Dear friends,

Another year of cruelty to animals is over and a new year of cruelty to animals begins.

If we honestly and disillusioned draw a balance about the facts in animal welfare for the old year, we should admit that every crime was allowed and every crime was possible again.

So we can safely assume that it will again be a fascist-coordinated dance of death for the animals, led by a disinterested majority of society together with corrupt governments.

And yet we are determined to continue our struggle.

Because of our experience we know:
who fights can lose
who does not fight has already lost

But in view of the ever stronger and legalized violence from the side of the rulers, tactics, and methods are required and we have to rethink this.
We have to act more courageously, more directly, and more massively.

And there’s one thing we don’t have to ignore: we have to stay united.

I wish that to every one of us for the coming year.

My best wishes and regards to all, Venus

 

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After talks with PETA, designer Monique Lhuillier banned fur

This decision will save countless animals from being confined to cramped and filthy wire cages before being violently killed for their fur. https://peta.vg/30h6

The list of fashion designers who have banned fur from their range is now long.
And therefore makes us happy.

After 20+ years of PETA protests against kangaroo-fur loafers & seal-fur boots, @Gucci finally pledged to join the #FurFree fashion houses.

That was in 2017

VICTORY! After decades of massive pressure from PETA & activists, the largest US department store @Macys just announced it will stop selling fur!

That was in 2019

 

For more…at https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2020/12/30/the-vegan-fashion-revolution/

And I mean...Yes! we can speak of great progress.
Corona has also done a lot to expedite this fur farm elimination process.
Millions of fur animals were cruelly killed despite not self-infecting corona, but many fur farms were closed as a result.

We would like to hope that our struggle on all levels has also contributed to the fact that many people today regard fur as a product of torture and renounce it.

But fur is still sold and carried on because this society does not voluntarily give up the privilege of slave ownership.
Therefore our struggle will continue.

We fight for the abolition of all fur farms

My best regards to all, Venus

 

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Franz Kafka is thought to have uttered these words to fish he was admiring in an aquarium.

The novelist is believed to have been attracted to a meat-free diet for health reasons – and, like many of the great brains who ditched meat – out of respect for animals.

We’re not sure the anecdote is true.
But we are sure of one thing: people who can look animals in the eyes without feeling guilty are getting more and more.

Regards and good night, Venus

 

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Animal Equality has published harrowing footage of chickens suffering on a German farm used by the country’s largest chicken producer, Wiesenhof.

The company’s products are distributed widely, including by major German retailers Edeka and Rewe.

THE DETAILS: During undercover research at a broiler chicken farm in the German state Saxony-Anhalt from February to April 2020, numerous violations of animal welfare regulations were documented.

The resulting material was leaked to Animal Equality and on December 11, 2020, we filed a complaint against the farm with the relevant German authorities. The images captured by activists are disturbing:

– The animals are brutally kicked and aggressively pushed through the hall by the workers.

– The workers repeatedly perform so-called emergency kills in violation of regulations and animal welfare. The animals’ necks are twisted, and these attempts to kill them take place without anesthesia. In many cases, the animals are disposed of alive in buckets.

– Many of the animals writhe in pain after the cruel killing attempts, sometimes for several minutes until they slowly die in agony.

BACKGROUND: In this operation alone, approximately 210,000 animals are affected by such cruel conditions.

The PHW Group, which includes Wiesenhof, is Germany’s largest poultry breeder and processor and one of the largest companies in the German food industry, slaughtering 354 million birds annually.

Wiesenhof: It is routine practice in the poultry industry to dispose of animals while they are alive.

 

CREATING BREEDING GROUNDS FOR DISEASE: In today’s world, the impacts of inadequate hygiene measures on farms are more important than ever.

For more…at https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2020/12/29/chicken-farming-in-germany-the-scandals-have-no-end/

 

And I mean…Throwing away and cruelty to animals has a long tradition on this farm.
As early as 2010 and after undercover recordings, there were serious allegations against Wiesenhof.

