Posted on January 27, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Dogs are dying during severe winter storms like the East Coast blizzard because owners are allowed to leave their pets outside in the bitter cold.
Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, GLOBAL PETITIONS - Anything Animal, Anywhere ! | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 27, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
UPDATE – 2030hrs GMT (UK):
————————————-
Dear Mark,
Burns, Oregon is a community under siege.
Armed extremists from several states have flooded this small town and the nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, heeding the battle call of the Bundy militia.
Locals have been traumatized by this armed occupation — residents live in fear of these gun-toting thugs, and community leaders, faced with death threats and vandalism, have sent their families out of town for safety.
I’ve been here for two weeks, and have seen Burns residents stand up bravely to these bullies and tell them to go home. But the militants only dig in deeper — and now they’re looking to export these kinds of armed standoffs to other communities across the West.
We can’t let that happen. The Center for Biological Diversity is in Oregon, organizing on-the-ground protests against the occupation and rallies in other towns in favor of keeping public lands public. We’re in a pitched fight — over not just the Malheur but the future of other public lands in the United States — against those who would rather see our natural heritage turned over to profiteers so it can be logged, mined, grazed and bulldozed.
You can help us take on the Bundys and their ilk with a contribution to the Center’s Public Lands Defense Fund. The situation took a troubling turn over the weekend, when it became clear the Bundy clan wants to sow more armed conflicts across the West. They’re pressing ranchers to stop paying federal grazing fees and, in exchange, the militia will meet attempts to enforce the law with the threat of violence. It’s clear the Bundys relish these conflicts, complete with closed schools, shuttered government services and terrorized civilians, not to mention the desecration of public lands, wildlife refuges and native sacred sites.
They’ve moved from the illegal seizure of the Malheur to coordinating an active terror network whose openly stated aim is to overthrow the federal government and steal our public lands.
There’s a bigger picture here: In Congress, Utah Republicans Jason Chaffetz and Rob Bishop, both heavily funded by the oil industry, have proposed to sacrifice millions of acres of our land to drilling and fracking. They want to twist our laws and do with the pen what the Bundys are attempting to do with the gun. If we don’t stop them, they can do far more damage than what’s happening in Oregon. We need your help at this critical moment to protect and save our public lands. Make a contribution to the Center’s Public Lands Defense Fund. We’ll put your donation to work opposing the takeover of our lands by armed extremists and their allies in Congress.
Author and Oregonian Ursula K. Le Guin recently wrote:
“Ammon Bundy and his bully boys aren’t trying to free federal lands, but to hold them hostage. I can’t go to the Malheur refuge now, though as a citizen of the United States, I own it and have the freedom of it. That’s what public land is: land that belongs to the public — me, you, every law-abiding American.”
For the wild,
Kierán Suckling
Executive Director
Center for Biological Diversity @KieranSuckling
P.S. These scofflaws lack any respect for the natural and cultural heritage of sacred spaces like the Malheur. They’ve been pawing through artifacts belonging to the Burns Paiute Tribe and bulldozing a road through a fenced-off archaeological site. Ryan Bundy claimed a few days ago that American Indians had “lost their claim” to the land and that “the current culture is the most important.” It’s been inspiring to see the Burns Paiute leaders standing up to these bigoted bullies.
Please share this message with your social networks:
Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 26, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
For our non EU visitors – each member state of the EU holds the ‘Presidency’ of the EU for a period of 6 months. From Jan to June 2016 it is the turn of the Netherlands – Holland; a very positive nation when it comes to animal welfare.
This means that each member state currently has the Presidency once every 12-13 years, and so it has a lot of work to do to ‘push’ issues important to it at this time.
Below is a basic insight into the current situation, and the message from the Dutch which we very much welcome. SAV.
———————————–
The Netherlands presidency of the Council of the EU:
1 January-30 June 2016
The Netherlands presidency work programme focuses on four key areas: migration and international security, sound finances and a robust eurozone, Europe as an innovator and job creator and forward-looking climate and energy policy.
The presidency wants an EU that focuses on what matters to Europe’s citizens and businesses, an EU that creates growth and jobs through innovation and connects with civil society. The presidency will promote action at EU level only if it is more effective than policies at national level.
The presidency of the Council of the EU
Council of the EU
What is the Council presidency and how does it work?
29/06/2015
What is the Council presidency and how does it work?
A rotating presidency
The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months. During this 6-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU’s work in the Council.
Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called ‘trios’. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The trio sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an 18 month period. On the basis of this programme, each of the three countries prepares its own more detailed 6-month programme.
The current trio is made up of the presidencies of the Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta.
Eurogroup welcomes statements Dutch Chief Veterinary Officer at Animal Welfare Intergroup.
Today the Dutch Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Christianne Bruschke, unfolded the views of the Dutch Presidency on the future of the European animal welfare related dossiers, saying “animal welfare is not a hype but a basic need in our society as fundamental for a sustainable future”. She also stressed that high ambitions in the field of animal welfare should be reflected in EU regulations as individual EU countries are no isolated islands.
Dr Bruschke called on the European Commission to put forward a new Communication on an EU Strategy on the protection and welfare of animals for the period 2016-2020. In line with the recently adopted resolution of the European Parliament a new Animal Welfare Strategy should ensure the continuation of delivering high animal welfare standards across the Member States. Moreover, the Dutch Presidency would welcome the Commission to examine the perspectives of an updated, comprehensive and clear legislative framework for animal welfare. Such a framework would provide the opportunity to update existing regulations in accordance with new scientific insights, technological innovation and socioeconomic trends whilst addressing shortcomings and omissions.
Furthermore, a new EU platform on animal welfare, of stakeholder organisations and authorities of member states, run by the European Commission, could create more momentum and focus on the animal welfare challenges of the EU. Such a platform could facilitate discussions and exchange of experiences and best practices on implementation, control and enforcement of animal welfare regulations. The proposal of the platform will be presented at the next Agricultural Council meeting on 15th February.
Moreover, the Dutch Government remains to be a strong supporter of a reduction of transport times of slaughter animals to 8 hours as well as for the improvement of transport of conditions like space allowances. Although not expected during the Dutch Presidency, the European Commission should look into a revision of the current Transport Regulation and the reduction of transport times. In 2015 Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands filed a formal request for a revision of the Transport Regulation to the Commission. All three governments remain to urge the Commission for a revision.
Another point of attention for the Dutch Presidency is phasing out non-therapeutic mutilations in farming as reducing this practice will improve animal welfare and contribute to a more sustainable animal husbandry. One of the routinely applied mutilations is painful piglet castration. The Netherlands is fully committed to ending surgical castration by 2018, the deadline stipulated in the European Declaration to on Alternatives to the Surgical Castration of Pigs (Brussels declaration). Together with Germany and Denmark, The Netherlands have urged all involved stakeholders to sign the Brussels declaration and to act accordingly.
ENDS
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, The "Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) ALLIANCE | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 25, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
I just had to include these as they are some of the most incredible artworks I think I have ever seen produced – Enjoy !
Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, VIDEOS | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 25, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Dear Mark,
On behalf of everyone at Soi Dog, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for all the help you have given to dogs and cats in need. Only because of you, can these sick and injured animals get the care they need and deserve and a second chance at a happy life.
I’d like to take a moment and share with you the inspiring stories of Aquila and Finch, just 2 of the many dogs you have saved, as well as an update on the progress of the new life-saving dog hospital and a sweet cat looking for a loving home.
I’d like to share with you the story of a little girl called Aquila and the difference you have made in her life. If you ever doubt that a small monthly gift from you can achieve anything, please read on.
Aquila arrived at our shelter fighting for her life. Just a few weeks old, she was suffering from an extreme case of mange. Tiny and weak, she struggled to eat. All her fur had fallen out, apart from a few sparse tufts on her back. She was scared and confused – and all alone in the world.
Thanks to you, Aquila was able to receive the treatment she so desperately needed and has now blossomed into a friendly, affectionate and playful pup. It is such a stark contrast to the frightened and miserable puppy who first came to the Soi Dog shelter and who had appeared to have given up on life.
When dogs like Aquila arrive at our shelter, they are completely reliant on YOU. Without your support, there is nobody else we can turn to on their behalf. Will you please click here to save more animals like her?
At just 3 years of age, Finch was hit by a speeding car, sustaining such serious injuries to both his eyes that he lost his sight. Having grown up on the streets, never knowing a loving touch or a kind word, this beautiful boy really had a tough life. It is only thanks to people like you that he didn’t lose his life.
Finch was in agony when he arrived at our shelter. So severe was the damage to his eyes that both had to be removed. Tests also revealed that he was suffering from blood parasites and heartworm, requiring urgent treatment.
Finch recovered well from his surgery and, despite all he went through, is a friendly, affectionate dog, who loves nothing more than to have a few cuddles and give kisses in return.
Finch’s lucky day came recently, when he left the Soi Dog shelter for his new home in Canada, where he has settled in well. Finch will never have to struggle to survive again and now knows love like he has never known before.
If you think you may have room in your home and your heart for a rescued dog or cat just like Finch, please click here.
Thanks to compassionate animal lovers, work continues on Thailand’s first ever dedicated hospital for street dogs.
With the extensive tiling work now being 85% complete, we have just taken delivery of some specialist equipment funded by people like you. The air-conditioning units and ultra-violet equipment to prevent the spread of disease is now being installed and the ceiling boards are being fitted. The hospital has passed its first electrical test and there now remains just the ceiling lights and power sockets to add. Construction has also just started on a waste treatment plant.
This life-saving hospital for dogs has come so far thanks to people like you becoming Angels for Dogs. Will you please join us on our final push to save the lives of thousands of sick or injured street dogs every year?
Rej was dumped at the gate of the Soi Dog shelter as a kitten and one year later he is still waiting for a home of his own. He has seen so many other kittens and cats find new homes, so he must be wondering why he is being overlooked.
Rej is FeLV+ (feline leukaemia positive), meaning he can only be adopted to a home that has no other cats or with cats that are also FeLV+.
Rej is a real sweetheart. He is very friendly and playful and can often be found playing with his toys or playing hide and seek with you. What he loves most though is cuddles, and he would love nothing more than to have that special someone to snuggle up with.
