Brazil: oil spill and no one knows where from

Posted on September 29, 2019 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

 

Enigmatic oil spill kills animals along the Brazilian coast –
The world sees that the Amazon in Brazil is burning the lungs of our planet. And it’s still burning, but another environmental catastrophe is coming.

 

 

Since September 2, 2019, an enigmatic oil spill kills wildlife along the Brazilian coast. Meanwhile, according to the Brazilian Environmental Agency Ibama, beaches along the 3000 km long coast of the Brazilian Northeast are affected.

Recalling “Deepwater Horizon”, 580,000 million liters of oil flowed into the sea, destroying the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Even now, many marine animals in Brazil are fighting for survival after the oil spill, including oil-glued birds and poisoned turtles, as contact with oil can cause serious damage to their health.

 

 

Although there are extensive oil exploration activities off the coast of Brazil, the authorities have excluded this as the cause of the oil spill. That means a 3,000 km coastline is destroyed by an oil spill and nobody knows where this oil comes from (!!!).
It was April 2019 that the Brazilian Environmental Agency approved the exploration of oil in the largest coral reefs in the South Atlantic.

 

April 21, 2010  the Deepwater Horizon oil rig burns. Mexico.

Since the British energy company BP has been forced to pay a record $ 20.8 billion (following the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico), major oil companies are worried that such sums of money will be due again.

That means – where no plaintiff is not a crime. And unfortunately, the media also play an important role here, because that the huge oil company BP had to pay, is also due to the worldwide protest.

 

For more…at: https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/09/29/brazil-oil-spill-and-no-one-knows-where-from/

 

My comment:

..and best regards to all, Venus

 

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England: Only 2 Days To Stop New Pig Facility From Being Constraucted. Add Your Name to the Letter Now.

Posted on September 29, 2019 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Full details with pictures:

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/09/29/england-only-2-dats-left-to-stop-pig-farm-planning-application-add-your-name-to-the-letter-now-time-is-short/

Hi Mark,

If plans for an intensive pig farm in North Kesteven, Lincolnshire, are approved, nearly 2,000 pigs at a time will be crammed into a small building, where they’ll never be able to breathe fresh air or see daylight.

At just 20 to 24 weeks old, they’ll be packed onto a lorry and sent to the abattoir, where workers will slit their throats and leave them to bleed out.

We have only two days left to speak out against this proposal – the deadline for submitting comments is Tuesday, 1 October. Please add your name to our petition now:

 

TAKE ACTION

 

https://secure.peta.org.uk/page/48844/petition/1?utm_source=PETA%20UK::E-Mail&utm_medium=Alert&utm_campaign=0919::veg::PETA%20UK::E-Mail::lincpig::::aa%20em&ea.url.id=4122095&forwarded=true

 

 

Add Your Name

Thanks for your compassion.

Sincerely,

Elisa A
PETA UK

 

 

Plans have been submitted to North Kesteven District Council for an intensive pig factory farm in Lincolnshire. If the proposal is approved, thousands of pigs will be sent to slaughter every year.

On factory farms, pigs are treated like machines rather than sensitive, living beings. At the proposed facility, nearly 2,000 of them at a time will be crammed into a small building, where they’ll never be able to breathe fresh air or see daylight.

Unable to behave naturally, pigs in extreme confinement often suffer from stress and frustration, which can drive them to engage in aggressive behaviour such as tail-biting, so farmers routinely cut off their tails without painkillers.

The pigs will reach their “finished weight” when they’re just 20 to 24 weeks old, at which point they’ll be packed onto a lorry and sent to the abattoir. At the end of this terrifying journey, the animals are typically stunned with electric tongs or suffocated with carbon dioxide in a gas chamber before their throats are slit and they’re left to bleed out.

Speak Out for Pigs Now

Local residents have described the proposal as an “atrocity” – they are worried about overwhelming odours, noise, and pollution and don’t want this misery on their doorstep.

