Posted on January 1, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Activists Sue Oregon to Protect State’s Endangered Gray Wolves
Oregon wildlife officials took wolves off the state endangered species list in November.
Emily J. Gertz is an associate editor for environment and wildlife at TakePart.
Oregon’s recent move to reduce protections for wolves is going to court.
On Dec. 30, three nonprofits filed a lawsuit challenging a November decision by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife to remove gray wolves from the Oregon endangered species list.
The groups charge that the agency failed to follow the best available science on the health of the wolf population, “prematurely removing protections before wolves are truly recovered,” according to a statement from the Center for Biological Diversity, which joined Oregon Wild and Cascadia Wildlands in taking the state to court. “With only about 80 known adult wolves mostly confined to one small corner of the state, Oregon’s wolf population is far from recovery.”
Gray wolves, which are native to Oregon, were once found statewide and numbered in the hundreds or thousands. But an active statewide eradication program, which paid bounties for dead wolves, wiped out the population between the early 1840s and the late 1940s. The current packs are descended from wolves that were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and in the state of Idaho in the 1990s, whose populations have grown and spread westward.
Today’s Oregon wolves occupy only a small fraction of their former range. There were 81 known wolves in Oregon at the end of 2014, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and of 16 packs counted in 2015, 13 had pups during the summer.
Removing the wolves—which continue to have federal endangered species protections—from the state endangered species roster didn’t affect how the animals are being managed in Oregon, according to a November statement from the wildlife agency. “Any take of wolves is highly regulated in Oregon, and the delisting does not mean additional take is now allowed,” the agency stated. “Hunters and trappers may not take wolves in Oregon at this time. The Wolf Plan does not allow for general season sport hunting of wolves in any phase of wolf management.”
But the move might pave the way for expanded wolf hunting if the species’ status under federal law changed in the future.
“Though Oregon’s Wolf Management Plan is working for all but the most anti-wolf interests, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is reigniting old conflicts by caving to political pressure and giving serious consideration to weakening basic protections for wolves, allowing ranchers the flexibility to shoot them if they are believed to be posing a threat to livestock,” Oregon Wild stated on its website.
The agency, however, called the decision to delist the wolf at the state level “a vote of confidence” in how the state was balancing the conservation of wolves with the concerns of ranchers.
Please Ensure You Sign The Petition On The Above Link – Thanks – SAV.
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, GLOBAL PETITIONS - Anything Animal, Anywhere ! | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 1, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Our little sanctuary of animal love needs your help! After many years of witnessing cruelty to animals in Serbia we decided to move to a small village in an old house – where everyone is welcome.
Having a mild heart condition I needed peace – peace with my animals. We lived within our means and everyone was happy. As times passes by, our furry family expanded – many mornings we would wake up and another injured or old dog was left on our door step, then a cage with hamsters, then we got a call if we can take some degui squirrels and chinchillas – we couldn’t say no.
Now our “animal kingdom” consists of: 10 dogs, 5 chinchillas, 2 hamsters, 2 hens, 2 ducks and 5 chicken (that shall be laying eggs when they reach adulthood). – most of them are available for adoption to good homes (except chicken and ducks – I don’t want them to finish in someone’s plate) – lots of animals to feed and we try our very best – but still short of 300E/month (about 400$).
We appreciate any help, including old towels and sheets, fleas/tick treatments but most importantly we need to by food for them.
Any donation is appreciated. You are also very much welcome to visit us – anytime, our doors are always open.
THANK YOU!!
Filed under: Animals Requiring Adoption or Homes - Worldwide, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia, SHELTER - Information, The "Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) ALLIANCE | Leave a comment »
Posted on January 1, 2016 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Enjoy the fireworks of ol’ London Town last night to see in the new year 2016 – impressive!
A new year message from space
ESA astronaut Tim Peake wishes Earth a happy new year from the International Space Station.