Gorgeous Rej really does deserves better than a life in a shelter. He can easily be adopted to Thailand, the US, Canada or Europe and our Adoptions Team will organise every step of the process for you. He also has half of his travel costs already covered!
Please give Rej the chance he deserves. Please email all questions to teresa@soidog.org or click here for more information.
Without you, these dogs and cats would have no one to turn to. I cannot thank you enough for all your kindness and compassion towards animals in need. Thank you for all your support and I know together in 2016, we will save thousands more lives.
John Dalley
Co-Founder
Soi Dog Foundation
Filed under: Animals Requiring Adoption or Homes - Worldwide, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, SHELTER - Information, The "Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) ALLIANCE | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 25, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
HORSE SENSE: PITY THE POOR HORSES – UPDATE ON THE COUNCIL HEARING
our campaign is dedicated to banning the inhumane, unsafe, anachronistic and hack line horse-drawn carriage trade in NYC
On Friday, January 22nd, the City Council Transportation Committee held a hearing of Intro 573-A, the compromise carriage horse bill. It lasted 7 hours. To say it was a disorganized mess would be an understatement.
Many people were upset that most of the members of the Transportation Committee left the room before the public began to testify.
Much time was wasted questioning representatives from the Administration who did not have answers to important questions.
Most people were given only one minute to testify. The groups at the hearing included those of us who oppose the bill because it sells out the horses. Besides most activists, they include the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, Friends of Animals and Catskill Animal Sanctuary. Those supporting the bill who were at the hearing were NYClass, PETA, HSUS, and the ASPCA. Other groups were pressured to sign on to this without ever having read the bill.
The participants also included the carriage drivers, many of whom were not happy with the bill; Teamsters, pedicab drivers whose fledgling industry will be decimated at the request of the carriage drivers because they do not like the competition; good park advocates who threatened to sue the City because a horse stable will be built on public park land — and activists supporting or not supporting the bill.
Some of the drivers told unchallenged lies about the number of accidents or that horses are calm in traffic. Unchallenged because the Committee chair and members do not know enough about this issue to counter these pronouncements. So once again, the drivers were able to get away with lies.
At times it seemed liked a side show with a Northern Cheyenne Indian chief, in a full eagle-feather “peace bonnet,” testified that he communes with the carriage horses and they tell him they love what they are doing.
The chief failed to reveal that he is also a Bronco rider – a very cruel rodeo sport where a bucking strap is tied around a horse’s groin to make him buck.
Then at 11:30 a.m. Council Member Jimmy Vacca, a committee member, tweeted that he was coming out as a gay man. He left the hearing along with several other members.
You cannot make this stuff up.
Links to newspaper articles.
These are excerpts from my testimony:
Why does this tiny, tiny so called industry have so much clout in this city?
They are fewer than 200 people and are not a union shop. What is their power? They take temper tantrums if they can’t get their own way and can bring the city and the administration to its knees?
Prior to 2013, every poll showed about 75 percent in favor of a ban. But after the primary, the Daily News ramped up and began a campaign of lies and deception, never allowing the truth to see the light of day. Most of the rest of the media followed suit. The Mayor and his administration turned the other way and allowed this faction to control the dialogue. When those questionable Quinnipiac polls were done, people only had lies on which to base their vote. Street traffic was never the sole reason we advocated for a ban. There are many other reasons including the sensitive, nervous nature of the horses; the very high turnover , which leads us to believe many of the unwanted go to the kill auctions, and punishing working conditions. Putting the stables in Central Park, which may be illegal, is not going to relieve this and may just exacerbate it because all the abuses will now be within the park and not so noticeable.
Besides there is no requirement for turnout to pasture in this bill – a basic requirement for horse welfare. The same number of drivers will remain while using fewer horses, reduced by about half — still working 9 hours a day, 7 days a week between the shafts of their carriages in the very congested Central Park, where horses have also spooked.
The owners have the right to sell their horses to whomever they want, which could mean to an Amish farm that keeps the horse for a period of time before sending him to the auctions, frequented by kill buyers who may well purchase that horse and ship him on to Canada or Mexico for slaughter.
The new law will not prevent this. The microchip doesn’t make sense because the horse isn’t going to be wanted at an auction. Likewise, it’s a mistake to get rid of the 4-digit hoof number because it’s an important identifying mark. In 2010, I found Bobby II Freedom, a discarded NYC carriage horse, at the New Holland auction, one day away from being returned to the slaughter pen – He was identified by his hoof number. This has also allowed us to report horses who appear to be suffering because we can see this number. The age of the horses to retire remains at 26, but this is past the life expectancy of many, especially drafts.
The temperatures for weather suspension remain at 18 and 90 degrees and there is no consideration for a humidity or wind chill factor – something we have been asking for years.
TO BE CONTINUED …
Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 24, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Maybe some of you wants to give this wonderful girl good home and wonderful life?
She is in Serbia and I have only few days to find her safe place or I have to return her to the street. Unfortunately.
Filed under: Animals Requiring Adoption or Homes - Worldwide, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia, VIDEOS | Leave a comment »
