Against Animal Abuse Petitions

[Kazimiera]

STOP Tortoise Smuggling in Madagascar

http://www.asianscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ploughshare-tortoise.jpg

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1060605/thumbs/o-PLOUGHSHARE-TORTOISE-SMUGGLE-570.jpg?6


Illegal trafficking of two critically endangered tortoise species from Madagascar has reached epidemic proportions, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Turtle Survival Alliance, Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, Turtle Conservancy, Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund and other groups who urge authorities to clamp down on wildlife smuggling before some species are collected out of existence.

According to the groups, more than 1,000 radiated and ploughshare tortoises have been confiscated from smugglers in the first three months of 2013 alone. In late March, 54 ploughshare tortoises made it as far as Thailand before being seized by authorities. A recent report by TRAFFIC states that the radiated tortoise is now the most common tortoise for sale in Bangkok's infamous Chatuchak wildlife market.

The groups say that since the beginning of Madagascar's continuing political crisis in 2009, smuggling has increased by at least ten-fold due to weak governance and rule-of-law. In addition, erosion of cultural protection of the tortoises for short term monetary gain has contributed to their sharp decline. In the past, tortoises were protected by "fady" -- a local belief that harming the tortoises is taboo. However, with years of drought and increasing levels of poverty, people from regions outside the tortoise's natural range, who do not practice these types of fady, are capturing and illegally selling tortoises.

"These tortoises are truly one of Madagascar's most iconic species," said James Deutsch, WCS Executive Director for Africa Programs. "This level of exploitation is unsustainable. Unless immediate action is taken to better protect the wild populations, their extinction is imminent."

The Wildlife Conservation Society and its conservation partners are urging Malagasy officials to take a hard stand against illegal trafficking and increase the number of guards in remote areas to the north where the tortoises remain. This, coupled with public education efforts and better enforcement in import countries such as Thailand, will help take pressure off these critically endangered reptiles. Meanwhile, the Turtle Conservancy and Turtle Survival Alliance have been able to import a small number of animals seized from the illegal trade into the U.S. for the foundation of an assurance colony.

Eric Goode, Founder of the Turtle Conservancy, said: "While the seizure in Thailand was the largest single seizure of ploughshare tortoises in history, the TC has documented over 250 Ploughshares in the trade in East and Southeast Asia. According to INTERPOL, only 10 percent of smuggled wildlife is actually seized, suggesting that over 2000 animals have entered the illegal trade into Asia alone. If trade level persists, it will likely lead this species to extinction."

Petition Link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/164/674/930/stop-turtle-smuggling-in-madagascar/

[Kazimiera]

Help end the unnecessary suffering of animals!!

Links to petitions below.

This isn't a discussion thread. If you have any links to other petitions in your region, please feel free to post here!

It takes a minute or two of your time to sign your name. Your few minutes of time may mean that animals can live better lives BECAUSE of YOU!



http://25.media.tumblr.com/d251ac649de948681e022ad174b20791/tumblr_mojzl8oyfU1r4c08wo1_500.jpg

[Kazimiera]

https://secure.peta.org/images/content/pagebuilder/915-crab-investigation-2.jpg


Undercover Exposé Reveals Live Lobsters, Crabs Torn Apart!

A shocking undercover investigation that first broke on CBSNews.com has exposed that live animals are being torn apart. They need your help.

LINK TO PETITION: https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4977

At L.L. Bean heir Linda Bean's Maine Lobster in Rockland, Maine, workers are ripping live animals apart limb from limb. Some are dumped, still alive, into boiling water, while others are left in bins to die in agony.

Workers tear off live lobsters' claws and then use metal pipes to pry their heads from their bodies. Tails and claws are saved while the remaining parts of the lobsters' bodies are trashed, still alive and able to feel pain.

Crabs are suffering, too, as they are slammed against sharp metal spikes to break off their top shells, and then their exposed internal organs are violently scrubbed off with spinning brushes. Still alive, they are then slowly lowered into a vat of boiling water.

Watch the undercover video to see the shocking proof:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jgfyd6M-I0

[Kazimiera]

URGENT: Oil Refinery Reportedly Poisoning Birds!

https://secure.peta.org/images/content/pagebuilder/8231.pigeons.jpg-550x0.jpg

LINK TO PETITION: https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=5013

BP-Husky Refining LLC is allegedly using avicides (bird poison) to kill pigeons at its refinery in Oregon, Ohio. Avicides are often falsely touted as harmless "flock-dispersing agents," when in fact, they are extraordinarily cruel poisons that attack and impair nervous systems, causing disorientation, erratic flight, tremors, convulsions, and an agonizing death. And lethal measures, in addition to upsetting area residents and staff members who find dead and dying birds, actually backfire, because when birds are killed, the resultant spike in the food supply causes survivors and newcomers to breed at accelerated rates! Poisons also threaten "nontarget" wildlife, including federally protected birds. In fact, hawks have reportedly been seen preying on poisoned birds at the refinery. PETA has asked BP-Husky to focus on humane bird-control methods that keep birds away permanently, but apparently to no avail. Your voice is needed!

Please use the form below and urge BP-Husky Refining LLC to remove any poisons set on the premises. Ask it to commit to bird-control methods that everyone can live with, including the animals. And please, forward this alert widely!

[Kazimiera]

Kicked Kitten May Be Going Back to Abuser!

LINK TO PETITION: https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=5033

This viral video posted online in July 2013 by 17-year-old Walter Easley of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, depicts Easley violently kicking a kitten off the porch of his home and laughing. The tiny animal, who appears to have approached Easley for affection, cartwheels wildly through the air and crashes to the ground many feet away. PETA immediately alerted Orangeburg County Animal Control, and the agency acted quickly, confiscating the kitten, whom they nicknamed Boots, and filing charges against Easley. On September 12, Easley pleaded guilty to ill treatment of an animal. But Orangeburg County Magistrate Donald West appears to be considering returning Boots to his abuser. Your voice is needed!

Please contact Magistrate West via the Orangeburg County Clerk of Court's Office and remind him that Easley was "remorseful" only after he got caught, that the recidivism rate among animal abusers is extremely high, and that Boots will likely not be safe. Urge Magistrate West to allow animal control to find a new home for this kitten!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn-z7zO1voM

[Kazimiera]

Help Ban the Use of Animals in Circuses in India

https://secure3.convio.net/peta/images/content/pagebuilder/elephant_shackles_circus_face_left28712.gif

LINK TO PETITION: https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=5031

As PETA India's latest investigation reveals, animals used in Indian circuses are subjected to chronic confinement, physical abuse, and psychological torment. Just like in circuses in the United States, whips and other weapons—including bullhooks ("ankuses"), which are heavy, sharp steel-tipped rods—are used to inflict pain on animals and beat them into submission. Animals perform frightening, unnatural tricks, such as jumping through rings of fire, not because they want to but out of fear of violent punishment.

Even when they aren't performing, animals used in circuses endure a lifetime of misery. Their access to water, food, and veterinary care has been found to be severely restricted. Dogs are crammed into wire cages and rarely let out, and birds are confined to tiny, filthy cages and have their wings crudely clipped so that they cannot fly. Horses are kept tethered on short ropes, and elephants are often kept shackled by three legs.

The Indian government has already banned the use of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, and lions in performances. PETA India is now calling on the government to follow the lead of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Bolivia, and Greece by banning the use of all animals in circuses.

[Kazimiera]

Australia, ban sow stalls NOW!

LINK TO PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/164/320/474/australia-ban-sow-stalls-now/

http://vicmps.greens.org.au/files/Share/SP%20images/Sow-feeding.jpg

Animal activists around the world agree that imprisoning pregnant pigs in steel crates (commonly called "sow stalls") for up to sixteen weeks is cruel. This abusive practice has already been outlawed in the United Kingdom and the European Union is set to severely curtail the practice next year.

However, Australian pig farmers are dragging their feet on freeing their pregnant pigs from cruel confinement. A voluntary initiative has resulted in compliance by only one-third of the farms implicated.

It's time for Australia's law makers to step up to the plate and ban sow stalls. Tell the Parliament of Australia to outlaw this abusive farming practice!

[Kazimiera]

Marc Jacobs: You were caught selling dog fur! Stop using ALL fur in your designs.

