‘Rescue Sanctuary’ Family Convicted of 16 Animal Cruelty Offences

“Animals coming out of abusive homes, go to these places, expecting the best care, to aid in their recovery! But this just proves, yet again, anybody can set up a sanctuary; yet be capable of inflicting serious harm to animals, because they don’t love them!!. Don’t these places have to be licensed & inspected regularly?? If so, what happened?? It’s sad to say but some people see animals as an easy way to make money….they don’t love animals & have no interest in aiding animals to recover; they are just a means to an end!”

“I have no sympathy for those who abuse or neglect animals in their care & believe as a business, scamming everyone; they should receive the most serious of charges! How would you feel, if you had donated money to a sanctuary, only to learn that it mistreat’s its animals? terrible I’m guessing. So before you part with your money, even if the place has a flashy internet site etc…make your own investigations before you part with any donation. I think these so-called sanctuary’s need a lot more intervention from animal society’s like the RSPCA or HSI etc., depending where they are in the world…they need to be verified, that they are taking care of the animals in their charge; as they should!! Certainly no animals should have to be rescued from a so-called sanctuary; as in this case!!”

“Think about this, hotels are given star ratings, after being approved…yet animal sanctuary’s can pop up anywhere, with no interest what so ever in taking care of the animals…to them it’s just a money maker…wanting your donation!! Perhaps animal sanctuaries should be star rated to reflect the level of care the animals receive. Shame there were no pictures of this uncaring, selfish family. But similar folk are around us all, animal lovers must be vigilant & fight together to stand up for the rights of animals; if we don’t who will. Your local council representatives & governments are supposed to listen & work for their constituents; if they have no interest in animal welfare & don’t care….make some noise & get them booted out!!”

A family who ran an animal sanctuary in Oxfordshire have been found guilty of 16 offences of cruelty.

More than 100 animals, including 14 horses, were removed from Crunchies Animal Rescue Sanctuary, near Abingdon, in January 2012.

Eight people — Angela Russell, her carer Daniel Bunyan, father Fred, son Robert, daughters Kirsty and Louise, her brother Peter and niece Abigail McHugh — went on trial in April at Bicester Magistrates Court. They were charged with 16 offences, including failing to provide inadequate nutrition and veterinary care.

On Monday (24 June), all bar Peter Russell and Daniel Bunyan were convicted of all 16 offences at at Bicester Magistrates Court.

District judge Tim Pattison said: “I echo the words of RPSCA inspector Douglas Davidson that Crunchies was ‘an animal welfare disaster’; a sea of mud and faeces and, in short, a rescue centre from which animals needed to be rescued.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (27 June 2013)

News Link:- http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/family-convicted-of-animal-cruelty-offences/#98wbvdMzcbEdAGSE.99 

Rescued Dogs From Bosnia Looking For New Forever Homes…Can U Help

“I received a special Newsletter via email about Bosnia dogs needing homes; so have been working on it, a little each day! I’m sharing in the hopes somebody can help give one of these sweet dogs a new start in life. They are looking for loving forever homes in & around UK; if you can’t adopt, you can always foster or help out by sponsoring! Betty & Coko are just two of the many deserved dogs, in need of some special love, after their hard start in life; so please share this with everyone! 

Founded in 2012, Animal Welfare Advocates for Bosnia is a volunteer group dedicated to assisting and supporting animal welfare groups in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Our work involves raising awareness of the suffering of all animals in Bosnia; raising funds for local animal welfare groups in the country to alleviate this suffering and to locate long-term homes for the rescued dogs and cats. We also raise funds to cover the extensive costs involved in re-locating these animals to countries outside Bosnia-Herzegovina.Read More:- http://dev.awabosnia.org/?page_id=12

UK Foster Homes needed for Bosnian Dogs

As most of you know, we have a rehoming transport from Bosnia to the UK, set for June. There are still 12 rescued dogs who haven’t had anyone ask about them, or offer them home. This special newsletter focuses on just two of these dogs, Coko and Betty, so you can get to know them a little more.

