“Here’s an email I’m eager to share with you, I’m so relieved these animals are now safe!!” But there is so much more work to be done to free animals from dilapidated road side zoo!!”
Animaland Zoo Shut Down For Good
Dear Julie,
Now they have grass under their paws, clean water, companionship, enrichment and veterinary care. At last, thanks to the Animal Legal Defense Fund and your support,the animals once held at Animaland Zoo in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania will get the lives they deserve. With you by our side, we sued the roadside zoo for violating the Endangered Species Act and state wildlife laws. In the face of our lawsuit, Animaland settled with us and shut down. We were able to step in and choose new locations for Bear the wolf and the two black bears, Shawn and Sandy.
Let’s celebrate this together—your continued support of the Animal Legal Defense Fund empowers us to litigate these victories for animals.
Help Us Rescue Other Animals in Captivity
All of the animals at Animaland were suffering physically and psychologically. Sandy and Shawn were forced to share a concrete enclosure for 17 years. Almost two decades in a cell hardly big enough for the bears to move in. Thanks to our lawsuit and logistical support from the sanctuary team at Lions Tigers & Bears, Sandy and Shawn are now living at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, a Texas sanctuary where they’ll have the freedom they need.
We also found a safe place for Bear the wolf to live out the rest of his life. Bear was lethargic at Animaland, a pack animal in agonizing solitude. After being nowhere near others of his kind for years, Bear is now safe at the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania, where he is exploring lush vegetation amongst other wolves.
Your generous support helped save Bear, Shawn, Sandy and other animals from Animaland. The tax deductible donation you make today can help us find happy endings for even more animals.
We would also like to thank the law firm Baker Hostetler in Philadelphia for their invaluable pro bono assistance with this case.
Every day, the Animal Legal Defense Fund fights to protect animals, and victories like this one are the reason we never give up.
England’s Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that he will work quickly to bring forward the Government’s draft bill that will ban wild animals from circuses. The bill was originally published last March, but little progress has been made since then.
The British animal rights organization, Animal Defender’s International (ADI), is concerned that if the ban is not immediately enforced, the implementation date of December 2015 may be missed. Social justice campaigner Peter Tatchell, and former Conservative MEP, author, and conservationist Stanley Johnson approached Prime Minister Cameron with this concern, and asked him to swiftly move on the bill. He responded to their request by saying “[y]es, we are going to do it.”
“It is great that David Cameron told Stanley and me today that he will ban wild animals in circuses. Let’s hold him to it. Circuses deny animals their freedom and suppress their natural, wild nature through confinement, tethering and subjugation. It is wrong for circuses to subject wild animals to such physical and mental suffering. That’s why I am supporting Animal Defenders International’s campaign calling on the Government to urgently legislate a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses,” said Thatchell.
“I am very much hoping that this legislation to ban wild animals in circuses will appear in the Queen’s speech and no further delay will be experienced. Circuses that persist in using wild animals undermine conservation efforts by demeaning animals and presenting them as playthings. These animals belong in their natural wild habitat, not the circus,” said Johnson. “I applaud Animal Defenders International on its work to stop circus suffering and urge the Government to join the growing number of countries that have banned wild animal acts,” he added.
The elephant-shaped letter requesting Prime Minister Cameron to quickly move the bill forward, has been signed by celebrities that include Eddie Izzard, Julian Clary,Moby, Michaela Strachan, and Brian Blessed. Also, among the signatories, isEton, whom is a famous alumni of Prime Minister Cameron’s old school, as well as actor Dominic West and sustainable investment leader Ben Goldsmith.
“We are delighted that David Cameron has promised the ADI deputation that he will bring forward the ban on wild animals. So many celebrities and politicians have joined ADI to call on the Government to implement its promised ban on wild animals in circuses. After a 20 year wait the public wants to see this done and if the Government fails to deliver on this promise, it will be directly responsible for continued animal suffering,” said ADI Chief Executive, Jan Creamer.
At the moment, more than two hundred local authorities in the UK, and twenty-five countries worldwide have restricted using animals in circuses. A 2010 Defra consultation showed that 94 percent of Britain’s population opposed the use of animals in circuses, and in 2011 sixty-three MPs also agreed that the Government should ban wild animal circus acts.
Hopefully, Britain will soon be the twenty-seventh country to rescue wild circus animals from a life of captivity, abuse and exploitation.
A Lake Charles man has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges, getting a 10-year sentence, of which four years will be served, for stealing a pit bull puppy and then abusing him. Halo, who is now in good health after being rehabilitated with the Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue, had broken bones and pellet bullet wounds when a mail carrier found him in December. (Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue)
Tyler Scott Sanderspleaded guilty this week to aggravated cruelty to animals and theft of animal, the news outlets reported.
