile for its own country, and yet they are sticking to whaling. The question is why this is so.

They have been trying to export whale meat to Japan for several years, but Japan`s stocks are also overcrowded with whale meat.

The prices are sometimes in the basement and the Norwegian fishermen even pay extra.

In addition, the government has paid the equivalent of 2.4 million euros to the whaling industry since the 1990s. It is therefore clear that slaughtering whales is not worthwhile.

And so the question of WHY remains unanswered.

The hunters of Germany also cannot provide a logical answer for the annual mass murder of 600,000 foxes or 96,000 wild boars.
There is no logical reason for hunting on the 21st century.

It is driven by psychopaths and is simply a secondary form of mental illness.

My best regards to all, Venus

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https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/lucys-law-puppy-farm-ban-kittens-how-to-buy-adopt-uk-breeder-a9448811.html

6/4/20. England UK.

The government has introduced landmark new legislation called “Lucy’s Law” which aims to tackle the low-welfare, high volume supply of puppies and kittens, by banning their commercial third-party sale in England.

When the law was first laid out in parliament in May 2019, Michael Gove, the minister for the cabinet office, said it was about “giving our animals the best possible start in life”.

“It will put an end to the early separation of puppies and kittens from their mothers, as well as the terrible conditions in which some of these animals are bred.”

But, what is exactly is Lucy’s Law and how does it protect cats and dogs? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Lucy’s Law?

The new legislation cracks down on so-called puppy farms and requires animals to be born and reared in a safe environment, alongside their mother, and to be sold from their place of birth.

The rules, known as Lucy’s Law, were laid out in Parliament in May 2019 and officially came into force on 6 April 2020.

How does it protect puppies and kittens?

Lucy’s Law means that anyone wanting to get a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy direct from a breeder, or consider adopting from a rescue centre instead.

It also means that licensed dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mothers in their place of birth.

If a business sells puppies or kittens without a licence, they could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.

Why was it introduced?

The law is named after Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was rescued from a puppy farm in Wales where she was subjected to terrible conditions.

Puppy farms are located across the UK with most depending on third-party sellers or dealers to distribute often sick, traumatised, unsocialised puppies which have been taken away from their mother at just a few weeks old.

This often involves long-distance transportation, with the puppy or kitten suffering life-threatening medical, surgical, or behavioural problems which are passed on to unsuspecting new owners.

Lucy’s Law effectively removes the third-party dealer chain, resulting in all dog and cat breeders becoming accountable for the first time.

What is the best way to get a puppy or kitten?

The RSPCA recommends that anyone looking to get a puppy or kitten should consider rescuing instead of buying.

However, for anyone intent on buying, the government has shared some tips on warning signs to look out for.

Before visiting:

• Research. Have a look at the seller’s profile and search their name online. If they are advertising many litters from different breeds, then this is a red flag.

• Check contact details. Copy and paste the phone number into a search engine. If the number is being used on lots of different adverts, sites and dates then this is likely a deceitful seller.

• Check the animal’s age. Puppies and kittens should never be sold under 8 weeks old – do not buy from anyone advertising a puppy or kitten younger than 8 weeks.

• Check the animal’s health records. Make sure the seller shares all records of vaccinations, flea and worm treatment and microchipping with you before sale.

When visiting:

• Make sure the mum is present. If mum is not available to meet, it’s unlikely the puppy or kitten was bred there. Beware of the seller making excuses as to why mum is not there e.g. she’s at the vet’s, asleep, or out for a walk.

• Check there isn’t a ‘fake’ mum. Most fake mums don’t interact with the puppies as they fear the real mum returning.

• Watch out for puppies or kittens labelled as ‘rescue’ but with much higher than expected price tags.

• If you feel rushed or pressurised into parting with cash, this is a red flag.

• Health problems observed at purchase are not normal and don’t be convinced otherwise.

• Beware of offers to meet somewhere convenient e.g. car park or motorway services, or ‘shop front’ premises, common with rented properties just to make sales, and ‘sales rooms’ kept separate from nearby or onsite puppy farm.

How has the law been received?

Lucy’s Law has been welcomed by a number of animal welfare campaigners including Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, who said: “We’re incredibly pleased that the government is today introducing a ban on third-party sales of puppies and kittens. We believe that this, along with tougher licensing regulations that were introduced in 2018 and better education of the public on how to buy puppies responsibly, will help to crackdown on this cruel trade.

“We hope these laws will be properly enforced so that all dogs who are used for breeding and selling will live happy, healthy lives where their welfare is prioritised above profits.”

Marc Abraham, media vet, author, founder of Pup Aid and the Lucy’s Law campaign, added that he is “incredibly proud” to have led the 10-year campaign to ban cruel puppy and kitten dealers.

“I’d like to give a huge thanks to UK Government for passing this law, as well as every animal-loving parliamentarian, celebrity, welfare organisation, and member of the public that supported us,” Mr Abraham said.

“Lucy was an incredibly brave dog, and it’s right that her memory is honoured with such an important piece of legislation to help end puppy farm cruelty; protecting breeding dogs just like her, as well as cats, their young, and also unsuspecting animal-lovers from the dangers of irresponsible breeding and cruel puppy and kitten dealers.”

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See photos of this young life saving hero at:

https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-buzz/mumbai-veterinary-student-feeds-stray-animals-every-morning-since-lockdown

This Mumbai Boy Is Feeding Stray Animals Every Day Since Lockdown

For those who think that only human beings happen to face the difficulties and hardships of a distressing time like such, this veterinary student from Mumbai will help you shift your focus to just how bad animals have it.