Please join them in speaking out against these horrific plans by signing our petition to North Kesteven District Council:

Re: Planning application 19/1085/FUL

UN LAB Middleware Label: Petition Title Begins

UN TTL Petition Title Text – *Important Note* You must UNLINK this shared library component before making page-specific customizations.

To: Tom Siddons, Case Officer, North Kesteven District Council

UN LAB Middleware Label: Petition Title Ends

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UN MIS Petition Description Text – *Important Note* You must UNLINK this shared library component before making page-specific customizations.

Dear Mr Siddons,

We are writing in relation to planning application 19/1085/FUL, which seeks permission for the construction of a pig rearing and finishing unit on land north of Station Road, Harmston, Lincoln. The building would hold as many as 1,920 pigs at a time in intensive conditions. We object to this proposal for the following reasons:

  • Waste from the farm – including the pigs’ excrement and spent litter and the on-site slurry tank – would likely produce strong odours, which could potentially have a negative impact on local residents’ quality of life.

  • Operations on the farm – including 16 extractor fans, vehicle movements to and from the facility, and the confinement of 1,920 pigs in a small building – would generate large amounts of noise, which could disturb local residents.

  • The 124 vehicle movements to and from the farm each year would intensify traffic in the area, potentially causing disruption for local residents.

  • Ammonia from the pigs’ waste would be emitted from the farm into the surrounding area, which would likely have a negative impact on air quality and potentially a detrimental effect on human health, wildlife, and the environment.

  • The farm would produce large amounts of slurry, which would be stored on site before being pumped overland for spreading. There would be a risk that this material would leak or spill and contaminate the surrounding area.

  • The new building would likely diminish the character of the rural landscape and spoil natural vistas.

  • Finally, the farm would cause immense suffering to the pigs confined there. Pigs are highly intelligent animals who naturally live in small family groups and enjoy playing, exploring their surroundings, foraging for food, and building nests for their offspring. On intensive farms, they are typically crammed by the hundreds into barren enclosures, where they are denied the opportunity to carry out any of these natural forms of behaviour. This extreme confinement often causes them to become highly stressed, which can drive them to engage in aggressive behaviour such as tail-biting, so farmers routinely cut off their tails and clip or grind down their sensitive teeth, often without pain relief. Ultimately, they endure a terrifying journey to the abattoir, where they are typically stunned with electric tongs or suffocated with carbon dioxide in a gas chamber before their throats are slit.

We hope you will take our objections, along with comments made by local residents, into account when making a decision on this application.

Yours sincerely,

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Top barrister Michael Mansfield: “it is time for a new law on ecocide”

Posted on September 29, 2019 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

‘It is time for a new law on ecocide to go alongside genocide and the other crimes against humanity,’ says Michael Mansfield QC

 

 

Eating meat could become illegal due to the ecological damage it does to the planet, a top British barrister has said.

Michael Mansfield QC believes the government should introduce tighter legislation to make activities which destroy the natural world illegal – and in the future this could even include banning the consumption of meat.

Michael Mansfield QC (pictured) believes the government should introduce tighter legislation to make activities which destroy the natural world illegal ( Getty )

 

“We know that the top 3,000 companies in the world are responsible for more than £1.5tn worth of damage to the environment with meat and dairy production high on the list.

We know that because the UN has told us so.

“I think when we look at the damage eating meat is doing to the planet it is not preposterous to think that one day it will become illegal,” he said.

 

 

Juliet Gellatley, director of animal rights group Viva!, who will also be on the panel, said: “Thirty years ago people didn’t bat an eyelid if you lit a cigarette in a pub or restaurant. But now society accepts smoking is harmful and totally unnecessary and so we legislated against it. The same could happen with eating meat.”

For more…at:https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/09/29/top-barrister-michael-mansfield-it-is-time-for-a-new-law-on-ecocide/

 

My comment: 51% of all greenhouse gases emitted worldwide are caused by livestock farming – more than by total worldwide traffic …. A scary fact!