A tenant couple said at the time:

“We were taught to break the necks of animals without anesthesia, without holding a stick. This is exactly how the vaccination team did it and this is exactly how a Dr. Löhren killed the animals. “

After the publication of this first Wiesenhof scandal in January 2010, the regulations were changed.
Previous anesthesia with a wooden club or a rubber mallet is mandatory for all farmers.
Also for the chicken baron Wiesenhof.

And yet ten years later everything stays the same.

Wiesenhof, like other animal farms, has strong lobbyists in politics, which explains a lot in relation to the undisturbed operation of a farm that should have been closed long ago.

If even members of parliament like Johannes Röring and Josef Riefs keep pigs under dire conditions, why should the Wiesenhof be afraid of punishment?

In total, the PHW Group slaughters around 350 million broilers per year under its Wiesenhof label.

Where tens of thousands of animals are housed in a confined space, e.g. B. 27 chickens per square meter, dangerous pathogens multiply at lightning speed. Since not every sick animal can be treated individually, a dose is quickly administered via the drinking water.

This way, the healthy animals get antibiotics right away – practical, because antibiotics are cheap fattening accelerators.

One of the suppliers of the most famous fast-food chain Mc Donalds is the company “Wiesenhof”!

McDonald’s has so far obtained around three percent of the poultry meat it sells in Germany from Wiesenhof.
Measured against the high consumption, this makes up at least 20 tons per week – extrapolated over a year that is more than 1000 tons.

Animal welfare is anything but fair for animals in Germany.
That only protects the crueler.

These documentations prove the fact: Illegal animal cruelty practices are quite “normal” in the meat industry, also in Germany

My best regards to all, Venus

 

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Our Compass | Because compassion directs us … (our-compass.org)

Thank you to Stacey at ‘Our Compass’ for sending this info and the links over – appreciated.

Regards Mark

https://youtu.be/RzmEALGalIQ

 

Source Surge , Global Vegan Crowd Funder (GVCF)

A bunch of crazy vegans got together and decided to do something amazing: convince the public to chip in and buy a plot of land once used for grazing dairy cows to turn it towards something plant-based. Is their crowdfunding victory a fluke, or is it a sign that the world is finally changing? Jackie Norman looks at other projects at the vanguard of alternative land use.

A landmark purchase is ‘just the beginning’ for an organisation whose mission is to acquire land currently used for animal agriculture, and give it back to nature and the sentient life that depends on it. The Vegan Land Movement made history in September when they successfully won an auction for 3.3 acres of dairy grazing land in the UK, purchased with donations to their funding platform, Global Vegan Crowd Funder.

From the outset, support for buying out the land was high, with donations flooding in on social media from those eager to be a part of something which collectively could make a big difference. The land, at Earlake Moor in Somerset went under the hammer for £16,000 and promises to become a fertile haven in an area surrounded by dairy farming. This huge milestone is a powerful indication of the public desire for change, resulting in another inspiring example of how many areas of farmland are being transformed around the world.

Growing oats with ease

With sales of plant-based alternatives increasing by 25% last year alone, more and more dairy farmers in Switzerland are recognising the extent of animal suffering and working on transforming their land into kinder, more sustainable enterprises where a variety of crops can be grown to benefit both animals and people. One such example is Urs Marti, whose family milked cows for generations. Today, Urs and wife Leandra Brusa are responsible for producing some of the country’s first organic oat milk and also grow polenta corn and lentils:

“We no longer wanted to be part of this eternal cycle in which the cow is inseminated, the calf is taken away, the cow is milked, the calf is fattened and slaughtered – and then everything starts all over again. The animals no longer have to do anything here, except grow old, fat and happy.”

In return, the cows aid the growing process by simply being themselves, helping to cultivate and fertilise the land.

A cow’s milk can only flow when calves are born. Therefore, dairy cows have to be inseminated and give birth all the time. The new-born calves are shredded into dog food or sold abroad. The screams of mothers for their children are bloodcurdling.