COVID-19 has also had an equally scarring impact on the lives of stray animals across the nation and unfortunately like us they don’t have a voice. In a bid to help the suffering of these animals, Sagun Bhatjiwale is feeding these animals along with the help of some other good samaritans like himself.

Sagun is a part of he Nature’s Ally Foundation: an NGO dedicated to the welfare of birds, animals and trees, and his good deeds got him noticed on Instagram by account ‘nobordersshop’. The account shared his story, where he talks about how disheartening it is for him to see animals in such anguish

“My heart reaches out to the stray animals of the city, who face the scarcity of food and lack of water on a daily basis, struggling with extreme starvation and dehydration, as human activity has decreased to an unprecedented level.”

Sagun Bhatjiwale

Sagun also spoke about how people were also constrained to step out and help due to the restrictions of the lockdown.

“The shutting down of restaurants and eateries has completely stopped the usual leftovers that are discarded in garbage bins. I could not bear to see the stray animals suffer, so I decided to do something about it. I reached out for help, but no one was ready to risk coming out during the lockdown. I managed to convince a college canteen to help me cook the rice meal for the strays every morning.”

He organised for the food supplies from his own savings, but the bigger obstacle was to find transport to carry the food, however with the help of a local animal lover, Rakesh Gupta, Shagun managed to help feed over 100 dogs every day.

“I could not drive myself and I do not have a car of my own. Luckily a local animal lover, Rakesh Gupta, agreed to drive me. We would get up at 4 am, cook and pick up the rice meal from the canteen and start the no hunger drive. I served some food in plastic bowls and offered it to the strays, making sure to pick up the bowls after they were done. I encountered some pregnant dogs, some lactating mothers with their pups, and many old infirm and/or emaciated ones, who could not scout for food themselves. I used to feed 100-150 dogs per day. It was very heartening to see them eat hungrily.”

Sagun Bhatjiwale

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To see hungry animals finally eat in peace was the motivating factor for Shagun to do this almost every morning ever since the lockdown, despite being stopped by police officers.

“I spent 6-7 hours every morning doing this. I was stopped multiple times by policemen who questioned why I am out on the streets during the lockdown, but they allowed me to continue feeding the stray animals”

Sagun Bhatjiwale

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He requested for people to come forward and help him feed those who don’t have both the means or the ability to express it’s dearth.

“I want to encourage others to participate and feed the strays in your locality, keep a bowl of water outside and regularly refill it.

If anyone would like to join me in saving our animals, contact me at @saguningenious3254 (Instagram account)”

Sagun Bhatjiwale

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Sagun’s efforts are truly heartwarming and praiseworthy!

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WHO chief slams suggestion to use Africa as testing ground for Covid-19 vaccine!

The suggestion by two French medical experts to test coronavirus vaccines in Africa is racist, appalling and a relic of colonial mentality, head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said.

Director-General of the WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, attends a news conference on the coronavirus (COVID-2019) in Geneva, Switzerland February 24, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Jean Paul Mira and Camille Locht brought up the issue during an appearance on the French TV channel LCI last week, pointing to the lack of masks, treatments and ventilators on the continent.

Asked about it on Monday, Tedros said he was “appalled” by the “racist remarks.”

The hangover from the colonial mentality has to stop.

“Africa cannot and will not be a testing ground for any vaccine,” said the WHO chief, who hails from Ethiopia.

“We will follow all the rules to test any vaccine or therapeutics all over the world using exactly the same rules, whether it is in Europe, Africa or wherever.”

Tedros’s comments echo the condemnations made by several European footballers of African heritage soon after the French experts’ discussion aired.

African football icons including Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba have reacted with rage after the two doctors suggested the continent could be used as a testing ground during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Africa is not a playground for you,” tweeted Cameroonian-born former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o. 

Didier Drogba — born in the Ivory Coast — called the suggestion “scandalous” and “absolutely disgusting,” adding that Africans should not be used as guinea pigs. 

Republic of Congo midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, who left Scottish champions Celtic last year and was a Player of the Year for West Bromwich Albion during their spell in the Premier League, added: “Africa is not a trash can or a laboratory. No coronavirus vaccine test in Africa.”

Outraged Senegal star Demba Ba shared the video on social media and called for uproar. “Welcome to the west, where white people believe themselves to be so superior that racism and debility become a banality,” wrote the former Premier League and current Basaksehir forward, urging: “TIME TO RISE.”

Despite its relative lack of protective equipment and technology compared to elsewhere, Africa has been far less affected by the pandemic to date.

Out of the 1.3 million documented cases of Covid-19 across the world, only 9,500 have been registered in Africa, along with just under 450 confirmed deaths.

By comparison, the US has had almost 350,000 cases and over 10,000 deaths.

https://www.rt.com/news/485120-who-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-africa/

And I mean…Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, now supported by Warren Buffett, with their foundations are the main financiers of the World Health Organization WHO.

The BGMF, at the top, finances the WHO’s five billion budget with around 700 million a year, together with the US and British governments, which otherwise keep the UN as short as possible or boycott it.

Among other things, the WHO defines which diseases are important for the world and when an epidemic has become a pandemic.

“The secret WHO boss is Bill Gates,” was the headline of the German weekly “Die ZEIT”, which admires the self-proclaimed human savior.

Conclusion: the head of the WHO reacted correctly and fairly, maybe his reaction cost him the job.

But because Bill Gates is the main shareholder of the WHO (the Bill Gates Foundation is one of the main donors of the WHO), I recommend testing the vaccine on him and his children first.

This means that Bill Gates’ children can be sure that the vaccine is safe.

My best regards to all, Venus

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