Productive Campaigning Everyone
– Lets Hope for a Very Positive Year.
Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 30, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Well it is the night of December 30th 2015 and I am sitting here in a very mild but very rainy Kent, England; thinking about the past year and what 2016 has in store for all of us involved with the welfare of animals.
At first, I viewed 2015 as a rather negative one for positive movement in animal welfare across the globe. But as I delved a little deeper into the abyss; I have to openly admit that we have seen some truly great events this year (2015). 2016 will be even more massive and positive for all of us; I already have that gut feeling within me. Teamwork is the thing that shines through in many of the victories this year; and so we must continue to work together in the future to make the biggest of impacts in whatever issue(s) we are dealing with.
Everything in the way of any specific campaign is not cured, sorted and put to bed overnight, despite our want. Campaigns go on for many years sometimes; but with the wonders of modern communication and the ability to beam news around the world and to each other within a few seconds; we are witnessing a very positive step forward for informing the world about the cruelties which still exist in the animal abusing world. We must use this new ability of quick and mass communication contacting to keep each other informed of where we can support and help each other.
Despite the atrocities which still affect and upset us all, we have to look back at the superb improvements which have taken place over the past year or more and use these as a route for continuation and even more progression into 2016.
I am a personal huge supporter of, and massive admirer of Jill (Robinson) at ‘Animals Asia’.
They have undertaken so many superb bear rescues this year from the disgusting bile farms of the far East; and now provide a sanctuary of security and love for over 40 bears which they have rescued this year alone. We have tried to cover much of this on this site whenever possible.
Earlier this year I made personal contacts with Jill in the hope of setting up a section of Animals Asia within Serbia. This was not to do with any bear rescue, but was intended to be more directly targeted at stray animals; an area in which AA do have a lot of experience. It did not happen in the end as Jill kindly and very reluctantly informed me that the large financial undertaking to get this kind of thing off the ground was really needed for all the bears that had been rescued in the East this year. I fully understood and accepted this – AA was founded by Jill for the saving of bears from bile farms; that is what they do best and that is what they must continue to do first and foremost. I still am a huge supporter of their work and encourage everyone to back them with all of their work to save the bile bears. In summary, we looked at strays in Serbia; but it was decided that ex bile farm bears in the far East were the number one issue for Animals Asia. I understand the situation entirely and I will continue to ensure that we show as much of their (AA) work to rescue bears on this site as we can in the future – and Jill; well she is just one heck of a brilliant lady – she has my full and utter respect in all that she does.
Moving to Romania located here in Europe, Carmen; another brilliant lady, has been working endlessly as a major voice for stray animals there; particularly working at EU level with the full help and support of people such as the President of the Intergroup for Animal Welfare, and EU MEP Janusz Wojciechowski.
In only the last few days we now hear of a superb future facility which may provide a safe and secure home for many Romanian strays, until they can possibly be fostered out to new homes across Europe.
We (SAV) were originally founded as a campaign group to fully expose the terrible treatment of, and to attempt to make better the lives of stray animals within Serbia. This is something we have been attempting for the past eleven years; but it is extremely difficult working with a (Serbian) government and authorities who really are only keen on looking after themselves rather than the dogs and cats that wander their streets. This combined with the fact that they never make or respond to any communication with us only makes things more difficult. We have seen their reactions to the animal welfare campaigners when we looked into the export of what turned out to be Serbian sheep earlier this year. They denied everything; and when we kept on pressing for answers; they made threats that they would close down some of the animal rescue shelters:
How we ask are you really supposed to move forward with national stray reduction programmes when you are not listened to when submitting proposals; whilst at the same time being threatened with animal shelter closures when you ask questions; which in the case of the exported sheep, actually turn out to be true ! – see the above link for more on this.
