Posted on July 27, 2020 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-pandemic-spanish-bullfighting-f464d851-cd26-4b41-865e-aaf4917f13f5.html?utm_campaign=organic&utm_medium=socialshare&utm_source=twitter
The coronavirus pandemic could wipe out Spanish bullfighting
The coronavirus pandemic has affected sports across the globe, and in Spain, it could wipe out the age-old sport of bullfighting altogether.
Why it matters: For years, an increasingly vocal contingent of Spaniards have been pushing for the end of what they see as “torturing animals as a form of spectacle.” Now, the economics are such that the bullfighting industry could die out regardless of the opposition.
The backdrop: As countless fights and festivals were cancelled, many breeders were forced to sell their bulls for slaughter, which only recoups about 10% of the investment required to rear a fighting bull.
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With that math failing to add up — a month ago, industry losses were already estimated to be ~$800 million — bullfighting supporters have staged protests across the country to demand government subsidies.
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“We want them to treat us as they would any other cultural industry,” said breeder Victorino Martín, who also heads the Fundación del Toro de Lidia, a group charged with defending the industry.
The other side: Over 160,000 people have signed a petition aiming to block any subsidies, hoping the pandemic can serve as a form of natural selection for an industry they’ve tried to squash for decades.
The big picture: Spain officially began reopening bullfighting rings over the weekend, but it remains to be seen what the long-term fallout of the past three months will be.
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The industry is still furious over the government’s lack of financial support, and the restrictions in place as the country tries to responsibly reopen will make it impossible for them to meaningfully recoup what’s already been lost.
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Meanwhile, those who oppose bullfighting see a unique opportunity to rid Spain of something they view as a “national shame” and a “barbaric cruelty.”
The bottom line: The centuries-old tradition of bullfighting may need to find a way to evolve with the times, or else it could meet the same fate as the nearly 10,000 bulls each year that die in the ring.
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Posted on July 26, 2020 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Hi all;
I am taking some time out today to show you something which is very special to me. As some of you may know; I do Bonsai trees for a hobby; and everything / anything to do with horticulture and plants holds a special place for me.
Being English; I want to give you a few links to the Royal Botanic Gardens which are in West London. Boy are they special. The ‘other’ pert of Kew is called ‘Wakehurst Place’ and is located in Sussex (county) which is a just outside of London. Wakehurst is home to the world famous ‘Millennium Seed Bank’ which collects and stores seeds for as many of the worlds plants as possible – in case they ever become extinct in the wild; they can then be germinated at the seed bank.
Here are some links to Kew, London:
Virtual Kew – visit and explore all the beautiful attractions at the gardens virtually:
And Wakehurst and the seed bank:
I will leave you to explore these wonderful sites which are just so fantastic;
Regards Mark
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Posted on July 26, 2020 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Bench Press Champion C.T Fletcher Promotes Plant-Based Diet To 2.1 Million Followers
‘I used to eat anything I could get my fat fingers on. But I’m plant-based now and I’m trying to be healthy as I possibly can’
Former powerlifter and bodybuilder C.T Fletcher has promoted the plant-based lifestyle to his 2.1 million Instagram followers.
The three-time World Bench Press Champion, and three-time World Strict Curl Champion, claims he used to eat ‘four big macs and four strawberry shakes’ every day for more than 20 years. He has now ditched animal products
Fletcher has posted several photos and videos of his plant-based meals, including vegan protein shakes, banana and peanut butter snacks, and meatless burgers.
‘I’m trying to be healthy’
“Seems like right around midnight some s**t hit my ass and I just turn into a ‘snack hound’… Especially since we [have] been in lockdown,” Fletcher wrote on Instagram.
“I used to eat anything I could get my fat f***ing fingers on. But I’m plant-based now and I’m trying to be healthy as I possibly can these days.”
‘No meat for me’
In another post, the athlete is pictured cooking meat-free patties from Trifecta – a vegan meal delivery service in the U.S.
He wrote: “I still eat four burgers for lunch, but these days the burgers are made from pea and rice protein and wrapped in lettuce. No meat for me.”
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Posted on July 26, 2020 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
CARNATION TO LAUNCH VEGAN CONDENSED MILK IN UK
After 18 months in development, Carnation releases a new oat- and rice-based vegan condensed milk made especially for use in pie, fudge, and cheesecake.
In September, dairy brand Carnation will release a vegan version of its condensed milk at supermarket chain Ocado in the United Kingdom. The new product will retail for slightly more than its animal-based counterpart and was created to be used in baking for “an extra fudgy flavor and texture to banoffee pie, fudge, brownies, and cheesecake.”
Carnation parent company Nestlé developed the new vegan condensed milk, made with oat and rice flour, over the course of 18 months. “It has been a challenge for vegans to find suitable alternatives to make dairy or caramel-based sweets treats or desserts, without having to compromise on taste, texture, or appearance,” Vittoria Simms, Nestlé Marketing Lead for Dairy Brands UK, told The Grocer.
The new vegan Carnation condensed milk will also be available at Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets in October.
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Posted on July 26, 2020 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
WAV Comment:
He is PRO live animal exports; and with his position at the EU, we would go as far as to say he (Illegally for his position) promoted Irish farming – something any Commissioner of the EU should NOT do.
What do commissioners do?
Commissioners are given a portfolio which is their area of responsibility. It is up to the President of the Commission to decide which commissioner will be responsible for each policy area/portfolio and to change these responsibilities (if necessary) during the Commission’s term of office. Commissioners act independently in the interests of the EU. They do not represent the interests of their own Member State.
– The Commissioner (Hogan) began his response by telling the woman that he would not be “bullied by 500 text messages I’ve got on my phone during the course of the day on animal farming and animal welfare issues”.
“If you think that will work with me you can certainly forget about it. That’s a campaigning tool that should be well gotten rid of at this stage.”
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Guardian Article – referenced above.
‘Sending animals to war zones’: Irish cattle export to Libya may breach laws
Next week’s planned shipment of 2,000 bulls could contravene EU welfare regulations, campaigners say
Animal welfare groups have warned that an upcoming shipment of young bulls from Ireland to Libya could contravene live export laws.
The shipment, which is expected to consist of 2,000 bulls, would be the fourth this year from Ireland. It is set to leave on Wednesday next week from the port of Cork in south-west Ireland. Previous shipments of livestock have arrived in the Libyan port of Misrata.
The news comes as a European parliament committee of inquiry, announced last month, begins to look into alleged failures to enforce EU rules on protecting transported animals across the EU and beyond, and “to act upon the evidence that EU rules on moving live animals across the EU and to third countries are being seriously and systematically infringed”.
NGOs objected to live animal exports to Libya in a recent letter to the European commission and EU agriculture council. The country has been in chaos since the Arab spring uprisings and a Nato bombing campaign that toppled its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011.
Animals have died on previous shipments to Libya from Ireland, a voyage of about nine days. Caroline Rowley, founder of Irish welfare organisation Ethical Farming Ireland, said she believed the Libya shipments breached several regulations including (EC) No 1/2005, which covers the protection of animals during transport and related operations, the European communities (protection of animals during transport) regulations 2006 and Ireland’s 2013. Animal Health and Welfare Act. All say animals must not be treated or transported in a way likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering.
“Sending livestock on a long sea journey, where there will be illness, injuries and fatalities, to a country in a state of chaos and lawlessness is unacceptable,” Rowley said.
Olga Kikou, head of Compassion in World Farming EU, said the shipment also appeared to contravene the treaty on the functioning of the EU, with regard to welfare and the security situation in Libya.
The treaty states that “since animals are sentient beings” full regard must be paid to their welfare requirements “while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the member states”.
“The EU should not be sending animals to war zones, it would be impossible to guarantee even the most basic level of protection there. This cannot happen for humans, and it is certain that for animals it would be even worse,” Kikou said.
Ireland has exported a reported 5,647 cattle to Libya this year, up from 4,211 in the same period last year. The total for 2019 was 13,122 animals.
The Irish government says live export within the EU and beyond is a “vital component” of its livestock industry, increasing competition and boosting animal prices. The latest available figures show live exports earned the country more than €458m (£417m) in 2019.
Responding to the claims its live exports to Libya breached regulations, Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said in an email it was “satisfied that exports are not in contravention of Article 13 and that journeys certified for export are done in compliance with EU legislation” and in “full compliance with the legislative requirements of EU Regulation No 1 of 2005”.
The DAFM email added that the mortality rate over the three previous shipments to Libya this year was 0.19% and said the date of the upcoming shipment had already been delayed to “late next week dependant on several factors including weather conditions”.
Regards Mark
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Posted on July 25, 2020 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Last one tonight from me !
The U.S. Navy recently applied for exemption under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for the “incidental take” of marine mammals, in order to carry out training and testing activities in the Pacific Northwest. If approved, such activities would directly impact the endangered Southern Resident killer whales while traveling through or foraging in the Navy’s area of operations.
What does take mean under the Endangered Species Act and what is incidental take?
‘Take’ as defined under the ESA means “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.”
Incidental take is an unintentional, but not unexpected, taking.
When a species is listed as endangered, take prohibitions are automatically extended to it under ESA Section 9.
When a species is listed as threatened, NOAA Fisheries must issue protective regulations in order to extend any take prohibitions to the species under ESA Section 4(d).
Source: NOAA Fisheries.
Donald Trump’s appointee is about to allow the U.S. Navy to kill over 50 orcas. This comes at a time that orca numbers have been historically low and is being decided by the same person who helped President Trump falsely alter a hurricane forecast with a sharpie to save face. Sign this petition to demand this heinous proposal be rejected.
Petition Link:
Petition wording:
Target: Dr. Neil Jacobs, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Agency Executive, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Goal: Reject Navy proposal to ‘take’ up to 51 whales in Puget Sound.
The United States Navy just applied for permission to potentially kill up to 51 orcas in the Puget Sound. They applied for an exemption to the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the form of something called an ‘incidental take.’ To ‘incidentally take’ an animal essentially means an expected accident in which the animal is injured, hunted, harassed, or killed. This means that the Navy is asking permission to do activities, such as conducting training exercises, that they normally wouldn’t be allowed to do because it would adversely affect the orca population.
This year has been a devastating year for orca. The Salish Sea, which is legally considered the orca’s ‘core critical habitat,’ saw historically low numbers of orca returning in the spring. The prey that the orca feeds on is also in significant decline. The Washington Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery Task Force has recommended that steps be put in place to reduce noise in the Salish Sea where the orca live because adding sound pollution to hunting and breeding grounds affects the animal’s ability to communicate, hunt, and evade danger.
There are only 80 orcas left in the Puget Sound. Killing even one of these animals would have devastating consequences for the remainder of the population. The Navy’s proposed plan could kill more than half of the orca remaining in these northern waters. These animals are a fundamental and treasured part of the ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. Please sign this petition today, rejecting the Navy’s application to kill these magnificent creatures.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Jacobs,
The United States Navy has applied for permission to ‘take’ up to 51 orcas in the Pacific Northwest. This is an unacceptable proposal. With only 80 orcas left in the Puget sound, this proposal has the potential to devastate the remainder of the population. Reducing the orca population that significantly could make it almost impossible for this treasured creature to survive.
The Washington Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery Task Force has advised against any added noise within the orcas’ habitat. Noise pollution in the water adversely affects the whales’ ability to communicate, hunt, and evade danger. Orca populations are already dwindling at a frightening pace. Do not speed up the destruction of these incredible creatures. Please deny the US Navy’s proposal to encroach on these vital waters.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Regards Mark
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Posted on July 25, 2020 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)
Committee Against Bird Murder e.V.
Italy: eBay and Amazon remove bird traps from the range!
Bird traps and fishing nets can often be found on online platforms and classified ads, although you cannot use them anywhere. The problem is that almost everywhere the use of such devices is prohibited, but not possession and sale!
The situation is different in Italy, where the possession of bird traps and fishing nets is illegal.
And until recently, you could still buy them anywhere on the Internet.
This is now over because the Italian office of the Committee Against Bird Murder has uncovered the extent of the trade-in illegal bird traps in an online search and reported it to the responsible authorities on the online platforms.
Amazon and eBay have governed in an exemplary manner and quickly removed dozens of offers from the Internet.
Now we are concentrating on smaller platforms and also checking whether the providers are pushing back onto the market with some tricks.
The great success has the downer that it is limited to Italy – in Germany and almost all other EU countries you can continue to manufacture, sell, and own prohibited bird traps.
Comment and Information: As “traveling bird conservationists”, the activists of the “committee against the bird murder” are particularly affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. There was no deployment in the spring as originally planned.
Nevertheless!
They can look forward to some successful assignments:
-From 9 to 31 March, the activists in Malta were able to document a total of 18 cases of illegal bird trapping with blow nets and report them to the authorities, as well as two cases of poaching with firearms.
The evidence produced by the committee will lead to a series of criminal proceedings
-In Italy, there was a single mission, almost regular: the hawk-eagle protection campaign on the Italian island of Sicily.
The birds are sought after by pet dealers and animal collectors because they cannot breed them.
Many chicks used to fall into the hands of poachers – in spring 2020, not a single nest was robbed.
-Even if the actions of the team in Calabria (southern Italy) were much shorter than planned, the activists, with four convicted poachers, still had a good result!
-The spring operation in Lebanon could not take place, but the partners of the committees SPNL and MESHC carried out inspections several times in April and May and, together with the police, shut down a number of fishing systems.
A total of 300 running meters of illegal fishing nets for songbirds such as reed warblers, flycatchers, and warblers were mined, and dozens of birds were released.
Foto: NABU/Andreas Hartl
We would particularly like to thank the tireless activists for their successes and the highly professional work that they achieved despite the adverse circumstances!
My best regards to all, Venus
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Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) 