Serbia: 15/02/14 Update – Zvezadra Forest Park Has Now Been Saved Thanks To Biologist Dr. Miroslav Demajo and All His Supporters – Great News !

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

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belgrade forest

15/02/14 – We have some great news to share with you today. 

Way back in 2009 we wrote a post in relation to a campaign to save Zvezadra forest park which is located close to the centre of Belgrade.

Biologist Dr. Miroslav Demajo headed the campaign, attempting to save a forest area of over 80 hectares which contained a huge amount of different birdlife and was home to no less than 5 different species of owl alone.

Dr. Miroslav set up a website completely dedicated to this campaign; the site which can be viewed at:  http://zvezdarskasuma.blogspot.com

Click on the following link to see our post to save the forest from 2009:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2009/09/11/serbia-campaign-for-the-protection-of-zvezdara-forest-in-belgrade/ 

Today, 15/02/14 we have been sent a great news mail by Dr. Miroslav, informing us that now the forest has been recently proclaimed a Nature Monument, grade of protection III but protecting plants and animals according to Bern Conventino, and other local and International laws. 

The message sent today by Miroslav is as follows:

Dear Mark,

I hope You remember me as I have been helping Vesna Mechanin concerning protected areas in Serbia, namely, Stara Planina and others. Just to remind You, for 5 years our Association for the Protection of the Zvezdara Forest in Belgrade has fought a battle to save this wood park in Belgrade. You have once put this also on Your WEB site.

I am happy to write that the forest of some over 80 hectares has been recently proclaimed a Nature Monument, grade of protection III but protecting plants and animals according to Bern Conventino, and other local and International laws. It was a long tedious battle but we have succeeded, a handful of enthusiasts. 

Thanks for Your help and may the battles for Nature continue.

With best wishes,

Dr. Miroslav Demajo, biologist

Belgrade

We want to now send our congratulation to Dr. Miroslav and all the dedicated campaigners who have campaigner long and hard for over 5 years to obtain protection for the forest and for all the wildlife species living there. 

The forest will now remain a protected area which will allow the citizens of Belgrade to visit and enjoy; knowing that their haven of green is no longer under threat.

Congratulation to Dr. Miroslav; we are all very happy for your excellent campaign and for your great news in protecting the environment and wildlife.

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/big_refractor_dome.jpg

The name of the forest park Zvezdara comes from word “star” because of the Astronomical Observatory located there, close to the centre of Belgrade – see above photograph.

The Observatory built in the 1930s. After the II World War, volunteers planted the forest. For years, illegal building was taking place and in 2009 the City officials wanted to take 2 hectares for the adjacent hospital, some more land for a church and also for other construction.

A group of citizens established a group concerning the saving of this park. During the first few  weeks about 3000 signatures were collected from concerned citizens for the petition.

The fact was that the hospital itself had enough space for additional construction within its enclosure and even doctors with whom campaigners were in contact with said that it was not necessary to expand the hospital outside its existing site. The Church had a temple already close by.

Campaigners contacted officials and sent protest letters to many Institutions.

All this was actually based around the existing corruption that related to construction sites etc. as the forest land was very tempting and cheap. The forest is very healthy, rich in birds. About 5 species of owls live there. The forest also helps keep erosion away and is vital in its importance in keeping good air quality and milder climate in summer for the city.

Belgrade does not have many places like this and the forest is a unique space for recreation.

 

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Facebook Page for cctv In Serbian Slaughterhouses Launched – Lush to Support Scotland for Animals In Wanting ALL Scottish Slaughterhouses Fitted With cctv.

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

EU AW LOGO

slaughterhouse cctv

A Facebook page for Serbia calling on the mandatory installation of cctv in all EU slaughterhouses has now been established.  It can be accessed via the link immediately below.

Serbia is currently undergoing procedures to become a future EU member state; therefore it is necessary that Serbia as well as all current EU member states install cctv into their slaughterhouses to ensure the better protection of animals.

https://www.facebook.com/SerbiaEuropewideCCTVinSlaughterhouses

SAV past link:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2013/12/31/uk-sav-become-a-founder-organisation-to-form-the-european-alliance-for-cctv-in-slaughterhouses-petition-to-sign/

The cosmetics company Lush has agreed to formally endorse Scotland for Animals’ (SfA) campaign for mandatory CCTV.