The charges came after a pit bull named Halo was found with pellet gun wounds, a broken skull and other broken bones, law enforcement officials told KPLC-TV.
Halo was stolen in August, and a mail carrier found the animal in November, when he was about six months old.
Halo was taken in by the Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue, which rehabilitated him.
He has some ongoing health issues but is up and running, according to theTeam Halo Facebook page, which has chronicled the puppy’s recovery and the court case.
“There’s a possibility that his front right leg may have to be amputated. It’s an inch shorter than the other legs and he’s still growing so it may eventually bother him,” Jess Single, with the Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue, said Saturday. “Right now he runs and plays with the others well.“
Single and Renee Smith, along with other volunteers with therescue group, praised the judge and prosecutor for taking the case seriously.
“The DA’s office worked non stop to also make sure that justice was served. They fell in love with Halo and made sure that a message was sent that animal abuse is not tolerated in this parish,” Smith wrote on Facebook.
A judge imposed a 10-year prison term, then suspended half of the sentence, and said Sanders would have to spend 85 percent of it behind bars, plus pay for medical bills and a $5,000 fine, the news outlets reported.
27-year-oldMarcus Curryof Memphis has been sentenced to 16 months in prison. Aggravated animal cruelty can mean six-year prison sentence.
Marcus Curry of Memphis
Contractors doing work at the Eden Watersedge Apartments saw a German Shepherd puppy on an apartment porch. The puppy didn’t have water so one contractor told the Memphis man he needed to take better care of the puppy, reportedWREG News.
The contractor said Marcusthen took the puppy inside and about an hour later he witnessed Curry carry a duffle bag outside and put the bag in the dumpster.
One of the contractors, Henry Jones, who had given the puppy water earlier told WREG News, “I was thinking to myself ‘That must be the dog. I unzipped the bag and saw the dog and it was wet.” The puppy was dead. Authorities were notified. Curry was arrested.
According to a police affidavit, at one point, Currytold police officers he didn’t ever put the puppy into the dishwasher but that he did put the dead puppy into a bag and throw it into the dumpster.
Fox Newsreported that a witness told police that Curryadmitted putting the dog in the dishwasher and saying he “left it in there too long.” The Memphis man eventually told police he did put the puppy in the dishwasher but only to keep it from going to the bathroom on the floor, reported WREG.
However, witnesses told the Memphis police that they saw him put the puppy in his dishwasher, turn the dishwasher on, and leave the dishwasher running.
Curry was also charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty by the grand jury according to theShelby County District Attorney. The misdemeanor charges alleged Curry left the same puppy tied to the porch last June for several days with no noticeable food or water. Police said Marcus was also up on fraud charges for allegedly using his great aunt’s credit card without her authorization in the amount of $600.
Despite pleading guilty to the charge, in August of last year Marcuswrote a public testimony where he claims he is innocent:
“Imma real peaceful guy, that only wont to be a good farther, friend, brotha, sister, lover, husband, im not a dam D*M DOG KILLA. a lot of people lied on me, wat if it was da other way around and it happen to each and ever last one of yall. Everybody dat really knw me, knws wat kind of person I am. All my life in Memphis just been h*ll yall, cant trust a soul, not even yo own gurl smmh. So fb this is my testimony, and no matter wat happen I just wont yall to knw the truth, Memphis will make you look like a convict just to get paid, turn your good life into stress and pain. I tried my best and da lord knw I did, but sum reasons im allways around devils!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
The public, however, is furious with the Memphis man.
The incidents allegedly occurred between June 18-26 at Curry’s apartment in the 2800 block of Meadowlake Drive.
He was indicted in October, but was not arrested until earlier this year when he was found at a motel. Shelby County District Attorney, Amy Weirich said the Memphis man pleaded guilty to felony charges of aggravated animal cruelty for killing his puppy by putting it in the dishwasher, The Jackson Sun reported.
“Finally some good news, received via email, not over yet; but proves petitions do work!!!”
Dear Jules
We have good news to share with you.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) petition calling on the Welsh Government to stop factory dairy farms in Waleshas successfully passed its Petition Committee hearing.
You might remember that we wrote to you back in December, following news that Welsh Planning Minister Carl Sargeant had approved plans to build a 1000-cow intensive dairy farm, asking you to join us in urging the Welsh Assembly to update relevant planning documents to better support decision-makers faced with factory dairy applications.
The petition received 9246 signatories, including Welsh actor Gareth David-Lloyd, who came with WSPA campaigners to hand it in to the Welsh politicians.
The concerns laid out in the petition were heard by the Committee on 18 February, who have decided to take the issue further.
Thank you for helping make this one of the most-signed petitions to the Welsh Government.
The fight to stop factory dairy farms in the UK is far from over, but we wanted to celebrate this positive decision with you.
The next steps will see the Committee write to both Carl Sargeant, Minister for Housing and Regeneration, and Alun Davies, Minister for Natural Resources and Food, for more information.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on progress, and you can read more about this on our website.
Owenshad originally been arrested on December 6 and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of only 90 days in jail and an $800 fine.
“The felony charge comes with a much stiffer penalty if the suspect is convicted,” Yahya said.
In addition, Owensis now charged with two counts of driving under suspension and two counts of being a habitual traffic offender. The felony cruelty charge could bring Owens from six months to five years in prison. If convicted of multiple offenses, he may face significantly more time.
Why the shift from misdemeanor to felony charge? There seems to be only one answer. People like you — many, many people like you — used social media, e-mails, letters and phone calls to call for sterner charges for this harrowing crime. Greenville County heard the outcry, took a closer look and seems to have decided stronger charges were warranted.
Want to see how happy and well Andra Grace is now? The Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page has posted this video, as well as many others, so well wishers can keep up with her remarkable recovery. Rescuers were able to recover four of Andra Grace’s puppies as well. They are doing well and will accompany her to their new foster location.
Andra Grace’s puppies, resting before their trip to their new foster home
A Heartwarming Reunion with Two Special Women
Andra Grace had two special visitors on December 19. Kaye Skinner and Jennefer Bullock, the two women who reported seeing Andra Grace being dragged behind the truck, were reunited with her.
According to the Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page, when Kaye and Jennefer saw the pickup truck go by them in the opposite direction, dragging a helpless dog behind it, they turned around to follow it. After the truck sped away without the dog, they searched the roadway until they found her.
Kaye and Jennefer called police and stayed by Andra Grace for the two hours it took for help to arrive. They covered her battered, bloody form with a jacket while trying to soothe her. It might break your heart a little to know that Kaye and Jennefer say poor Andra Grace was wagging her tail as they did what they could to help her.
Kaye Skinner and Jennefer Bullock are reunited with a much recovered Andra Grace
Andra Grace is nowhappily settledin her new foster home, where her two foster parents are both veterinarians. She’s getting a lot of loving care and is well on her way to a contented and satisfying life. Likewise, her now-weaned puppies are in foster homes and can look forward to long, happy lives.
Care2 readers, your signatures on our petition helped turn the tide with respect to the crime committed against this gentle and loving dog. Your outrage, coupled with a deluge of phone calls and e-mails to Greenville County officials, appears to have convinced authorities to take a closer look at this case. Now Roger Owens is charged with a felony. The possible punishment he faces for this heinous act of cruelty is considerably increased.
May justice prevail for Andra Grace and for all abused animals.
On the day after Thanksgiving, two people witnessed something that horrified them — someone in a pickup truck was dragging a helpless dog down the road on a rope. The rope broke, leaving the dog, an emaciated female pit bull, to die by the road. The trail of blood indicated the poor dog had been dragged over a mile. Her injuries were extensive and grievous. Fortunately Animal Control got the dog to an animal hospital, where it is now receiving care and love.
The truck driver has been identified, and reportedly has at least one prior animal cruelty conviction, but incredibly he has only been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in this case.
However, South Carolina law also contains a felony animal cruelty provision applicable to anyone who:
“…tortures, torments, needlessly mutilates, cruelly kills, or inflicts excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal or by omission or commission causes the acts to be done…”
Please sign this petition asking 13th Judicial Circuit Solicitor W. Walter Wilkins to prosecute this case under the felony provision of South Carolina’s animal cruelty law, rather than as a slap-on-the-wrist misdemeanor as currently charged.
“This might just be about the shortest post I have ever done, but it’s certainly one that’s made me the happiest, hence the slideshow of noble equines! Just a shame more can’t follow suit!! “Seriously, look at the beautiful, graceful equines below; then tell me why anyone; would want to eat one?? I’d bet every breed of horse below, has gone to a slaughterhouse, somewhere in the world; often looking as good as they do in the pictures! It’s not just the old & sick horses they slaughter, they want nice fit, healthy horses too!!”
She explained that the Armagh plant asked theFood Standards Agency(FSA) to remove itsauthorisation and stopped killing horses at the end of January.
“There was one slaughter plant in County Armagh approved by the FSA for equine slaughter,” she explained.
“This establishment is also approved for the slaughter of cattle and sheep. It ceased slaughtering horses completely on 25th January 2013 and has asked the FSA to completely remove their authorisation to slaughter equines.”
She said this was the only establishment approved by the FSA to slaughter horses in Northern Ireland in recent times.
“Lets just pray this psycho gets what he deserves; a long stay in a small room; although, I would rather he take a long walk off a short pier! However, he’s out on bail, pending investigations…so if his name & or address gets out…which I bet it does, being Sheffield… I certainly wouldn’t like to be him right now!!”
“Apparently after the police appealed for the name of the dog owner, it wasn’t long before they were found. That was probably down to the power of the internet, drawing like minded people together, on apps like Face Book & Twitter etc. Just think how slow, gaining information like that, could have been; if dependent on media like newspapers alone!!
A man has been arrested over the death of a dog which was badly beaten, tied to a tree and set alight.
“Mother nature has always managed to provide strong, healthy breeds of all animals in her entirety, provided they have the land & food; with which to sustain themselves. The only reason humans have to get involved is because of the imbalance they create by allowing magnificent animals like wolves to be killed in the first place!”
Sweden‘s licensed wolf hunt is effectively over for the season after a court decision on Tuesday left in place a lower court‘s ruling stopping the hunt.
The Supreme Administrative Court (Högsta förvaltningsdomstolen) decided not review a previous decision by the Administrative Court of Appeal (Kammarrätten) that had temporarily halted this season’s wolf hunt.
Earlier in the year, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) had authorized the killing of 16 wolves in specific territories between February 1st and February 17th.
According to estimates from last year, there are around 270 wolves in Sweden, spread out in about 30 packs, though those numbers have most certainly risen since then.
The agency had planned a “selective and targeted hunt of inbred wolves as a step towards reducing inbreeding and having a sustainable, healthy wolf population”. “
The Administrative Court of Appeal ruling amounted to a temporary injunction against the agency’s authorization, but as the hunt is set to end on Sunday, the higher court’s decision not to review the case means the hunt is effectively over for the season.
“That’s going to be the case unless the Administrative Court of Appeal surprises everyone and figures something out tomorrow [Wednesday]”, Mikael Karlsson, chair of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (Naturskyddsföreningen), told Sveriges Television (SVT).
Karlsson welcomed the ruling, adding that it was “important” that the injunction remains in place.
However, the Swedish Hunting Association (Svenska Jägareförbundet) was disappointed that the wolf hunt had been brought to a premature end.
“I see this as devastating for the management of the wolf population. It just means continued frustration for rural residents in this county,” Thomas Björklund, chair for the Hunting Association inDalarna in central Sweden, told TT.
Sweden’s parliament voted to resume a licensed wolf hunt in 2010after a 46-year hiatus, allowing 27 wolves to be killed.
Supporters said the cull was needed to strengthen the gene pool of Sweden’s largely inbred wolf population, and wolves were imported from Finland and Russia to replace the killed animals.
The hunt was again authorized in 2011, but not in 2012.
In January 2011, the Commission reprimanded the Scandinavian country for its wolf hunt.
The hunt is supported in rural Sweden, where sheep and reindeer have increasingly come under attack. “Isn’t that just the way of nature? take away the wolves food source & of course they will take if from somewhere their not meant to!”
“Here are 2 beautiful videos, from a unique animal advocate, Louise Du Toit! Louise is an ambassador for world wide animal welfare & uses her unique talents as a musician to promote better environmental & conservational issues! Louise has composed many melodies referring to animals, endorsing the need to preserve & defend individual species; like the wolf. The following composition, captures the spirit of the wild wolf, whilst her lyrical artistry tells their story! They, like so many other wild animals, who once roamed freely, in harmony with the rest of nature, now face their greatest, global common threat; mankind!
I AM WOLF. I am the true spirit of nature, a perfect creation, walking beside you, guiding your senses to see the invisible. My true destination will only become visible when humans discard their imaginary fear, false legends, phantasmal myths, to seek the truth. (Louise du Toit)
The song for HOWL ACROSS AMERICA was written by Louise du Toitas a contribution to the August 2011 events, organized by NIWA (Northern Idaho Wolf Alliance), Wolf Warriors, Howling For Justice and individual wolf advocates around the world, protesting against the killing of wolves. Music, lyrics, performance and recording by Louise du Toit in Greece, 2011. Video created and produced by Louise du Toit. The copyrights to the music and lyrics are reserved by the artist. The images in this video are not the property of the producer. This video was made as a contribution to the salvation of wolves, for nonprofit educational purposes, without any intention of commercial advantage or private financial gain. There is no intention of copyright infringement either.
Created by members of NIWA (Northern Idaho Wolf Alliance), Wolf Warriors, and Howling For Justice, HOWL ACROSS AMERICA is calling on all wolf advocates to speak up for the wolves in August 2011. Please join their page at the following link and add your voice of protest against the war on our precious wolves:
“I think it’s about time for some good news, especially on Valentines Day…A man & his beloved dog, reunited…think I’m gonna cry!!!”
It’s been a long year for Robert Moreland, but even longer for his dog Blackjack. The German shepherd was stolen from Moreland’s truck while he was at Home Depot 10 months ago, and Moreland was devastated. He and Blackjack had been together since the dog was a pup, and now they have finally been reunited.
When Moreland discovered that Blackjack had been taken he called police, but they never found him.“It hurt me to my heart,” Moreland said, a long time dog lover who did not want to give up the search despite health concerns of his own. Moreland has suffered from PTSD ever since retiring from the Air Force in 1981 after 20 years of service, and he credits Blackjack with helping him cope.
Finally he gave in and did get another dog, named Rommel, though he continued to pray for Blackjack.“I had given up,” Moreland said. “Not because I wanted to, but because I know evil people are in this world, and they don’t care.” Then the miracle happened.
Eric Weinberger, a volunteer at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, got a phone call from a Palm Beach resident who had been feeding a stray dog for several months.
Weinberger came and after several failed attempts was able to catch the dog, which the microchip revealed to be Blackjack. Weinberger fears that Blackjack was used in dog fighting. He was found with a green plastic collar around his neck and a piece of meat hung from a chain. “We’ll never know what they were using him for,” said Weinberger, “But the only reason he would have that collar on him is if he was used as a bait dog.”
Big Dog Ranch Rescue called Moreland to deliver the news and the pair had an emotional reunion on Valentine’s Day.Blackjack went straight to Moreland and curled up beside him, as if no time had passed. Blackjack had surgery to treat his wounds on Friday, and should be able to go back home on Sunday. “I was so pleased (to find him),” Moreland said, and he expressed his gratitude to the kind people at Big Dog Rescue for bringing his boy home.
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
You can find out more about me & this blog by reading "ABOUT THIS BLOG" on the menu (when i finish it) lol
PLEASE NOTE.....
Not all of my posts will be current news, or even about animal abuse! I do like to share other animal news, uplifting stories or videos; some that are funny or just touch the heart!
If I have anything to say on any post, you will see it in bold blue writing. I try to remain a lady, but it's hard to contain my anger & emotions at the some of the stories I post; I don’t have a heart of stone, tears stain many articles I write!
Lastly, my apologies for any errors; I am learning whilst posting, so if you find anything that doesn't work or a broken link, sorry, I'm only human!!!!
ABOUT THESE POSTS
I would just like to make readers aware, that I search for stories on the internet; regards animal abuse etc. I copy stories etc. from the internet; assuming these stories are correct at time of publishing. Having said that, sometimes the press get it wrong! So I just want to add that at the time of me posting a news story, I presume all the facts seem present & correct.
Please note....all people mentioned in this blog, are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise, in a court of law.
Error: Please make sure the Twitter account is public.
Flag Counter Added May 2012
Face Book – Please Take Notice
For anyone wishing to connect to me via my Facebook page...PLEASE NOTE, ONLY PEOPLE I ADD AS ANIMAL ADVOCATES CAN SEE MY WHOLE PAGE...I do this out of respect for those friends I have who do not wish to see graphic images, videos or links of animal abuse!
As 99% of my page is animal related; anyone not in the above group of friends; will only see a limited amount of posts!!
DUE TO ANIMAL HATERS...I WILL ONLY ADD PEOPLE WHO CAN PROVE WHO THEY ARE via Facebook, Wordpress, Twitter etc. & WHO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN ANIMAL WELFARE... i.e. if your Facebook page has absolutely nothing to do with animals, I see no point in joining my page. My Facebook is solely for animal welfare, I am not interested in playing games etc. I don't mean to sound rude but I am not interested in the amount of friends I have, its the quality of those friends that count.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND REQUESTS FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN. I do not want anyone to be upset by graphic images etc.
My aim is to educate & raise awareness to the horrors animals face, at the hands of humans, every day, around the world!!
We can not hope to achieve better laws, to protect animals, unless we unite as one, to speak up for those who are voiceless!!
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DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
STOP ANIMAL ABUSE 
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