Hazelnuts and hiking

Fellow countrywoman Danique Kottelenberg has been instrumental in encouraging her parents, Gerard and Joke, to convert their dairy farm from animals to plants. A sixth-generation farmer, Danique has her eyes firmly set not on milking cows like the generations before her, but using the land to grow hazelnuts and almonds:

“Why are we buying hazelnuts from other countries when they can be grown well here?”

The family’s new sustainable farming plan also includes an edible native forest of almost four hectares, which will produce berries, fruit and nuts. They even plan to create hiking trails in the forest for overnight hikers and would-be foragers, demonstrating there is no shortage of options for those who want to truly make the most of their fertile and beautiful land.

From slaughterhouse to sanctuary

In Beat and Claudia Troxler’s eyes, there is no difference between farm animals and pets. ‘They are all equally valuable and individual’. Until recently, the Troxler farm was like any other ‘normal’ farm. Pigs were fattened and taken to the slaughterhouse every few months. Cows gave birth and their babies were taken and sold. No more, however. Today the farm is a ‘farm of life’, where the only milk in its future is oat milk and if space allows, the couple also hope to take in other animals rescued from the slaughterhouse. ‘Our cows are no longer inseminated and the calves are allowed to stay with their mothers and drink their milk. We have pigs, horses, alpacas. Everyone is happy and will be allowed to live here forever’.

Choosing kindness over cruelty

Shutting the gates permanently on his dairy farm may have been a gamble but for Pierre Zocher and his 110 cows it was worth it:

“A cow’s milk can only flow when calves are born. Therefore, dairy cows have to be inseminated and give birth all the time. The new-born calves are shredded into dog food or sold abroad. The screams of mothers for their children are bloodcurdling.”

Pierre wanted his animals to be treated with the respect and love they deserved, rather than as ‘goods’. There was one major obstacle however – how would he manage to maintain the costs of feed, water, electricity and other essentials for them and the land? Just like the Vegan Land Movement, Pierre discovered there is no shortage of people wanting to help make a difference and he was able to find sponsors for his entire herd, who support his project with EUR 50 per month. The ex-dairy farmer now operates organic agriculture and his cows have a safe home all together for life.

Keeping one step ahead of the plant protein demand

Sixth-generation cattle rancher Richard Traylor is living proof it’s never too late to change. He and his wife Cindy became vegan in 2018 after one of their cows, Honey, became injured and Cindy tried to find a sanctuary where she could live out her days, rather than being sent to slaughter. After reaching out to several sanctuaries with no luck, Cindy connected with fellow Texan Renee King-Sonnen, founder of Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. Not only did Renee find a home for Honey, she was also able to establish positive conversations with the couple about veganism. Today, instead of farming animals, Richard and Cindy are looking into growing all manner of different crops, including fava beans and peas, to keep one step ahead of the increasing demand for plant-based protein.

A lifeline for animals, and farmers

Fellow American Mike Weaver left behind 15 years of poultry farming after becoming disillusioned with welfare and practices and instead repurposed his chicken houses for growing hemp and extracting CBD oil. Both he and the Traylors have embraced the support and inspiration offered by animal welfare groups such as Mercy for Animals, Miyoko’s Creamery and the Rancher Advocacy Program, who are all committed to helping farmers transition away from livestock farming.

Swiss-based agricultural consultant Sarah Heiligtag has noticed a huge increase in farmers wanting to make the change, almost all of them dairy farmers:

“As many as five get in touch every week.  The decisive factor is usually animal suffering.”

There is also the climate aspect: cattle farming is responsible for a large part of the emissions in agriculture. To help combat some of these effects in the Netherlands, the government launched an initiative last month in which livestock farms with high nitrogen emissions can apply for financial support to give up animal husbandry.  Participation is voluntary and is part of the government’s goal to achieve a ‘healthy nitrogen level’ in at least half of its protected Natura 2000 areas by 2030. It plans to provide a total of 1.9 billion euros over the next 10 years to buy out companies who are willing to stop keeping livestock and instead use the land for nature conservation or other sustainable farming methods.