During discussions SfA asked if they would also support the Alliance and they have now agreed to do this also.

Lush has stores across Europe so this is a massive boost.

See press release below.

Lush pledges support for mandatory CCTV

Cosmetic Giant Lush has pledged it’s support for the campaign for mandatory CCTV in Scottish abattoirs.

Charity Scotland for Animals is pressing for a change in the law to legislate for compulsory monitoring of killing areas in slaughterhouses.

Lush Spokesperson Rebekah Chapman: “We support Scotland for animals in their campaign for mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses because every sentient being deserves dignity in dying. It has been proven by undercover footage and first hand accounts that this legislation is overdue”.

“We will continue to pressure the Scottish Government alongside SfA until the issue receives adequate recognition in parliament and a law which protects those most vulnerable – animals facing slaughter – is in place. This law not only protects animals, but improves the working conditions of slaughterhouse employees.”

Scotland for Animals Spokesman John Patrick: “It’s a privilege to have Lush backing our campaign, we look forward to working together”.

“The Scottish Government is sinking to ever grubbier depths in order to dodge doing the right thing here. Scotland needs to lead the way and ensure proper protection of animals at time of slaughter.”

Notes:

Scotland for Animals initiated and has led the campaign for the introduction of legislation for mandatory, independently monitored CCTV in all slaughterhouses in Scotland.

In 2012 Scotland for Animals successfully pressed for the setting up of a Scottish Parliamentary Sub-Group to investigate possible changes to the law.

 Legislation for mandatory CCTV could be implemented via an amendment to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing (Scotland) Regulations.


A joint Central Office of Information/ Food Standards Agency report was released in December 2012. This documents serious issues regarding bullying and harassment within abattoirs. Please see attached.

In September 2013 Scotland for Animals were expelled from the Scottish Parliamentary Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare for exposing removal from Parliamentary minutes of admissions by government officials that they lied regarding claims that mandatory CCTV could not be implemented under new national slaughter legislation.

Scotland for Animals are co-founders and sole Scottish representatives of the European Alliance for CCTV in Slaughterhouses. The Alliance will be formally launched in February.

slaughterhouse cctv

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Serbia: Worrying – Young Children Torture and Kill 9 Young Puppies – Demand Action Is Taken – Petition to Police Director.

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

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Serbia children pup petition

Demand action is taken against Children who tortured and murdered nine puppies

They start by torturing and abusing animals, then they move on to humans.

These are the kind of children who will grow up as murderers, killers, psychopaths, etc

“We are appalled by the news that the children did this crime and murder. Children should be placed in a psychiatric institution, because if the child 10-11 years are able to cut puppys with a knife, to burn and finally stomp them , there is a serious need for psychiatric treatment, and this needs to be taken seriously”

Something strict and serious needs to be undertaken with them right now.

To: Milorad Veljovic – General Police Director

The petition is really important and could use our help.

Click here to find out more and sign:

petition pic


http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Demand_action_is_taken_against_Children_who_tortured_and_murdered_nine_puppies/?kiVEiab

Created by
Lesley B. New Zealand

To be delivered to:

Milorad Veljovic – General Police Director

 

Petition words:

We demand immediate action is taken against the Children who burned, cut and stomped to death nine puppies in Resnik, Serbia.

This is atrocious and disgusting that children are capable of an heinous act against 9 little puppies and we demand action right now leading to the arrest and responsibility of these murderers!!

The facts are that children that hurt and kill animals have the potential to grow up to be serial killers, they get the taste of killing with animals and eventually resort to humans.

These babies did not deserve this and the unimaginable pain and horror they went through in their last moments of life is just so heartbreaking and sad. Animal lover and activist Lana Dordevic commented ” We are appalled by the news that the children did this crime and murder. Children should be placed in a psychiatric institution, because if the child 10-11 years are able to cut puppys with a knife, to burn and finally stomp them , there is a serious need for psychiatric treatment, and this needs to be taken seriously.”

Just because they are children doesnt give them the right to get away with this horrible crime! The children and parents should be held accountable!

We know the picture is very disturbing and graphic but gives you some idea of what these animals went through.

Please lets not forget these and get them justice!!.