LINK TO PETITION: https://www.change.org/petitions/marc-jacobs-you-were-caught-selling-dog-fur-stop-using-all-fur-in-your-designs

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs was recently caught selling clothing with real dog fur! The items were not labeled as real fur, and I'm sure Marc Jacobs doesn't want to intentionally sell dog fur, as no one in their right mind would go into a store and pay for anything made from skinned dogs! Marc Jacobs even has dogs so it makes me wonder why he would be ok with slaughtering any animal for some fur trim!

Now that Marc Jacobs has been caught selling real dog fur, it's time for him to make the compassionate decision to stop using any real fur at all. Please sign my petition asking Marc Jacobs to join fur-free designers like Stella McCartney, Marc Bouwer, Calvin Klein, and Todd Oldham in taking a stand against this animal cruelty.

Whether dogs, cats, mink, rabbit, fox, or any other animals, this is cruelty for the sake of vanity. Animals are often skinned alive. They're stomped on, electrocuted, drowned, or beaten to death.

Marc Jacobs has a choice. Does he want to be a designer known for kindness or for cruelty?

[Kazimiera]

Nike: Stop the slaughter of kangaroos to make your soccer shoes!

LINK TO PETITION: http://www.change.org/petitions/nike-stop-the-slaughter-of-kangaroos-to-make-your-soccer-shoes

Please join my family and I in asking Nike to stop using kangaroo leather to make soccer shoes!

Did you know that millions of kangaroos are slaughtered in Australia every year to make soccer shoes (or football shoes for the more enlightened of us)?

If that isn’t sad enough many times baby joeys are found in the dead mothers’ pouches after they are killed and then meet the end of their life by being stomped on, beaten with sticks or smashed against vehicles because they serve no use.

Being from Portland, Oregon, it’s exciting to know that Adidas, which based its US headquarters here, just recently stated that they will cut back on kangaroo leather use by 98% in the next twelve months! Even cooler Puma recently said it’s exploring even more non-animal material because of environmental problems like chemicals and waste created in leather tanneries!

The question is what about Nike and Umbro (the soccer specialty company which Nike owns)?

The interesting thing is that Nike already makes an alternative to kangaroo leather called ‘Kanga-Lite.’

Now some may wonder if it using a synthetic material impacts performance? As a Manchester City fan it is difficult for me to ever give credit to anything associated with Manchester United, but if a synthetic shoe can work with a world class player like Rooney it is clear that performance is not an issue. Add in Ronaldo and US superstar Landon Donovan amongst those who wear amazing Nike cleats where no kangaroos had to die and it is clear that the alternatives are great.

Our whole family loves soccer and we also love animals which is why we find it painful and sad to imagine slaughtering even a single kangaroo for use in a shoe! That’s why we want Nike to stop using kangaroo leather and instead use the many wonderful, kangaroo-friendly, highly-functional materials that go into football shoes that don’t involve needless cruelty. Some of Nike’s best models featuring revolutionary synthetics include models called CTR360, Total90 Laser IV, and Mercurial Vapor VIII, and there are plenty of choices for regular families like ours who play on recreational teams!

Remember Nike is a business and if their customers ask them to use less cruel and more environmental friendly materials they will listen! Will you join us by signing our petition to Nike to stop the slaughter of kangaroos to make their shoes?

Thank you!

Robert, Renate, Ras and Chaitan Fish



Regarding the treatment of joeys (from the Australian Wildlife Protection Council)


Government sanctioned cruelty

The Code of Practice says joeys can be ripped from their slain mother s pouch and hit on the head with a water pipe or iron bar until dead; shooters even bash joeys against their vehicle or a tree trunk.
Older, ex-pouch, but still dependent joeys flee in terror when their mothers are killed to die from cold, starvation, predation and maternal depravation. A million or more joeys die in this way every year.

No Shooter will ever allow himself to be filmed killing joeys.

The Code of Practice is not linked to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and is legally unenforcable.

Contrary to public perception, the RSPCA does NOT monitor or police cruelty to commercially killed kangaroos.
The nature and method of slaughter cannot be ignored. It is barbaric and inhumane. Each night thousands of animals are butchered, many are maimed, the young in pouch are cruelly dispatched and the young at foot are left to fend for themselves. Any reasonable person would not wish to be a party to this slaughter by purchasing kangaroo products.
Former Senator George Georges (Queensland) heard evidence about kangaroo killing for three and a half years as Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Animal Welfare from December 9th, 1983 to June 5th, 1987. (Preface of "The Kangaroo BETRAYED!).

The cruelty and suffering that we have already seen in the native animal industries means that this is no longer an experiment. Hundreds of thousands of kangaroos each year are not killed humanely, emu chicks in Western Australia are de-toed without anaesthesia to reduce risks to handlers, and possums in Tasmania are trapped, transported and killed over a period that now has blown out to anything up to 48 hours. The trade in wildlife is a trade based on profit, without any place for compassion. (Foreword of The Kangaroo BETRAYED! Professor Peter Singer)

Kangaroos are shot in the Australian outback by spotlighting at night. One million joeys die alone. Three aspects cause great cruelty:

Because head shots are attempted, these may not strike the brain but injure the head including the mouth. These kangaroos escape into the scrub outside the spotlight s beam and will die over several days from their horrific injuries and starvation.

In-pouch joeys are killed by stomping on them or bashing them with a stick or against a vehicle. Several blows may be necessary.

Ex-pouch joeys are still reliant on their mother s milk for protein, warmth in the cold winter s nights, protection from predators, and they are dependent on their mothers for psychic support. They spend time in and out of the pouch and when their mothers are killed, they are left to fend for themselves.

Video evidence is available in the ABC documentary Kangaroos - Faces in the Mob and the explicit cruelty in the International Fund for Animal Welfare film of Greg Eichner, NSW shooter - farmer. The kangaroo killing and game meat lobby can no longer conceal the extreme brutality of their trade. For years we have been calling for an end to this industry which causes the lingering death of 1,000,000 joeys. These joeys similar to the joey Jaffa in Faces in the Mob are orphaned when their mothers are shot in the so-called harvest. (Dr John Auty)

All decent Australians should become active in calling upon Federal and State politicians to outlaw this trade - a trade as horrible as the slow slaughter of whales and the clubbing to death of seals or any of the other terrible abuses of wildlife around the world.

Aside from the cruelty which is inherent in the commercial kangaroo killing industry, one land holder in Western NSW has described pitting which is the digging of pits to bury kangaroos that have been killed illegally. These same land holders want to legally increase their income by skin only shooting which is more cruel than the carcass trade. They can shoot the kangaroos inhumanely as long as the skin itself is not damaged for the export markets and it is not detected (impossible to police).

Skin only shooting is not only more cruel but it is also open to many illegal abuses. The NSW NPWS fought a Court Case in 1996 to stop this trade and won. Now the landholders have friends in political circles who they are lobbying to reopen the skin only trade in NSW. Kangaroos are killed primarily for their leather and skins. Many millions of kangaroos are killed for the shoe leather trade to Italy and the USA.

NSW farmers have threatened to use political pressure to get what they want (that is, less kangaroos). The welfare of kangaroos is only paid lip service and are the scapegoats for falling prices and incomes. A Tibooburra, NSW farmer (1999) found over 139 kangaroos dead in his front garden from poisoning (the killing is not policed). NSW land holders want kangaroos to come under the control of the Department of Agriculture and taken away from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and they are using their political clout to ensure kangaroo numbers are reduced to tolerable levels, which may be zero numbers of kangaroos.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07MEfx48vuk

[Kazimiera]

Free the Disney Dolphins

https://d22r54gnmuhwmk.cloudfront.net/photos/2/nn/tx/ZRnNtXMdVfitRVK-556x313-noPad.jpg

LINK TO PETITION: https://www.change.org/petitions/free-the-disney-dolphins

• In the wild, dolphins can travel from 40 to 80 miles a day, using echolocation and sonar which they rely upon as acoustic creatures.
• In captivity, they are confined to barren concrete tanks where they are forced to perform circus tricks for the paying public. They are unable to use echolocation- as the sound waves ricocheting off of the tanks walls create stressful confusion for these animals- in some cases causing them to go literally insane.
• In the wild, they hunt live fish, and have a natural diet.
• In captivity, they are hand-fed dead fish and are routinely given various medications to prevent serious ailments- such as stomach ulcers -which are a result of the stress in captivity.

Four male dolphins are currently being held at Disney World’s Epcot Park. They live in a dark and murky pool surrounded by observation windows lined with people, screaming children, loud music, amplified voices and other stressful sounds.
They are literally treated as a ‘side-show’, and there is little to no information released publicly about them.
Disney claims that these dolphins are involved in ‘research programs’ at their park, but by simply visiting Epcot, it quickly becomes clear that there seems to be no educational or conservation outcome from these ‘programs’.
These dolphins do NOT belong at a noisy, crowed theme park- living in an artificial indoor facility with little to no exposure to natural sunlight- they belong in their natural habitat- THE OCEAN.
Tell Disney to do the right thing- PLEASE RELEASE THESE DOLPHINS TO SEAPENS FOR REHABILITATION.

If Disney truly wishes to contribute to environmental research and help educate the public about these animals, they will make the humane choice and release these animals to sea-pens- allowing them to live in their natural habitat- the ocean -and receive rehabilitation.
We’re flooding Disney with letters, pressuring them to release their dolphins- join us!
By signing the petition, you are helping these dolphins get closer and closer to real freedom!

[Kazimiera]

Tell Airlines: Stop Transporting Nonhuman Primates for Research

LINK TO PETITION: https://www.change.org/petitions/tell-airlines-stop-transporting-nonhuman-primates-for-research

https://d22r54gnmuhwmk.cloudfront.net/photos/0/il/er/NRIlERYOnIeUifh-556x313-noPad.jpg

Petition by

British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection

Please support the BUAV campaign to stop airlines transporting nonhuman primates for the research industry.

Airlines play a key role in the international trade in primates for research by transporting monkeys for laboratories around the world. Cruelty and suffering are an intrinsic part of the trade. Some monkeys are taken from the wild; others are the offspring of wild-caught individuals forced into captivity for a lifetime of breeding. All are torn from their family groups, packed into small, wooden crates and shipped as cargo, usually on extremely long journeys. Primates are highly sensitive animals, so this treatment and the conditions they endure are extremely stressful for them. Some become ill and even die in transit. Delays, poor ventilation, noise and temperature fluctuations can add to their misery.

The BUAV leads the international campaign to end these shipments of misery and over the years, our efforts have moved many airlines to dissociate themselves from this cruel trade. Only two major passenger airlines continue to be involved in this ugly business - Air France and China Southern Airlines.

[Kazimiera]

Demand China to Get Rid of Live Crab Vending Machines

LINK TO PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/857/969/320/demand-china-to-get-rid-of-live-crab-vending-machines/?z00m=20636780

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20101217/0013729e48090e75722936.jpg

What do you think about buying LIVE crab from a vending machine for your next meal? As much as anyone loves to dine on seafood, this seems to be so inhumane! Yet, vending machines containing LIVE crabs are stuffed full for a constant sell from August through October. These are live beings that are cramped together in a container and stuffed in a machine for profit. They may look as though they are sleeping; what else can they do.

The vending machines are located in Hangzhou in China. Mr. Liu is the vending machines owner who is attempting this absurd venture in hopes of capturing after-hour demands for the crustacean. This just seems like such a cruel and inhumane way for the crabs to exist until they make it to the dinner table!!

It is true that the machines are kept cool, around 5-10° C to keep the crabs preserved. According to the original creator of this vending machine, Mr. Shi, they built a multi-tiered box designed to make crabs feel like they’re in a cave. As a result, this turned out to be more of a marketing stunt with people ogling at the crabs rather than buying them, creating a high mortality rate for these poor defenseless creatures. It is just a ploy to promote the “shop next door” and crab sales without regard to the animals suffering within this machine.

This Mr. Liu is not only employing these powerless creatures for his personal gain, he is also utilizing some illegal practices and sells inferior crabs for personal gain. Mr. Liu is an animal abuser and a crook!!! Such practices must stop.

http://qz.com/123779/one-more-way-china-is-out-innovating-the-us-with-a-vending-machine-full-of-live-crabs/

http://loveandtrash.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/LiveCrab1.jpg

http://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/unique-vending-machine.jpeg

http://scienceofthetime.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2010/12/Crab_Vending_Machine2.jpg

[Blackout]

http://www.msgweb.nl/emoticons/thumbs_up.gif

Some sad stuff going on this world.

[hisn]

http://keepwolvesprotected.com/media/upcoming-michigan-wolf-hunt-based-false-information-and-poor-farm-stewardship
they've issued more killing permits than there are wolves, loathing for my state further accumulating..

[Kazimiera]

Stop Elephant Poaching in Kenya!

LINK TO PETITION:http://www.thepetitionsite.com/729/198/486/stop-elephant-poaching-in-kenya/?cid=FB_TAF

http://africanconfidential.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Poached-African-Elephant-Photo-by-Bush-Warriors.jpg

China's booming economy and demand for ivory is causing an upsurge of illegal elephant poaching in Kenya. On January 16, 2013, the Washington Post reported that 638 pieces of elephant ivory were seized at Kenya's main port. At the current poaching rates, conservationists wonder if there is any hope for saving elephants as a species.

The rise in poaching is not only an environmental issue, but an economic one as well. Diminishing numbers of elephants in Kenya means a loss of revenue from tourists who travel to the country to see the elephants.

This week, Kenya attempted to expand anti-ivory measures to other countries at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Tell them to concentrate on creating new legislation to stop elephant poaching in their country, too.

[Kazimiera]

Petition against the production and Importation of Foie Gras in ALL of Europe

http://ipsnews-net.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/Library/2012/08/foie_gras_farm.jpg

LINK TO PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/10/we-the-undersigned/?taf_id=9342924&cid=fb_na

Foie gras, French for "fatty liver," is made from the grotesquely enlarged livers of male ducks and geese. The "delicacy" known as foie gras is one of the most sickening examples of cruelty promoted as "luxury."

We, the undersigned, strongly urge the European and UK Parliament to ban the production AND Importation of Foie Gras in Europe. The birds are kept in tiny wire cages or packed into sheds. Pipes are repeatedly, cruelly, forced down the birds' throats, and up to 4 pounds of grain and fat are pumped into their stomachs two or three times every day for two to three weeks until they can barely move and are on the verge of organ rupture and death.

This is totally unacceptable and cruel. Due to free trade laws, UK being one of the biggest importers of Foie Gras, are importing this cruelty.

__________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

What is foie gras?

Foie gras - French for "fatty liver" - is the diseased and enlarged liver of a duck or goose, produced through force feeding.

http://www.stopforcefeeding.com/sites/foie-gras-industry.com/files/livers.jpg
On the left: a foie gras liver.
On the right: a normal liver.

The Animal Protection & Rescue League has investigated all three US foie gras farms and several in France and found rampant cruelty to be the norm. Compassion Over Killing sent an investigator to the largest US farm, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, on a guided tour with a hidden camera and also witnessed the standard cruelty that is required for foie gras production.

Two to three times a day, a worker grabs each bird, shoves a long, thick metal tube all the way down his throat, and an air pump shoots up to two pounds of corn mush into his esophagus. The industry always refers to the dry weight of the feed, which is about one pound per feeding. Adding oil and water doubles this weight, making it 20-30% of the bird's healthy body weight. Picture 30 one pound boxes of dry pasta and then add water. This is proportionally how much a 150 pound human would be force fed using this formula.

A duck's liver naturally weighs around 50 grams. However, to qualify as foie gras, the industry's own regulations require ducks' livers to weigh an absolute minimum of 300 grams.

The vast amounts of feed pumped down the ducks' throats causes enormous internal pressure, and the pipe sometimes punctures the esophagus, causing many to die from choking on the blood that fills their lungs. Some birds literally burst, choke to death on their own vomit, or become so weak that they are unable to fend off rats from eating them alive (click to see footage from Sonoma Foie gras--requires Windows Media Player). Other ducks die a slow, painful, and premature death by suffocation from inhalation of regurgitated feed. In fact, because of the massive toll taken on the birds during the force-feeding process, the average pre-slaughter mortality rate is up to twenty times higher than on other duck factory farms, according to the European Union's Scientific Report on the subject.

According to the ASPCA, "The birds' livers become so enlarged…that according to documentation by veterinarians, the animals must experience unspeakable pain and suffering. Birds have literally exploded from these forced feedings. The results of necropsies on dead birds that have been force-fed reveal ruptured livers, throat damage, esophageal trauma, and food spilling from the dead animals' throats and out of their nostrils."

In addition to enduring force-feeding, the birds also suffer the same neglectful and abusive treatment of other factory-farmed animals: overcrowding, mutilations (the ends of their beaks are cut off), having all their natural instincts and desires--such as interacting in social groups, mating freely, keeping themselves clean, nurturing their young, exploring their surroundings--thwarted, and eventually being sent to a violent death by slaughter. Throughout the weeks of force-feeding, the birds are kept in either a group pen or an individual cage with only wire or plastic-mesh floors to stand and sleep on.

To make matters worse, the ducks and geese are housed without access to swimming water even though ducks need to be able to immerse themselves in water to remain healthy. Access to water on these farms is so limited that the ducks cannot adequately clean their nostrils and eyes, which can lead to blindness.

This is all for an overpriced, unhealthy appetizer that anyone can do without. Please navigate this site to learn more about this issue and what you can do to end this barbaric practice.

http://projectdrela.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/foie_gras_duck1.jpg

http://www.stopforcefeeding.com/sites/foie-gras-industry.com/files/images/hudson-foie-gras-trash.jpg

http://www.animalheartbeat.com/imgz/foiegras5b.jpg

[ButlerKing]

I will not post any video because everyone of them is filled with evil, sorrow, sadness! The world would be a better a place if we all stop eating meat.


BECOMING VEGETERIAN = NO MORE SUFFERING FOR ANIMALS


http://sq28kv71wv32mlqc.zippykid.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/stop-animal-abuse-now-against-animal-cruelty-15061765-500-333.jpg

[ButlerKing]

Also don't use animals for clothing and resources.

Shame on Canada seal hunt, Shame on Canadians!

http://www.heart4animals.com/wp-content/uploads/seals-header-hsi-canada.jpg
http://www.downtownpet.com/blog/uploaded_images/baby.seal-708316.jpg

[Kazimiera]

HELP STOP THIS!!

Link to petition: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Petition_contre_les_amulettes_danimaux_vivants_en_ Chine/


Live Animal Key Chains-New Trend in China

There is a new trend in China. Live fish and turtles are being sealed into airtight containers which are then sold, very cheaply, as key rings and trinkets. Vendors are appearing in markets, subway stations, elementary schools and the like to peddle these novelties. The Global Times has reported that these live-animal key chains are growing in popularity as they are being purchased as good luck charms and decorative purposes.

https://avaazdo.s3.amazonaws.com/72a9efe6b66347b8cec16076bae71f86.jpg

The vendors assert that the colored water is filled with nutrients that would sustain the animals for months. This is far from comforting as both fish, and particularly turtles, can live for years, if not decades. Mary Peng, co-founder of the International Center for Veterinary Services, fears they won't survive very long as "they would run out of oxygen".

In addition to the absence of air, they would be living in and eating their own waste, and, turtles need to get out of the water, bask and let their shells dry to avoid rot. One also wonders what concussive experiences these animals would feel in someone's backpack, briefcase or pocket.

http://media.tumblr.com/2305f48011a0b4db79c1bfd88300cf29/tumblr_inline_mjnf99tpG81qz4rgp.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__zoKJ77EvEc/TaSSrYtAzZI/AAAAAAAAMz4/e2-t2-EZfS0/live-animals-keychains2%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800

As horrific as this may sound to some - it is legal in China - as there is no general law preventing cruelty to animals. Qin Xiaona, director of the NGO Capital Animal Welfare Association laments that "China only has a Wild Animal Protection Law. If the animals are not wild animals they fall outside the law's scope". Animal activists in China are voicing strong opposition, and, in the absence of a law, are encouraging people not to buy these trinkets so that the vendors will have no financial incentive to sell them. This controversy so soon after the magic fish spectacle is fueling a movement to enact much needed anti cruelty legislation.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/__zoKJ77EvEc/TaSSqJG0IuI/AAAAAAAAMz0/POa5KW2meB8/live-animals-keychains1%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800

Torturing and killing these animals is bad, but made worse by the message sent to those child shoppers that this is okay. They are also being taught to feel no empathy for these pets. Sadly, this is a far greater price to pay than the cost of the key chain.

Source: http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/live-animal-key-chains-new-trend/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU1XGXMELyw&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yTcGYpCtfDw

[Kazimiera]

:bump2:

[YeshAtid]

It just bewilders me why anyone would subject a conscious being to such a brutal treatment.

[Kazimiera]

Demand an End to the slaughter of Calderon Dolphins in the Faroe Islands

http://dingo.care2.com/pictures/petition_images/petition/340/938978-1390511345-wide.jpg

LINK TO PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/938/978/340/demand-an-end-to-the-slaughter-of-calderon-dolphins-in-denmark/?cid=FB_TAF

Every year, in Denmark, specifically the Faroe Islands, innocent and helpless Calderon Dolphins are slaughtered brutally by the danes. Simply because of a pointless and stupid right of passage to manhood.
What point is there in killing another living being just to prove you have "evolved", you have transcended. There is simply no need.

These poor dolphins are stabbed a number of times, but as if that wasn't enough, they bleed to death, probably in excruciating pain while the whole town watches.
Needless to say, that killing a defenseless animal is no proof of anybody's manhood.
So, I urge, as I am sure many more have, to stop this ridiculous tradition and take action.
Never, ever, killing an other creature, another living being, with whom we share this world, has done any good, to anyone. One person cannot change the world but many people together can make a huge difference!

http://www.protecttheocean.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/FI10.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcvZ_lRwaXs/UWduZXVk8NI/AAAAAAAAACE/A90c1R7Pgic/s1600/dolp2.jpg

http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/picture_this/public/2011/11/24/195159-whale-slaughter-in-faroe-islands.jpg

[Kazimiera]

DEMAND AN END TO SELLING FOR A SMALL FEE & GIVING AWAY FOR FREE ALL ANIMALS ON CRAIGSLIST

LINK TO PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/107/898/445/demand-an-end-to-selling-dogs-on-craigslist/

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/p403x403/1383784_711494658884570_999254716_n.jpg

Selling pets on Craigslist is actually against Craigslist's Terms of Service, but the company is failing to enforce their own rules, leaving hundreds of helpless animals open to abuse. Most people offer to give away their pets for FREE. They have no idea the environment their pet is going into. It is unfair and not right in any sense.

Craigslist also needs to stop "Free to Good Home"ads. The animals are even more in danger from these ads.

Here are several ways animals given away on Craigslist could be in danger:

These helpless animals may be used as bait animals for dog fighting.
People who torture and kill animals like to search the listings for new victims.
Other people that source animals for research facilities all use these ads to find pets.
A newer phenomena is pet flipping – searching free adds for pets to sell for a profit elsewhere (they often end up in one of the above categories).

Take a stand against animal abuse and help put an end to selling animals for a small fee and giving away for free ALL ANIMALS on Craigslist.

[Gaijin]

The best way to stop animal abuse is to actually stop eating them.
If there are no consumers, then there are no producers.

The slaughterhouse gives a new meaning to "animal abuse".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w7TCmJUD7g

[Kazimiera]

Mexico: Save the Axolotl

LINK TO PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/182/545/642/mexico-save-the-axolotl/

http://dingo.care2.com/pictures/petition_images/petition/642/182545-1392057394-wide.jpg

The axolotl, an aquatic salamander noted for living its entire life in a larval form, is one of Mexico’s strangest creatures. Or it was. The species is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as “Critically Endangered” on the Red List, but it may already be extinct in the wild.

Threatened by water pollution, aggressive introduced fish, disease and habitat destruction, the axolotl has been struggling for decades. Its population was small and highly fragmented, and if any individuals still remain, they probably won’t for much longer.

To save the species, the habitat must be rendered safe, tourism regulated and, if necessary, a carefully planned reintroduction program organized. Conservation work is already ongoing, but it needs to be stepped up if the axolotl is to have any chance at all. Saving and restoring the wetlands around Lake Xochimilco, the axolotl’s last haunts, would also help some of Mexico’s other endangered wildlife.

Ask the Mexican environment ministry to take real action to save the axolotl.

[Beit El]

There are more important matters to attend to than the rights of animals.