The problem seems so obvious and it would be so easy to solve: Minimize or completely eliminate the consumption of animal products. For this we need a strong campaign against meat consumption, as in the anti-smoking campaign.

Unfortunately, the problem is swept under the table, everything is twisted or downplayed, people are being manipulated, as the reality of climate control would not be accepted. No attempts are made, and if any at all, then the most absurd, and as always at the expense of the animals.

This goes to such perversions that a part of the flank is surgically removed from the cows and replaced by a glass plate just so that one can better observe the processes of methane production.

 

 

The fact that humankind’s “enjoyment” of animal products is more important than an intact climate is frightening evidence of the irresponsible and primitive thinking of our species.

My best regards to all, Venus

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England: 40+ Years of Campaigning Has Not Been Wasted !

Posted on September 28, 2019 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

See all the pictures and text at:

https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/09/28/england-40-years-of-campaigning-has-not-been-wasted/

 

————————————————————————-

 

28/9/19 – The news today is positive – ‘Animal Welfare’ is the big issue at the Conservative party conference.

 

 

Here in the UK at the moment; we have a Conservative (Party) government. This weekend and into next week is the Conservative party conference; where the ‘table is laid’ about their proposals for the near future. We are very pleased to say that in both the last DEFRA Minister, Michael Gove; and the current minister, Theresa Villiers; we have very animal welfare friendly people. Theresa has always been a big player in the ban for live animal exports. This is reflected in the new manifesto paper released today which outlines the changes which we could see in the future under a Conservative government. #

 

Here below is a copy of the released paper:

 

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/brexit-live-exports-slaughter-transport-animals-ban-tories-boris-johnson-a9123911.html

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/28/tory-green-agenda-criticised-lack-focus-climate-crisis-theresa-villiers-conference

 

https://news.sky.com/story/every-pet-cat-to-be-micro-chipped-under-conservative-plans-11821487

 

Whilst we at WAV welcome many of the initiatives set out in the paper; after all we are an animal welfare / rights organisation; we do have concerns that some issues are still not covered; including a reduction of animals being used in experiments; and failures to promote protection for drastically needed animals such as bees, butterflies and hedgehogs. Nothing has also been said about the culling of badgers; which is currently taking place under this same government.

 

But we do very much welcome the wording regarding a ban on the live export of animals; which is something we have been campaigning for (for) over 30 years; and which as a nation we are against; but unable to implement all the time we are an EU member state. We, as a group; did say a long time ago that if the UK was able to break free from the shackles of the EU, we could take back our own national control; and go for a live export ban. It seems that we have been listened to finally.

 

Under the proposals; the UK could see:

 

Protection of farm animal welfare standards – that animal products sold in the UK come only from animals raised to UK standards or higher.

 

The end of cages – phasing out of intensive cage systems by the end of the next parliament; supporting farmers who make the transition away from cage systems.

 

Mandatory labelling of all meat – the public will be given information on how animals were raised and slaughtered; enabling them to make a choice on what they buy.

 

The end of live animal exports from the UK for both further fattening and slaughter.

 

The introduction of a new law to recognise that all animals are sentient beings; and by going further than EU legislation, it will allow the government and ministers to take animal sentience into account when making lawful decisions on legislation.

 

Teaching animal welfare to children as part of the national curriculum. Children have a natural affinity with animals; so they will be taught about their needs, sentience, and requirements needed in order to respect and protect them.

 

Banning the import of all Foie Gras products in to UK, once we leave the EU.

 

A focus on subsidising farmers and rewarding them financially if they adopt higher animal welfare standards and end cruel practices such as debeaking and the killing of male calves; the by product of a cruel dairy industry, along with the killing of male chicks at birth by the egg industry.

 

Opposing the resumption of commercial whaling; as is currently supported by the UK.

 

Seeking measures to end the terrible business of shark finning.