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, GLOBAL PETITIONS - Anything Animal, Anywhere !, PHOTOGRAPHS - **WARNING** (Animal Suffering), SERBIA (Central Serbia: Capital - Belgrade) and (Serbia | Leave a comment »

Serbia: Activists Now Press Charge on Ministry Regarding Blocking of ‘Jegmec’ Pond Fron ‘Tisa’ River – Thousands of Fish Are Dying.

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

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25/01/14 UPDATE

Please refer to the copies of the documentation shown below.

The Serbian republic inspection and also the Vojvodina inspectorate have now acted and demanded that the fishes that are still surviving must be moved to the Tisa river immediately.

Serbia fish 1Serbia fish 2

Whilst activists see this as some good news for the fishes that are still alive; they really feel that the actions are still not enough.

They feel that it should be demanded by the inspectorate that all the water in which the fish live should be kept at a good level fo cleanliness.  It should be declared that the persons who have caused this current terrible situation, with so many fish dying, must be made to pay for the water cleaning.  Part of the requirements also will be that a certain water level must be maintained at all times, and that oxygen must be continually provided to the fish in these areas to ensure their survival.   This can really be a natural process IF the water is kept at a good level and also very importantly, if the water is kept clean.

So at the moment a partial result; but activists still feel that not enough is being undertaken for the long term survival and upkeep of the facilities which have the fish.

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Original Article:

Serbian activists have just taken action with the Ministry of Agriculture regarding farm animal welfare conditions – see:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2014/01/20/serbia-serbian-activists-ask-about-the-farms-on-which-animals-are-kept-their-transport-and-also-their-general-welfare-commissioner-gives-ministry-5-days-to-respond/

Now they have yet another issue which they are attempting to get Ministry attention with.

Here again, activists have now undertaken a formal charge against the authorities.

It relates to a river, the ‘Tisa’, which is located in Northern Serbia.  The river is linked directly to a very large pond pool area which is known as the ‘Jegmec’.

There are many thousands of young and old fish in the Jegmec pool.  But very recently, loads of earth arrived in trucks and was dumped across the tributary which links the river Tisa to the Jegmec pool / pond.  Rather than be able to swim to the Tisa from the Jegmec; young fish are now unable to leave the pool as they are trapped there. 

Millions of young fish look as if they are going to die.  The weather is warm and the water level in the Jegmec is decreasing all the time.

The following are MUST WATCH videos shows the current situation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F70-u7c92hw

http://www.rtv.rs/sr_lat/vojvodina/zrenjanin/pomor-ribe-na-tisi-kod-elemira_455389.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RtvVojvodina+%28RTV+Vojvodina%29 

Additional still photographs of the same area are shown below:

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The following message and video link has been sent to the following Serbian officials.

If you wish to add your voice, then please send your e mail to all of the following:

To: Sonja.gasic@mprrpp.gov.rs ; Vinko.bajkanovic@mprrpp.gov.rs ; Inspekcija MPRRPP ; Jasmina Jovic inspekcija ; Tatjana Babic ; Inspekcija zivotne sredine Novi Sad, Pokr.sekretarijat ; pokr.sekr. ; leposava.sojic@merz.gov.rs

Cc: Kabinet MPRRPP ; Min. energetike, Z.Mihajlovic ; pokrajinski sekretarijat ; prirodni resursi, mprrpp ; slobodan.erdeljan@mprrpp.gov.rs

Ministarstvo prirodnih resursa, rudarstva i prostornog planiranja, Beograd

Omladinskih brigada 1, 11070 Beograd

~Odeljenje za zaštitu i održivo korišćenje ribljeg fonda, Načelnik Odeljenja Sonja Gašić,

Odsek za inspekcijski nadzor u oblasti korišćenja ribljeg fonda, Šef Odseka Vinko Bajkanović,

Odsek za inspekcijski nadzor u oblasti održivog korišćenja prirodnih bogatstava, Šef Odseka Vesna Mitrović,

Ministarstvo energetike razvoja i zaštite životne sredine, Beograd

  ~ Sektor za kontolu i nadzor ~ , Načelniku

 ~ Odeljenje za zaštitu životne sredine u oblasti zaštite i korišćenja prirodnih dobara

Pokrajinski sekretarijat za urbanizam, graditeljstvo i zastitu zivotne sredine, Novi Sad

Bulevar Mihajla Pupina br. 16 , 21000 Novi Sad

~ Sektor za inspekcijske poslove

~ Odeljenje za kontrolu zaštite prirode i ribljeg fonda

20.01.2014.  HITNA PRIJAVA, u Attachmentu, ugrožen je riblji fond na reci Tisi, u plodištu Jegmeč, rok za postupanje je ODMAH!!!!