Possibly your current lifestyle doesn’t permit you adopting a dog, but you’d still like to help? Have you considered fostering? This would offer a dog a safe and caring home environment (far superior to that of a Bosnian pension/kennel) as well as providing your new canine friend with house-training, human/animal contact and getting him or her used to a new domestic environment. It would also offer the opportunity of the dog finding a forever home locally!

Through fundraising, we would provide both the food and pet insurance (including public liability) for the dog while it’s in your home. In addition we would continue to work with the fosterer to promote the adoption of the dog.

If you would like more information on adoption or fostering any of the dogs, please get in touch at info@awabosnia.org or visit us at AWAbosnia.org.

BETTY – The ‘ideal’ dog!

Young Betty was rescued as a puppy with her sisters in Sarajevo. The 10-month-old has lived in a pension (kennels) ever since.

She’s a medium sized collie-mix and is a beautiful black and golden colour.

Along with her sisters she caught canine parvovirus, sadly only Betty and her sister Lady survived.

Lady, only survivor after parvovirus – Sister To Betty

Betty also had a mild case of the skin condition demodex, but is now fully recovered. She’s a gentle and lively dog. The ‘ideal’ dog as she’s been described!

As she’s spent all her life in a pension, it may take her a little time to adjust to the comforts of a real home.

However she already walks well on the leash, loves people and loves to play.

You might also like to consider adopting or fostering her along with her sister, Lady , Opposite, what an adorable little face!!

Some of Betty’s pictures  Visit Betty’s web page! 

COKO – In need of special loving care.

As a puppy, Coko was thrown into a rubbish bin along with his siblings.

Sadly a canine parvovirus outbreak took the lives of many of the dogs in the pension, but Coko survived.

Because of his lowered immune system he’s now developed the skin condition demodex. We are trying to make sure he gets the best veterinary treatment for the disease, and he’s showing some improvement, but it has become clear to us that the only way he will fully recover is if we find him a home where he would get special loving care in addition to medical treatment.

The neurological causes behind demodex can only be helped with a stress-free, calm and loving environment. Such dogs need stability, familiar people and a suitable environment to live in, without this there is the possibility that the condition could re-occur. Demodex is not contagious.

Coko is a lovely mix-breed, chocolate brown in colour and about a year old. He loves to cuddle and play but is very timid and shy.

He’s spent all his life in pension, so he’ll need time and a very caring home to help him gain his confidence.

Some of Coko pictures  Visit Coko’s web page!

 

How to Adopt 

All the dogs featured in our pages are available for adoption in the UK, throughout Europe and beyond. Please see our Adoption Guidance page for more information on adopting one of these beautiful dogs.

How to Sponsor a dog
Not ready to adopt, but you would like to help Coko or Betty?
Simply donate via your Paypal account to donations@awabosnia.org and mention “Coko” or “Betty” in the Paypal message box. For other sponsorship enquiries, please contact Sandra Jensen at info@awabosnia.org.

PLEASE SPONSOR MY TRIP TO A NEW HOME! In June 2013 we are organising a transportation of up to 20 dogs from Bosnia to homes in the UK (and countries in between). 

The cost of preparing each dog and the transportation will be at least £300/€350/US$450 per dog.

We ask adopters for a donation towards these costs. If you would also like to make a contribution to help this dog move to its forever home, please click on our Paypal button below.

At Paypal, please make your contribution to donations@awabosnia.org and mention ‘journey to UK’ as well as the name of the dog you would like to sponsor. No matter how small, a regular contribution to our work will help the animals we care for in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Thank you!  All contributions will be acknowledged.

How to Donate
Please donate via your Paypal account to donations@awabosnia.org.

Where does my money go?
Animal Welfare Advocates for Bosnia is committed to total transparency in financial accountability. AWAbosnia volunteers are unpaid, therefore ALL donations go to the animals in need in Bosnia-Herzegovina. You can view our accounts here.