 

Legislate to improve fish welfare, at production, handling and slaughter.

 

A free vote on non-stun slaughter; and labelling of food to identify how an animal was killed – stun or no stun; enabling the public purchaser to make the choice of what they buy.

 

 

After some 40+ years of being a voice for animals, all of the above is very welcome news. Naturally there are other issues that we still have to work on; but hey; main issue at the Conservative conference; 15 years ago ‘animal welfare’ was not even really spoken about.

 

 

Today is a good positive sign for me; that my 40+ years of campaigning have not been wasted. Finally our voices are being heard where it matters by the people who are able to make the changes we ask for. The changes will not happen in the next week, but some of them could be underway by the time hopefully we get out of the useless EU by the end of this year.

 

Thanks to the tenacity of many excellent folk I have campaigned with over the years; sadly some of whom are not around now to hear this; I am tonight thinking back at them and remembering what they did to be a voice for animals.

 

Tonight I am thinking and hoping that the 40+ years I have campaigned for animals, will move on in the near future to even better things. Finally we are being listed to. I also want to send respect and good luck to Greta with her environmental campaigning; she has done wonders with the global support of many activists. She is the future; not the ignorant ‘Trumps’ of this world.

 

This is worth a read – with some great photos:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7513303/Greta-Thunberg-hits-people-want-silence-us.html

To ALL Campaigners – Fight the fight – it may take time, but in the end you WILL WIN ! 

Regards Mark

 

 

 

 

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Brilliant Thailand! – Banana leaves instead of plastic packaging!

Posted on September 28, 2019 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

It all started in Thailand. A Thai supermarket had come up with an ingenious way of reducing plastic packaging: instead of using plastic banana leaves.
When the supermarkets in Vietnam found out about this ingenious idea, they too took part.

Fruits and vegetables are simply wrapped in a banana leaf and wrapped in a flexible bamboo. Banana leaves are a great alternative to plastic because the leaf is big, thick and supple enough and can be folded. Instead of throwing away the banana leaves, they are now meaningfully used.

 

How quickly such ideas are implemented, now also show supermarkets in the Philippines. In line with this environmentally friendly trend from Thailand and Vietnam, supermarkets are beginning to use banana leaves instead of plastic as packaging.

Usually in the net photos excite indiscriminately in plastic packed fruits or vegetables, but this time it was the other way around. Instead of throwing away the banana leaves, they are now meaningfully used.
Many countries in Asia have declared war on plastic and also return the plastic waste from Europe to the countries of origin.

 

“This is part of our plan to do something about plastic waste, and we hope we can use that idea for fresh meat as well,” said the supermarkets in Vietnam.

Customers are excited: “When I see vegetables in these beautiful banana leaves, I’m more willing to buy larger quantities. I think this initiative will help the locals better protect the environment, “says one customer.

 

For more…at: https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/09/28/brilliant-thailand-banana-leaves-instead-of-plastic-packaging/

My comment: Some countries are really doing something to save the climate factually and with simple means! Although they are poor countries and not European.
We do not have bananas in Europe, but we have paper. Paper bags are available in most supermarkets in Germany so the customers can pack their food environmentally friendly.

And here is the problem!

Most do not do, plastic packaging is more comfortable and uncomplicated!
Measures must always come from the top and as a law, not as a voluntary alternative.
Because the climate problem is serious, very serious, and therefore can not be left to the free will of each individual.

So far, and despite 100,000 demonstrators at the strike demonstration in Berlin, we  remain patriotic on our German national sport: outrage!

The topic is on everyone’s lips, wich really is nothing other than to speak about FACTS:
Plastic is to blame
Factory farming is to blame,
Cars are to blame
Forest fire is to blame …
and nobody sees himself responsible for at least one climate killer.

An army of propaganda as a climate savior has suddenly appeared.