This particular site is now covering many more international events; but you can be sure that in the background, Slavica and Vesna are constantly working hard within Serbia to provide the government with evidence of their wrongdoings; and to take them to task whenever they fail – which is virtually constantly ! – change for animal welfare in Serbia has to come from within Serbia itself; and so this is why Serbian campaigners are pushing their own government whilst we stand on the sidelines and pick up with many other international issues.
Lesley at ‘Eyes on Animals’ in the Netherlands is doing great for girl power and making a lot of inroads into work exposing the transportation of live EU animals to Turkey as well as greatly improving and advising on better slaughterhouse conditions there; as well as all her great work of the same in Europe. Here is another girl who has my utter respect and admiration.
Moving back to Serbia; we have now almost 1,200 members on our SAV Facebook site – https://www.facebook.com/groups/SerbianAnimalsVoice/ – with help and appeals going out all the time by loads of groups who are requesting help and informing us of their brilliant work to save animals; especially the strays of Serbia.
Dog shelter Alex and cat shelter Felix (both in Serbia) are continuing with their excellent work to save animals from the streets.
Alex:
Felix:
There are far too many of our posts to repeat them all here, but if you wish to see more then type either ‘Alex’ or ‘Felix’ into our Search box at the top right to get a full list of all the posts; which you can then review at your leisure.
What else ? – we are working with many USA national groups to stop the unnecessary slaughter of wolves, coyote and other animals across the Western states especially:
I love Coyote, wolves and others; the USA has all the beautiful animals, and in my opinion, the only thing they should ever be ‘shot’ with is visitors cameras by people who respect what they are witnessing, not guns of any kind !
Zapping back here to the UK, we are being a real pain in the governments backside when it comes to the issue of hunting. The UK banned hunting with hounds over 10 years ago; and despite attempts and promises by PM Cameron to amend the legislation so that hunting may return; the British public, with some great campaigning by groups such as the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) is witnessing the numbers of public opposed to hunting on the increase all the time.
I have not forgotten the brilliant work of Mercy for Animals in the USA; but could go on forever giving you endless links and post reports of all the issues.
So please remember if you wish to find out anything more about any issue, then just use our ‘Search’ box which is located in the top right hand corner. You do not have to type anything special, just a general entry such as ‘hunting’ or ‘LACS’ and you should then be provided with a full list of all the posts we have produced in the past relating to ‘that’ particular area.
Well I am gonna sign off now – the windows are still crying with all the rain, but we are much better off than all the poor folk flooded out up country.
I finish by wishing you all a very happy new year – make 2016 a good one and I hope that this quick review of some campaigns has whetted your appetite for even more hard work in 2016.
Regards and thanks to you all – have a beer on us ! – and we will publish a link in the next few days showing the London new year fireworks display when they take place tomorrow night.
Stay safe – Mark.
You start off at Jeskyns Community Park, which we have now planted up with thousands of new trees over the past five years or so – http://www.forestry.gov.uk/jeskyns – up through the village of Cobham and finish off at the newly renovated Darnley mausoleum which until recent was completely derelict; and a place which I used to visit and get scared stiff at with my mates when I was a young lad. All them ghost stories etc.
And as the norm we do drive on the left over here – or at least most sensible folk try to !!
Above – Time for a beer – Having just finished making our ‘Bee Hotel’
Above – The Leather Bottle pub in Cobham village (you pass it on the bike ride link above) – a one time drinking haunt of Charles Dickens (author)
Below – the newly renovated Darnley Mausoleum – outskirts of the village. Again, you can see it at the end of the bike ride video.
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 29, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Recently, he joked that he had switched from drinking whiskey to vodka for “health reasons.”
Sad news about hearing of the death of Lemmy today.
Thanks for the good times – Hammersmith Odeon, London, way back when – many years ago.
He lived life loud, long and rowdy !!
His family have requested people play his music today, and play it loud !
Keep on Rockin in spirit Lemmy.
Filed under: GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, VIDEOS | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 29, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
We have some very exciting news about a project that is attempting to take shape in Romania. After years of stray animal abuse and killing; we may now be witnessing the start of change.