Want to know more? 
Please join us on our other pages.
http://inmemoryofvucko.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/AWAbosnia
http://www.facebook.com/groups/AWAbosnia/
http://twitter.com/AWAbosnia

Web page where you can find more information on the above & also other pets that are in need of a loving home:-http://awabosnia.org/

Aintree Named Most Dangerous Racecourse In The Country

CALL TO SCRAP BECHER’S BROOK At The Grand National – One horse dead already!

• Report names Aintree as most dangerous racecourse for horses
• Demonstrations to be held at Aintree racecourse and Channel 4 in London
• Animal Aid campaign vehicle to visit Liverpool
• Cosmetics retailer Lush launches tombstone window displays in memory of equine fatalities
• Adverts across London and in a national newspaper call on punters not to bet on the National

2012 Neptune Collonges runs clears as According to Pete and jockey Henry Haynes and On His Own and Paul Townshend fall at Bechers. According to Pete was also put down

Despite much heralded ‘safety improvements’, the Grand National’s most notorious obstacle remains a potentially lethal challenge for horses running at Aintree next month. The two horses who died at last year’s event – Synchronised and According To Pete – both fell at Becher’s Brook. The same 4ft 10in fence accounted for Dooneys Gate in 2011. His back was broken after the obstacle brought him down and another horse landed on him.

Animal Aid has long criticised the hard wooden core of Becher’s Brook. Reports, therefore, that the inner structure of Becher’s and other fences will be softened represents, in our view, a positive development.

However, Becher’s remains inherently lethal for many reasons, including its height, the spread, the diagonal angle of approach, the fact that it comes at the end of a fast straight of five demanding fences, and because horses must turn after the obstacle has been jumped. In addition, although changes have been made to the ground on the landing side of Becher’s, the fence is still lower there than on the take-off side, which poses another potential hazard for horses.

Animal Aid insists that the time for tinkering is over – Becher’s Brook must be removed.

Thrills and spills: James Reveley rolls away from the crash. A number of other fallers in the race will renew calls for smaller fences.  Pictures via Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2130235/Grand-National-2012-horse-deaths-Ban-cruel-spectacle.html

Read more:

Besides Becher’s, other distinctive features make the Aintree annual race extraordinarily dangerous for horses. These include: an overcrowded field of 40 horses; a uniquely long distance, with more fences per mile than any other race; plus perversely challenging obstacles that vary in height and design, unlike the uniform fences found on other British courses. It is due to these and other factors that just 37 per cent of horses entered into the event over the past ten years have managed to complete the course.

Animal Aid anti-Grand National campaign initiatives include:

• A demonstration outside Channel 4 in London on 6 April (the day of the race) by local activists and supported by Animal Aid. Channel 4 this year takes over broadcasting the Aintree meeting from the BBC.
• Adverts, asking punters not to bet on the big race, appearing across London and in The Daily Telegraph newspaper.
• A visit to Liverpool, on 3 April, by a converted ambulance emblazoned with stark protest imagery and messages. On the vehicle’s side, a powerful short film will be screened continuously. Leafleting will take place in various locations around the city.
• Ethical cosmetics retailer, Lush, to feature a striking window display in its Leeds outlet, drawing attention to the horses who have died at recent Grand Nationals.
• Animal Aid to attend the annual demonstration outside the gates of Aintree racecourse on the day of the Grand National.
• Animal Aid’s redesigned unique database of on-course equine fatalities,Deathwatch, to be launched at the start of the Grand National meeting.
• Animal Aid activists to distribute tens of thousands of leaflets across the country, calling on the public not to place a bet on the race, but instead back the Sanctuary not Cruelty scheme which directly funds two hard-pressed specialist sanctuaries that rescue horses – including ex-racehorses.

A number of course alterations and entry conditions were announced in November 2011, but these did not prevent two horses being killed in the 2012 Grand National. Further changes were introduced at the end of last year and more in recent weeks. But features that make the race so lethal remain unchanged.

Last month, Animal Aid published the report Deathwatch 2012, drawn from its online database that records the deaths of thoroughbreds on all British racecourses. The report reveals that Aintree was the most lethal of all Britain’s 60 racecourses in 2012, when deaths are evaluated in relation to the number of days’ racing. Six horses died at Aintree in just eight days of racing. Three of those fatalities occurred during the three-day Grand National meeting.

Carnage: Horses jump Beechers Brook at the start of the race. There were two confirmed fatalities and many are being to question the ethics of racing horses on such tracks
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2130235/Grand-National-2012-horse-deaths-Ban-cruel-spectacle.html#ixzz2PWJoDgdK
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebookhttp://dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/04/15/article-2130235-1298A136000005DC-749_634x382.jpg

Says Animal Aid’s Director, Andrew Tyler:

‘The time has come for Aintree Racecourse to face what for them is an unpalatable truth: the tide of public opinion is turning against its perversely cruel spectacle. An NOP poll conducted on behalf of Animal Aid last year revealed that, of those respondents who expressed a clear opinion, the majority feels that the Grand National is cruel. Our message is clear: people should stop backing this horror show and donate their money instead to sanctuaries that help horses – not to an industry that exploits and kills them.’

Further information

• For press enquiries, please call Andrew Tyler or Dene Stansall on 01732 364546.
  Notes
• Animal Aid’s campaign vehicle will be in Liverpool (Bold Street, near Ropewalks Square) on 3 April at 13.30.
• The protest at Channel 4 in London will take place on 6 April from 14.30 onwards.
• Read Animal Aid’s in-depth analysis of the Grand National
• For further information on the campaign, visit Stopkillinghorses.com
• The two sanctuaries that will benefit from the Sanctuary Not Cruelty scheme are Hillside Animal Sanctuary (www.hillside.org.uk) and Hope Pastures (www.hopepastures.org)

Just a few of the many petitions to sign:–

• http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/BANTHEGRANDNATIONAL/
• http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/f/ACTIVE/petition/?id=10&campaign=horse
• http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ban-the-race/#next_action
• http://www.gopetition.com/petition/44679.html
• http://www.change.org/petitions/end-horse-racing-in-ireland-horse-racing-kills-horses
• http://www.change.org/petitions/australian-racing-industry-racehorses-aren-t-pet-food-create-an-owners-levy-to-fund-a-horse-welfare-plan
• http://forcechange.com/42535/ban-the-use-of-harmful-drugs-in-horse-racing/http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/savehorseracing
• .http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ban-the-race/
• http://www.change.org/petitions/end-horse-racing-in-ireland-horse-racing-kills-horses
• http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/f/ACTIVE/petition/?id=10&campaign=horse
• http://www.horseracingkills.com/take-action/ban-jumps-racing/
• http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bangrandnational/

Bait Dog Found Duct Taped In California Needs A Second Chance At Life

“WTF…why?? Why would you do this to a dog, unless for the reason given below; but if that’s the case why wasn’t the dog covered in bite marks. However she ended up there, someone put her there & somebody knows who did it…please…ease your conscience & tell the police or ring the shelter if you know anything!! Next time it might just be a dog covered in bite marks, ultimately dead! The person who did this is a psychopath…if he can do that to a dog, what else will he turn his hand to?” 

The female white pit bull terrier now named Tiffany was found Saturday with duct tape completely covering her eyes. Her caretakers think that she had been hog tied and used as a bait dog.

DOG TIED WITH DUCT TAPE NEEDS IMMEDIATE RESCUE

Currently in the San Bernardino Shelter, Tiffany needs to be rescued immediately or she will be euthanized.

Bait dogs are the most heartbreaking victims of dog fighting. Any dog could be unlucky enough to be rendered helpless by being tied up and then thrown into a fighting ring with a dog trained to kill.

Humane supporters are currently raising funds on Facebook for her adoption expenses.

The page is dedicated to the United Hope for Animals Baldwin Park Shelter Support Program where supporters connect shelter pets with loving, permanent homes and rescue options through effective networking.