Video snimak  koji pokazuje stanje na terenu je od 13.01.2014.god. i fotografije od 13.01.2014. i 19.01.2014. god.  u prilogu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F70-u7c92hw

We will bring you further updates when we see how this progresses.

SAV will now be presenting this information to the EU Enlargement and Environmental Commissions; requesting they act with the Serbian authorities.

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http://www.rtv.rs/sr_lat/vojvodina/zrenjanin/pomor-ribe-na-tisi-kod-elemira_455389.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RtvVojvodina+%28RTV+Vojvodina%29 

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Serbia: Serbian activists ask about the farms on which animals are kept; their transport and also their general welfare. Commissioner gives Ministry 5 days to respond.

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

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Serbian activists ask about the farms on which animals are kept; their transport and also their general welfare.

Below you will see the demands of the Commissioner which was forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture.  It concerns two major meat production companies.

KlanicaIM MatijevicResPov16.1.14.,1KlanicaIM MatijevicResPov16.1.14.,2KlanicaIM TopolaResPov1KlanicaIM TopolaResPov2 

The Commissioner has given the Ministry 5 days to respond to the requirements detailed in the letter; and if the Ministry does not act, then EPAR, the animal welfare organisation, can proceed with part 2 of its process.  Originally, in relation to this, EPAR asked the Ministry directly.  They refused to answer and so EPAR then took the issue to the Commissioner who has now given the Ministry 5 days to respond as this is an area of Public Interest.

Now all concerned wait to see if the Ministry provide a response of if they are going to ignore the request of the Commissioner also.

Here at SAV, we have had concerns in the past regarding conditions in which animals have been kept on farms.  These concerns and the conditions can be viewed in our old posts; the links which are as follows:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2010/11/23/serbia-november-2010-conditions-ok-at-a-farm-according-to-serbian-veterinary-ministry-and-complaining-campaigners-dont-pressure-us/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2010/11/26/serbia-farm-animal-conditions-update-261110-formal-statement-on-conditions-now-provided-by-ciwf-uk/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2012/07/11/serbia-cows-producing-milk-for-human-consumption-two-years-on-and-the-serbian-authorities-are-still-failing-to-act-now-we-have-further-evidence-please-e-mail-and-support-the-campaign/

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2012/07/07/serbia-same-old-farm-exposed-again-and-an-ineffective-ministry-so-what-changes/

We have also expressed our concerns regarding dead animal corpses just being dumped on roadsides.  These carcasses provide an immediate attraction to stray animal populations, and also risk the spread of disease from the dead animal carcasses to the stray animals.  Here is a potential biosecurity problem.

As always, the Ministry wish to put the blame on the strays, when actually the problem lies with the Ministry for not taking actions to prevent this kind of this from happening.

The link below provides images of animal carcasses simply dumped by the roadside – an obvious attraction for stray animals which are desperate for something to eat.

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2011/12/11/serbia-dead-farm-animal-bodies-just-dumped-near-the-highway-a-perfect-food-source-for-stray-animals-a-perfect-method-of-spreading-disease-and-a-perfect-way-for-corrupt-politicians-to-keep-catchin/

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Serbia: Disabled Dog ‘ZORA’ Needs A Forever Home.

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

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ZORA 2

If you can help in any way, please firstly contact us through the ‘Contact Us’ route.  Please name your contact ‘Zora’.  We will then pass information on to the relevant people – Thank You – SAV.

Please read Zora’s story, take a pledge and help her find a loving home. Zora is a female dog that was found all alone in an abandoned area of Novi Sad, Serbia, called Klisa, where Mariana Culum is taking care of dumped strays. She has hind legs that are in X position and her back left leg is atrophied. It is not in use for walk, it is in a crossed position over back right leg, to which is relied. When she was taken to the Vet, prognosis was that her condition is a consequence of crushed pelvis and that is a miracle how Zora can even walk at all! :/ There is nothing that can be fixed, everything is fused. It will remain like permanent handicap. 

Read more about Marijana’s animals and Zora in Better Place Project https://www.betterplace.org/en/projects/10857-help-mariana-care-for-desperate-strays-in-serbia

But beside this Zora is a healthy dog without health problems. She is a dog with great temper, socialized, quiet and extremely tame, loves to cuddle, committed to people and get along with other dogs. She is a bigger size dog, weighs round 25 kg (~61 pounds), about 4 years old, lovely spirit, constantly running around, loves to bark on birds …quickly adjust to new environment and isn’t demanding dog for keeping. She is cleaned from external and internal parasites vaccinated against infectious diseases and rabies, sterilized. 

Here are more photos https://www.facebook.com/marijana.culum/media_set?set=a.4491719421152.183049.1535254023&type=3

For now Zora is in broad housing but we need to find permanent solutions for her. 

Because situation in Serbia for strays is extremely hard no one has adopted her :/ …So we are hoping with Your help to find Zora a loving home.

LET’S HELP ZORA TO FIND HER FOREVER HOME ♥ 

PLEASE SHARE, TAKE A PLEDGE    

Thank You All! ♥

Dragana.

 

https://www.betterplace.org/en/projects/10857-help-mariana-care-for-desperate-strays-in-serbia

If you would like to show you the project ‘Help Mariana care for desperate strays in Serbia’ on betterplace.org:

This is what it is about:
PLEASE HELP MRIJANA CULUM TO SAVE PUPS & DOGS DUMPED on the STREETS, GARBAGE – in last few they have run out of food.

betterplace.org is an online platform for social engagement that connects people who need help accomplishing their mission with people who are eager to help.

It is very easy to participate: Just chip in a few Euros and support a good cause.
It would be great if you joined in.


ZORA

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Serbia: Helping Ex Dancing Bears In Serbia – Many Links – Please View.

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

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Do you want to help Bears ? – ex dancing bears; circus bears etc ?

Sure you do; we at SAV have just linked up with Lynn to start what will hopefully be some positive actions for bears in the Balkans.

Here are a couple of direct links to Lynn’s site / information:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Advocating-for-Caged-Bears/144825485704882

http://peopleadvocatingforcagedbears.wordpress.com/

We strongly suggest you visit the Facebook site link above for some fantastic bear news, what you can do if you come across some suffering bears whilst you are on holiday or visiting somewhere etc:

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We provided Lynn with links to ARKA, and our friends Branka and Pavel who do some great work for Balkans (ex dancing) bears:

http://www.arka.org.rs/

ARKA Contact –   http://www.arka.org.rs/kontakt.htm

Watch the Youtube article on the ARKA bears here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpVG5rzgIfs

Check out this BBC tv article on ARKA bears:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-15576984

Being a ‘bear person’, Lynn informs that she knows about the great work being done at ARKA, through contacts in the Netherlands who helped to provide veterinary care for their bear ‘Elvis’. 

Lynn also informs us that she hopes to be able to do a feature on the work being done for bears within Serbia on her own site, and hopefully via other contacts, bigger publicity for ARKA and their great bear work can be provided in the near future.

The following link provides information on the great work being undertaken by Branka and Pavel re dancing bears in Serbia:

https://awionline.org/awi-quarterly/2009-winter/international-sos-serbian-brown-bears  

On the following link you can see one of our old SAV posts associated with the ARKA bears:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2009/02/19/bosnia-and-herzegovina-arka-banostor-shelter-bears-come-out-of-hibernation-to-give-their-weather-forecast/

Finally, the following link provides information relating to the many animal welfare groups and organisations in Serbia:

http://www.worldanimal.net/component/wandirs/results?geo=true&fanda=0&get=true&continent=1&country=188&cn=Serbia%20&cnt=Europe

Of course, there is also our own SAV Facebook page which can be accessed as follows; this is very much a site for local animal welfare and shelters within Serbia who request help and support for their specific issues.  You can link up and ask to become a member/supporter:

https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2013/10/08/sav-facebook-join-up-with-us-and-explore-a-whole-lot-more-for-stray-animals-and-their-welfare-campaigns/

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