As an additional issue to the (new project) news we have detailed below, the brilliant Carmen has recently being going to the very top at EU level to give detailed reports about the situation for stray animals. You can see links and videos of our recent articles relating to this directly below, which includes in depth work by Mr Janusz Wojciechowski MEP who has worked very hard at EU Parliament level for the better welfare of the animals.
Here are some of the main videos on the entire situation over EU work by Carmen which you may wish to look at:
But now on to the new project.
It is called ‘Dog Town’ for Romania and is currently being set up by veterinarians and other animal welfare supporters. You can see much more on the idea by clicking on the video link given below – and we really suggest you take a look at this. The facilities are superbly clean and modern; and the concept to help Romanian strays is just a great one. But like all new projects, getting financial support is half the job. This is in progress and you can see more via the same link following.
Below are the words from the people involved themselves – an insight into the project and the answer to several questions which may be asked.
So here goes; after reading and watching the video via the link below we hope you may consider giving something financially to keep this dream project moving forward.
As many of you will be aware; we have covered the issue of Romanian strays in quite some detail in the past. This single link:
should allow you to view directly many of our past reports. The pictures are often graphic; but we (as always) will show the actual reality of the situation and not dress it up to show something else.
SAV.
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Dog Town for Romania
After the act of killing stray dogs was brought into force in 2013, 60.000 dogs were captured and brutally killed.
The municipal animal shelters are totally crowded. Many times the poor creatures are dreadfully mistreated, get no veterinary treatment and are starving with hunger. Many of these dogs die in agony or freeze to death during the winter time, which has already begun. Dog Town is the salvation for those poor souls – for a new life in a loving family ! Without us they have no chance!
Watch more on the people involved and the facilities which it is hoped will be purchased and used:
What is this project all about?
As you are reading this, in Romania stray dogs are captured and cruelly killed. Since a law was passed in 2013 that allows the killing of dogs 14 days after their capture, the situation had dramatically worsened and made a business out of killing stray dogs.
Dogs a hauled to public kennels and “euthanized” if nobody adopts them within 14 days. Every year thousands of dogs fall victim to those publicly endorsed killing schemes and all efforts to implement a sustainable and humane “neuter and release” program have been shattered.
However, amongst the Romanian population, support for animal rights is constantly growing. People rise up against the corrupt dog killing business and with great personal involvement try to save stray dogs from death row, often giving their last penny to feed and shelter the mistreated animals. The images of abandoned, crippled and tortured dogs have burned themselves into Romania´s collective memory. Those who suffer most, are often children. They are traumatized by the everyday dramas unfolding in front of their eyes and the violence they witness live or in the media.
Dog Town is a one of a kind project that offers stray dogs and their saviors a real perspective. The facilities on the huge grounds in the vicinity of Bucharest, provide shelter food and medical aid for hundreds of animals in need. There is space for up to 3000 animals.
Public shelters are no real alternative. They are overcrowded and often house dogs under dreadful conditions. Excrecta on cold concrete floors, no roofs and crammed kennels lead to a high starvation rate. The survivors are “euthanized” after 14 painful days.
Dog Town can offer a true perspective to those animals. Designed as a refuge center it marks the first step towards a place in a new loving home. You can help to make it happen.
What is the project goal and who is the project for?
Dog Town provides a place of refuge for dogs that have been rescued from killing stations by non-profit organizations and dedicated local animal rights activists. Today activists are in despair, because even after having saved an animal from certain death in a killing station or unimaginable suffering in horror shelters, there is simply no place to go.
Animal Shelters are over-flooding and local non profit organizations or activists can not shoulder the financial implications of giving food, shelter and basic medical care to thousands of dogs in despair. Dog Town is a chance to change this scenario. With your help and the donations of animal rights supporters from around the world, we can provide a perspective for animals in need.