Tiffany may have been used as a bait dog. She needs immediate rescue and is currently at San Bernardino City Shelter.

Can she be saved? Imagine what life must have been for this dog?

It appears her ears may have been cut in a crude manner, and she appears to have recently given birth.

If you are interested in rescuing Tiffany, please contact the San Bernardino City Shelter located at 333 Chandler Place in San Bernardino, Cal.

Tiffany’s identification number is A442565. Call (909)-384-1304. You can also follow the volunteers currently trying to organize Tiffany’s rescue by clicking here.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/bait-dog-found-duct-taped-california-needs-a-second-chance-at-life?cid=rss

Horse Fighting For Entertainment Grotesque, Brutal And Illegal – Please sign petition

In most countries horse fighting is illegal, it is in the Philippines, but it occurs in several provinces as revealed in a recent Sunday Times Magazine article by Stanley Johnson.

Stallions, male horses, in the wild will fight by instinct to gain authority or mate with a mare. The fights are usually short-lived, a quick bite, a kick and a clash of heads and it is all over with one of the horses leaving with his tail between his legs in submission.

In a civilised society horses are selected and bred to strengthen the breed for a purpose such as hacking, driving or racing. A less expensive stallion is traditionally put to the mare to excite her then taken away and an expensive stallion is put to the mare to finish the job and mate.

Though a little cruel to the first stallion it avoids damage to the expensive horse if the mare doesn’t want to play.

In several provinces in the Philippines, as revealed by Stanley Johnson, a mare in season is tethered in the centre of the arena and two stallions are let loose to fight over her. The fights can last 40 minutes or more. The stallions bite, kick and gouge each other until one of the horses refuses to fight further or tries to leave the arena.

When the fight is over the winner mounts the mare, she may also have been kicked and bitten during the fighting, but cannot escape, as she would if she were in her natural surroundings.

On average thirteen to fourteen fights take place a day and, unnaturally, the mare is mounted a similar number of times. Andrew Plumbly, a Canadian and Dino Yebron, a Philippine vet, work for a charity Network for Animals, they call the treatment of the mare, gang rape.

Yebron explains that the horses used in the fights are working horses, the loser and on some occasions the winner, will suffer internal injuries and are left to die taking several days after fighting or have their throats cut by their owners.

On average 300 to 400 hundred men, women and children attend the fights which are licensed by the mayor with the police in attendance to make sure the gamblers are paid by the bookies. Though horse fighting is illegal in the Philippines the mayor and local government officials turn a blind eye. The reasons given by a local government official for the popularity of horse fighting is poverty, the chance to win a little money and survive in an area rife with violence and terrorism. If poverty was eradicated the violence and horse fighting would stop as there would be no point.

You cannot legislate against nature and it is natural for horses to fight to gain dominance and strengthen the herd. To tether a mare and pit two stallions against each other for sport with no means of determining whether the horses want to fight or not is unnatural and cruel.

You can discover more about the charity and download the full Sunday Times article by clicking on this link Network for Animals

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Video Link:–http://play.kendincos.us/115619/Whlnrvzhltxtxptlp-illegal-horse-fighting-in-philippines.html

Network for Animals is a leading force against animal cruelty globally, representing tens of thousands of members in the United Kingdom and around the world.

NFA is a non-profit animal welfare organisation using investigations, public education and government outreach to achieve landmark victories for animals.  Our campaigns to end the brutal dog meat trade and horse fighting in the Philippines, and to end the cruel Canadian seal hunt are making a difference for millions of animals.

We are a voice for all people who want to make a difference for the animals that share our world.  We rely on the generosity of our members to continue our vital work for animals in distress. With your help, we will continue to make this world a better place for all animals and people.

News Link:-http://www.folkestone-magazine.com/index.php/life/homes-a-gardens/614-horse-fighting-for-entertainment-grotesque-brutal-and-illegal

Petition to end horse fighting:-https://www.change.org/es/peticiones/detener-la-ilegal-pelea-de-caballos-en-filipinas-stop-horse-fighting-in-philippines