Dutch farmers already successfully implementing their own initiatives include brothers Bart and Tom Grobben, who began converting their dairy farm to soy and soy milk production in 2017:

“Our ancestors back then went with the times by producing cow’s milk.  We as the youngest generation are also now responding to the developments of this time. With our own Dutch soy, we can continue to build on the foundation that the generations have laid before us. Together with consumers and other Dutch farmers, we are building an entirely new galaxy.”

So, what’s next for Earlake Moor?

With the land now safely tucked under their belt, the Vegan Land Movement say they are in no immediate hurry to redevelop:

“We are currently exploring a range of options; most likely the land will be rewilded and perhaps, in conjunction with local groups/volunteers we could consider establishing a community orchard or allotment. We want to see what already grows and flourishes naturally, which will steer us to enable the land to achieve its full potential with our assistance. This first land buyout is the start of what will hopefully be a powerful and transformative change to the way we live, eat and view the world. We are also working on creating a trust structure to protect Earlake Moor and any further buyouts in perpetuity. Other countries have developed structures to do just this and we are taking guidance from these pioneering examples.”

“Our vision is to unite people around this simple idea, which has begun with this small 3.3 acre plot of land. Then we may begin to see more and bigger land buyouts, more rewilding of our Earth, more veganic produce for us all to benefit from and less species’ declines. Imagine for example, the possibility of converting an intensive animal factory farm into veganic mushroom production? This is where the power of the Vegan Land Movement lies, in building a community to effect real change.”

For more information on the Vegan Land Movement and to donate, please visit Globalvegancrowdfunder.org/vegan-land-movement

Download Your FREE Vegan PDF HERE

Order a FREE vegan kit HERE

Download Your FREE Dairy-Free PDF HERE

Take the Dairy-Free Challenge HERE

Click HERE for more Dairy-Free

Fish alternatives can be found HERE

Learn about eggs HERE

Find bacon alternatives HERE

Take PETA’s Cruelty-Free Shopping Guide along with you next time you head to the store! The handy guide will help you find humane products at a glance. Order a FREE copy HERE

Searching for Cruelty-Free Cosmetics, Personal-Care Products, Vegan Products, or more?
Click HERE to search.

Free PDF of Vegan & Cruelty-Free Products/Companies HERE

Click HERE to find out How to Wear Vegan!

Want to do more than go vegan? Help others to do so! Click below for nominal, or no, fees to vegan literature that you can use to convince others that veganism is the only compassionate route to being an animal friend:

PETA HERE

Vegan Outreach HERE

Get your FREE Activist Kit from PETA, including stickers, leaflets, and guide HERE

Have questions? Click HERE

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WAV Comment – This is fantastic news.  And take it from me (Mark – Englishman); to have Mike Mansfield involved could not be better.  He has been a plant based foodie for a very long time; and is one of, if not the, most respected legal people in the country.  He has always been dedicated to animal welfare, which is probably why he has decided to become involved with this case; especially if it against the government for the better of animals.  I would guess that now, government legal people must be quaking in their boots a bit; regardless of the outcome; which we all wish will be positive; Mike will endure the issue gets maximum publicity.

Regards Mark

 

RSPCA calls for cut in meat and dairy as activists launch legal fight to end factory farming

Exclusive: Case believed to be the first of its kind worldwide will challenge ministers over intensive animal agriculture 

RSPCA calls for cut in meat and dairy as activists launch legal fight to end factory farming | The Independent

Animal-welfare activists are planning a legal challenge to the government to force ministers to end factory farming in the UK to halt damage to the environment and human health.

And RSPCA members have also called for a major cut in meat and dairy consumption in what has been hailed a landmark decision after years of debate over how much the charity should speak out on climate issues.

In the legal case, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, members of a group called Humane Being are crowdfunding with the aim of raising £60,000 to force ministers to curb intensive animal agriculture.

They say it is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions and risks starting new pandemics by spreading viruses, as well as causing deforestation, animal cruelty and antibiotic resistance.

Phasing out intensive animal farming would end the harm and help create systems of producing food that are more sustainable to feed the world’s population in the long term, they say.