Dog Town will be a rescue center and a temporary home to dogs rescued from killing stations and unbearable suffering. We will provide food, shelter and medical care until they can be placed in a new permanent home.
Why would you support this project?
Dog Town is an impressive and inspiring project that is the only one of its kind in Europe. On 3.8 acres of land in the vicinity of Bucharest, it hosts 6 kennels for up to 300 dogs each, provides free running areas and is equipped with a fully operational animal hospital. There is space for up to 3000 animals. The staff live on the grounds in six proprietary flats. Overall it is a safe heaven for dogs that would otherwise face death in a killing station. This safe heaven is in imminent danger.
Without funding, the owner of the complex will start to deconstruct the facilities and with them the hopes of all those who have given their heart and soul to rescuing dogs from death and despair in Romania. We cannot let this happen.
We have the structures in place to safe Dog Town, we have the trustworthy partners to run it, but we need financial support to make it happen – your support.
How will we use the money if the project is successfully funded?
Upon reaching the funding threshold, we can secure the project via contract by depositing the money for a three months’ rent. We have the guarantee, that some monthly rents can be paid, plus some extra charges. We can start with some premises, where small improvements are needed. We can also recruit staff. We have the chance, that some employees, who have formerly been working in Dog Town, may be hired again. We can start negotiations with a first vet. Small renovation work on the entire site can be made. The rental prices for organizations and associations can be calculated. A first selection of tenants for the six halls can be started and after contracts have been signed, they can move in.
Upon reaching the funding objective, the vet’s facilities and equipment can be optimized. The entire infrastructure can also be improved. We can provide 6 apartments, recruit additional staff and possibly further veterinarians. Maybe we can also improve electricity by using solar panels. It will then be possible to have an outdoor area for the animals. If the halls have not yet been occupied completely, this will be changed as quickly as possible.
Upon reaching the funding goal, we acquire the rights for the purchase of Dog Town. It would be utmost advantageous, if we might buy the premises within two years’ time, because during this period 50% of the paid rent will be credited.
Dog Town is a joint project. In the future it shall be operated by several organizations and associations. After the lease agreement has been signed, sub- lease agreements may be concluded with organizations and associations. Part of the operating costs will be covered by the rental fees. Another part may be covered by the leasing cost for the installation of solar panels. This topic is currently discussed. The area and the roofs offer enormous potential and are very much asked for. We will continue to contact potential sponsors and supporters and will also keep in touch with large animal welfare organisations.
Should we be able to reach the amount we are aiming for or even top the target, these additional earnings would not only help to implement further actions on development but to come closer to the goal to secure and buy Dog Town.
Who are the people behind the project?
STARROMANIA (Swiss veterinarians for Romania), who have a long track record of successful animal rights projects in Romania and animal rights legend Claudiu Dumitriu back the project. With all their experience, they are well aware, that Dog Town is the only chance to safe hundreds of dogs who would otherwise face death in a killing station.
Dr. Josef Zihlmann – For the last 25 years, I have backed aid projects across Romania as a veterinarian. We have supported schools, hospitals. physicians, veterinarians, farmers, agricultural collectives. small businesses and formation centers for young farmers.
As president of STARROMANIA I have endorsed projects for stray dogs across Romania. A focus of our work has been the region of Transylvania and the town of Gheorgheni. As honorary ambassador for animal welfare og Gheorgheni, my wife Sylvia and me will continue to support projects across Romania.
Silvia Zihlmann – I have inherited my love for animals from my parents and grandparents. Animals have always been an integral part of my life and I can not imagine our family without a dog as a beloved member.
Together with my husband, I travelled to Romania and under the impression of the horrible situation founded STARROMANIA. Ever since then we have actively and continously worked to improve the conditions for stray dogs in Romania. My ongoing visits to Romania have strenghtened my conviction, that those dogs need our support. Today more than ever. That´s why we continue to fight for them with all means necessary.