Some useless politicians think climate rescue is good, and a lot of unsuspecting but enthusiastic demonstrators are hoping this rescue will be through parade demos. Most do not even know what climate is and confuse it with weather.

Mass animal husbandry as a climate killer No. 1 is deliberately not addressed, only these militant vegans do it … bad, right?

The outraged environmentalists are currently concerned with the Deus ex machina Greta Thunberg, the icon of the climate hysterics, whether she will finally be pronounced as saints or at least receive the Nobel Prize.

Of course, Greta will get a Nobel Prize.
Even Obama got it.

 

My best regards to all, Venus

 

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Qatar: High tech stables!

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

What happens to the many breeding animals that are exported from Germany to the world? They land – for example – in Qatar – by plane.

Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world, but relies on imports for food. Now the little emirate wants to be self-sufficient. No matter what it costs. Especially for the animals!

 

On a mega-dairy farm with 14,000 cows. Soon it will be 20,000. A total of 30 luxury stables will be built!!

“This is pretty much the last place in the world where you would build a dairy farm,” says Peter Weltevreden.

He must know, because Weltevreden is the boss of Baladna, the most extraordinary cow stall in the world. The company is preparing to provide the desert state of Qatar with milk and dairy products.

 

 

The desire for self-sufficiency has a serious background: Saudi Arabia and the neighboring Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi – traditionally Qatar’s major trading partners – accuse the Qatari of supporting terrorism and seeking proximity to Shiite Iran. In mid-2017, Saudi Arabia closed the border and cut the emirate off its traditional supply routes. Other countries in the Sunni-Arab world joined the boycott.

Procuring food has suddenly become a national challenge for the richest country in the world.

 

Livestock at 50 degrees outside temperature sounds bizarre. But farms like Baladna are nothing new in the Middle East. Everything is imported, including the professionals. Water is recycled. The stables be cooled.

“The special tunnel ventilation system has been specially designed for us,” says Ramez Al-Khayyat, owner of Baldana Farm, “as well as the water mist cooling system that controls the climate – something that is nowhere else in the world.” The air conditioning provides 25 degrees, fans exude a slight breeze in the halls.

“The animals will be better off here than in Europe”, so his analysis.

 

 

Edmund Haferbeck, agricultural expert of the animal protection organization PETA, describes the cow connection as “completely wrong and meaningless”.

For one thing, the animals would have been carted to the airports through half of Europe; on the other hand, Qatar has neither the know-how for cattle breeding nor the climatic and holding possibilities.

 

For more…at: https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/09/27/qatar-high-tech-stables/

My comment: An end to the blockade is not in sight. But instead of the planned isolation, it seems to bring Qatar economic reforms.
Although Qatar is small, has become extremely rich through the trade in liquefied gas from the Gulf. With the import of cows Qatar wants to prove (in addition to other political aspects) that the country can provide itself.

A cow in a climate environment under 30 degrees requires 100 liters of water per day. We can imagine how many liters of water need 25,000 cows in a 50 degree desert.

These cows in these mega stables will almost certainly never put a hoof in the desert in their  life because cows should get as little upset as possible to give them as much milk as possible.

They will do what cows all over the world and in any farm do: eat, sleep, calve, give milk.
Heat, embers and gerbils are a potential source of excitement. Everything is obviously kept sterile and eerie, as if they were not live beings.

The animals in the factories here in Europe are not better, they are even worse.

But the air-conditioned mega stables with suffering animals in the middle of nowhere are no progress in the factories of slavery.

“It is not larger, cleaner cages that justice demands…but empty cages, the total eradication of these barbarous practices” (Tom Regan)

My best regards to all, Venus

 

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Boe`s story

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

 

 

🐷You’ve heard of sow stalls, but have you heard of boar stalls?

In an unseen facet of pig farming, boars are kept in small stalls all their lives, only briefly being released for semen collection a couple of times a week.

Please share Boe’s story.
Stay tuned for the full investigation of this facility.

Best regards to all, Venus

 

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

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