The legal team includes Michael Mansfield, the human-rights lawyer who has acted in cases from the Stephen Lawrence murder to Hillsborough and the Grenfell disaster.

The group has already written to  George Eustice, the environment secretary, asking whether the issues have been considered and whether there are any plans to ban industrial farming or remove subsidies.

Earlier this month, RSPCA members voted at their AGM by 88 per cent to call for an end to intensive animal agriculture in the UK and for a significant cut in meat and dairy consumption to achieve the country’s climate targets.

Jane Tredgett, a former board member of the charity and the founder of Humane Being, said: “It is great to see the RSPCA getting on board with this messaging.  

“I spent 10 years urging the RSPCA to be more progressive. Under the new chief executive, Chris Sherwood, the society is now moving forward (and closer to the vision of the original bold founders) and this vote symbolises that.”

Peta Smith, another campaigner, said: “We hope this proves to be a landmark decision for the RSPCA. Slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce co-founded the society in 1824.

“We are trashing our planet for a dangerous and short-term fix of cheap meat and dairy.”

The RSPCA resolution acknowledged “the serious immediate and long-term issues linked to factory/ intensive farming of animals” and calls for an end to UK-based intensive animal agriculture.  

It cited climate crisis targets, environmental pollution, pandemic risks, antibiotic resistance, global food security and farming systems that “deny sentient, intelligent animals any sense a normal life, whilst subjecting them to painful mutilations with no anaesthetic or pain relief”.

The vote is not binding but Ms Tredgett said they were looking to the board to take concrete steps to promote a ban on factory farming.

The World Health Organisation and other UN experts have pinpointed animals or food of animal origin as a starting point for emerging diseases, such as Covid-19, and some of the world’s leading scientists have warned future pandemics are likely to be more frequent, spread more rapidly and kill more people if humanity continues to exploit animals. 

Livestock account for 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation.

A report last month warned a new bird flu virus with “high transmissibility” would make Covid-19 appear mild, with factory-farmed chickens exposed to a “cocktail” of infections, creating a “near-perfect breeding ground” for a disease outbreak of pandemic potential.

David Finney, of Humane Being’s Scrap Factory Farming campaign, said: “We are sitting on a pandemics timebomb. Factory farming – with huge numbers of animals in cramped and unhygienic conditions – is the perfect breeding ground for these diseases.  

“We may eventually get control of Covid-19 but we are doing nothing about the conditions that created it in the first place.”

Asked by The Independent whether realistically the government would shake up an entire industry, Mr Finney said: “While of course there is a possibility they may not, the risk of deadly zoonotic diseases hitting factory farms makes the challenge more serious; if they don’t seek to bring about the end of factory farming, the government is not adequately protecting its citizens; 14 outbreaks of avian flu hit British farms just before Christmas.”

He said he was confident the £60,000 needed for the full legal challenge would be raised. So far, nearly £5,000 has been raised.

“The scale of factory farming is also incredibly cruel,” he added. “Pregnant pigs are confined in metal crates before giving birth; they have no room to turn around for up to 12 weeks a year. Calves are removed from their mothers within days or even hours of birth.”  

Lorna Hackett, of the legal team, said: “Dietary over-reliance on animal products produced by intensive means has created an environmental and human health imperative. 

“This case, which we believe to be a global first, starts with a key mitigator – the banning of cruel factory farming. That is breeding and risking incidences of disease that pose a health risk that the authorities cannot continue to ignore.”

Mr Sherwood said the RSPCA had a goal of seeing at least half of all farm animals in the UK reared to RSPCA welfare standards, and encouraging the public to reduce the amount of meat they eat, choosing higher welfare options and laboratory-grown meat when it is commercially available.    

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “We’re proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, and we are fully committed to strengthening them further to ensure all animals avoid any unnecessary pain, distress or suffering.

“That is why we will be bringing in new laws on animal sentience and are currently reviewing slaughter welfare regulations.”

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TryVeg.com – A Guide to Vegan Eating. – World Animals Voice

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