Claudiu Dumitriu – Animal rights activist, chairman of the association “Alliance against abuses”, partner of STAR ROMANIA in Romania and initiator of DOG TOWN -The man on the spot
I am constantly fighting against the recalcitrant, corrupt and unpredictable veterinary authorities in Romania – against the suffering of Romanian stray dogs, i risking death by fighting against the dog mafia. I quit my job as an engineer in order to stand up solely for the rights of animals. I give my road dogs a voice in Brussels and conduct countless lawsuits against the injustice, that thousands of stray dogs have to bear.
I name and shame this incredible arbitrariness and cruelty to animals at various demonstrations, in forums, conferences and vet meetings.
As co-author of the document about the Romanian stray dogs, I inform people about the background of the mass killings. I am also responsible for the petition, which is addressed to FVE (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe) and demands the exclusion of all FVE-representatives of Romania.
I won’t stop fighting until the day when I will be sure, that my work has achieved sustained success.
Tierhilfe Grenzenlos Deutschland e. V. – In 2013, due to the new legislation concerning “Streunermanagement”, we became alert to Romania and founded our association to help and support romanian animal-rights activist early 2014. We became attentive to Romania through their new law concerning “dog caster management” in 2013 and then founded our association to help and support romanian animal-rights activists early 2014.
Through the preparatory work we have met Silvia and Josef Zihlmann who very much helped us with the negotiations in Bacau. A deep friendship raised out of this encounter and it goes without saying that we also dedicate our campaign for the projects of Starromania.
Today we are able to help our friends in Romania and others associations with the supply of food through a variety of romanian food manufacturer.
The registered association Tierhilfe Grenzenlos Deutschland e. V. (a non-profit organization) supports our work by kindly providing their registered association account to our Project Dog Town in order to issue in Germany valid donation receipts.
You can also make your donation by directly transferring money to the Starromania account. We will then take care of the transaction with Startnext. Important: please make sure you include your email address and Startnext in the transfer form, this enables us to keep track and ensure that your chosen perk will come your way in the future.
STARROMANIA – Account for donations:
Post – CHF
IBAN CH18 0900 0000 6160 3033 2 BIC POFICHBEXXX or, instead of: Post – EURO IBAN CH38 0900 0000 9183 5016 3 BIC POFICHBEXXX
Jasmin Ellger – For more than 15 years I stand up for the protection and the rights of animals and support people and animals in need.
Animals are part of my life. Since childhood I have accompanied my father to his veterinarian practice and to the farm animals. For the benefit of all beings I renounce the consumption of animal products.
I quit the job as an independent architect to concentrate fully on the fight for animal welfare.
With the crowdfunding campaign I want to contribute to the realization of the Dog Town project and support the great initiators of that campaign in their struggle for these tortured and helpless creatures.
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Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, Romania - Stray Animal Killings 2013, The "Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) ALLIANCE, VIDEOS | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 28, 2015 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Thank you for your support throughout 2015.
From exposing China’s propaganda in schools to pressuring politicians to stand up to China and meet the Dalai Lama, 2015 was a busy campaigning year for Free Tibet. Particular highlights for us were making sure Tibet was repeatedly featured in national and international media coverage of President Xi Jinping’s UK visit in October, and seeing the United Nations’ Committee Against Torture use evidence we submitted to challenge and criticise China in a damning report this month.
It has been another difficult year inside Tibet with dozens of confirmed arrests and disappearances and heavy restrictions on freedom of movement and communications. Despite that, Tibetans have continued to seek new ways to resist China, from defying the authorities and celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday to protesting against land grabs.
Read more about news from Tibet and our campaigning in 2015.
Our work exposing the truth about Tibet and pressuring China remains crucial – thank you for everything you have done to support us this year.
From all of us here, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Eleanor, Free Tibet Director
London, England.
p.s. our work will continue for as long as it must; have you considered supporting us when you’re gone with a gift in your will? You can find out more here.
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »
