|
Petition; European Pharmaceutical Companies Use & Want Pregnant Mare’s Blood To Speed Up Factory Farming!
January 19, 2017
Action Alert, Against Animal Cruelty, Animal Abuse, Animal Cruelty, Animal Emotions Behaviour & Instincts, Animal Experiments, Animal Health & Welfare, animals, Consumer Goods, European, Factory Farmed Animals, Farmed Animal Abuse, Food Chain/Products, Horses, Human Greed = Animal Cruelty, Intensive Farming, Petitions to sign please, Pharmaceutical companies, Sentient beings animal abuse, animal cruelty, Animal rights, Animal welfare, European, Factory farming, Pharmaceutical companies, Pregnant Mares Blood Comments Off on Petition; European Pharmaceutical Companies Use & Want Pregnant Mare’s Blood To Speed Up Factory Farming!
South Africa Legalizes Rhino Horn Trade, Despite Massive Opposition – PETITION TO SIGN PLEASE
June 4, 2016
Action Alert, African Wildlife, Animal Abusers, Animal Attacks, Animal Auctions, Animal Beheaded, Animal Cruelty, Animal Found Dead, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Rights, Animal slaughter, Animal Trade, Animal Traps, animals, Animals Butchered for Body Parts, CITES, Cold Calculated Heartless Bastards, Conservation Law Foundation, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Crimes Against Nature, Endangered Species, Exotic Animals, Extinct, Human Greed = Animal Cruelty, Humans That Offend & Disgust Me, Hunters, Illegal Substances, Illegal Trade, International Rhino Foundation, kIlled For Supposed Healing Powers, Petitions to sign please, Poaching, Protected species, Rhino, Rhino Trade, Trophy Hunters, Wild Life Trafficking, Wildlife Africa, CITES, Domestic trade, Poaching, Rhinoceros, South Africa, Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa Comments Off on South Africa Legalizes Rhino Horn Trade, Despite Massive Opposition – PETITION TO SIGN PLEASE
Sorry not been around, pain controls my life as most of you know…feeling a bit better so thought I would get some posts done while I can. Some of them may be a little out of date, but I feel strongly about their causes so will post!! The story below will affect many Rhino, I don’t think this is the way to save our Rhino, if you agree with me, please sign the petition below!

South Africa Legalizes Rhino Horn Trade, Despite Massive Opposition
By: Alicia Graef May 31, 2016 About Alicia Follow Alicia at @care2causes
A South African court has ruled to legalize the trade of rhino horns, with just “three terse sentences” National Geographic reports.
The international trade in rhino horn has been banned for decades, and was shut down in South Africa – home to the largest population of rhinos on earth, according to data from 2009. The future of the rhino species is continuously jeopardized because of the demand for their horns. Thousands of rhinos have been ruthlessly killed by poachers to meet consumer demands for rhino horns.
In April, conservationists celebrated a victory when South Africa decided against submitting a proposal to legalize the international trade in rhino horns at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which will be held in Johannesburg this upcoming September.
Make no mistake; legalizing trade in rhino horn would have been nothing short of disaster for species that are just barely hanging on now as it is. The South African decision does not fix the plight of rhinos―but it gives space and time to tackle poaching, close down illegal markets and eliminate the loopholes that already help enable the $20 billion market in illegal international wildlife trade. South Africa bought more time for rhinos today―and should follow up with more key actions to keep these animals on the planet,” Alex Kennaugh, a wildlife advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said at the time.
Now, however, the win is being undermined by a recent decision handed down by South Africa’s Court of Appeal, which effectively legalizes the trade within South Africa.
The ruling is the result of a challenge to the ban brought by rhino ranchers, and those on their side continue to argue that funds could be used to support conservation efforts, but opponents have serious concerns that it will do more harm than good, especially with poaching levels reaching record highs.
They also point to the fact that there’s virtually no market for horns within South Africa, which has raised worries that they will most likely be smuggled out and sold elsewhere illegally, and that legalizing the trade will kill the message that rhino horn, like elephant ivory, is something no one should be buying at all.
According to Reuters, in response the government may now change legislation, make obtaining permits to buy, sell or possess rhino horns so difficult to get it effectively stifles the trade, or it may possibly appeal to a higher court, but it’s not yet clear what course of action it will take.
Hopefully, it will do something to undo this. Considering the global efforts being undertaken to combat the illegal trade in wildlife and to promote the conservation of imperiled species in their natural habitats, we need to continue to push for more work on those fronts and rethink how inherently valuable these species are, instead of trying to figure out ways to ‘save’ them through continued exploitation.
Photo credit: Thinkstock
PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION:
Urge The Florida Legislature to Ban The Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horns To Protect Endangered Wildlife!
SIGN THE PETITION & ORIGINAL NEWS SITE: http://www.care2.com/causes/south-africa-legalizes-rhino-horn-trade-despite-massive-opposition.html
Related articles
Mercy For Animals Petition; Undercover investigation into Perdue Farms
December 12, 2015
Action Alert, Animal Abuse, Animal Cruelty, Animal Emotions Behaviour & Instincts, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Investigator, Animal Trade, Animal Welfare, animals, Appalling Farms & Heinous Abuse, Breeding Program, Captive Breeding, Cold Calculated Heartless Bastards, Consumer Goods, Farmed Animal Abuse, Food Chain/Products, Guilty, Health and wellness, Human Greed = Animal Cruelty, Intensive Farming, Mercy for Animals, Petitions to sign please, Purposely Inflicted Harm, Sentencing Not Severe Enough, Should Get Prison Term For Offence, Slaughter House Comments Off on Mercy For Animals Petition; Undercover investigation into Perdue Farms
“This is an email I received today, that needs to be shared! Do not believe the lies that these sentient beings are treated with respect before slaughter. How can that be when workers, stand on them to kill them, throw them at brick walls, throw them into crates for moving to slaughter etc. etc. & Inject them with growth hormones…absolutely no respect & it needs to stop!”
“These poor birds grow up without anything that remotely feels like their natural habitat or lifespan. They are injected with drugs to make them grow faster; due to public demand for cheap meat. But these poor birds grow fast unnaturally, therefore their bodies can’t cope with the extra strain put on their internal organs & limbs, i.e. they collapse as their legs can’t take their unnatural rate of growth & heaviness of their bodies. This means they can’t stand or get around normally (which means no food or water). Their poor hearts are not used to such fast growth, so they die painful deaths under the duress of fattening drugs; which their hearts can’t cope with!”
” So when you next eat chicken, just remember the above & what they went trough to be on your dinner plates. Also consider what toxins they are fed, which may affect you through eating it! I would like to bet if this was fluffy cute puppies it would be very different story & uproar; it shouldn’t be, all sentient beings feel pain!!! Please don’t dismiss this just because it’s not puppies & doesn’t pull at your heart strings”
“PLEASE, WATCH THE VIDEO & SIGN THE PETITION BELOW, DON’T FORGET TO SHARE…EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE HEINOUS ABUSE THAT GOES ON AT INTENSE FARMING CENTERS…HOW CAN WE POSSIBLY KNOW HOW DRUGS GIVEN TO THE BIRDS, WILL AFFECT US, OUR CHILDREN or OUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN….WE DON’T…AND IF I ATE MEAT…I WOULD BE BLOODY WORRIED about animals being given growth hormones etc!”
“SO PLEASE START BY SIGNING PETITION & SHARING!”
The images are heartbreaking, and stomach-turning.
A new Mercy For Animals undercover investigation into Perdue Farms has uncovered disturbing cruelty to animals, including a worker stomping chickens to death, and violently kicking birds and throwing them against walls. Our hidden camera also exposed thousands of chickens crammed into windowless sheds forced to live in their own waste and toxic ammonia fumes.
Viewer Discretion Advised
Bred to put on weight faster than their bodies can withstand, most of the birds have problems walking and many succumb to heart attacks. Before going to slaughter, they are grabbed by their legs and violently thrown into crates, suffering broken bones and other injuries.
As a result of MFA’s breaking investigation, a Perdue Farms worker has just been arrested and charged with four felony counts of criminal cruelty to animals. This is a historic and groundbreaking legal move on behalf of birds raised for meat.“Will he be charged to the fullest degree for animal abuse; or given a suspended sentence…He should be charged with animal abuse & never be allowed to work with or own animals for life!”
But we won’t stop there. Now we’re calling on Perdue—one of the largest poultry producers in the country—to stop paying lip service to animal welfare and implement meaningful policies and oversight at its facilities to end the worst forms of animal abuse.
Tell Perdue to Stop Torturing Animals.
Please, take a moment to sign our petition calling on Perdue to stop torturing chickens. Then please share the hidden-camera video with friends and encourage them to take action too.
And remember, each of us can vote for a kinder world every time we sit down to eat by choosing humane vegan alternatives to chicken and other animal products.
” I think most people think of vegan alternatives as nut cutlets, lentils or beans…YUK!!!! I hate that sort of food. For our Christmas dinner we will be having all the usual traditional foods; but without any meat or meat products. I’m replace turkey for a succulent Quorn Roast, smothered in herbs & spices (Quorn can be delicious, all depends on what you’re adding for taste) & topped with Quorn Bacon. Plus Linda McCartney sausages for pigs in blankets, using Quorn Bacon etc. so our christmas dinner will be delicious without any meat involved at all.”
“I think people think it’s really hard to ditch meat, but truthfully it isn’t! Due to the vast choice of meatless dishes available these days…I think you would be impressed, how easily you can still make your favorite dishes substituting meat with Quorn Mince for your shepherd pie etc. Or Quorn pieces of Chicken to make curries & casseroles etc. Quorn chicken fillets to make any chicken recipes where chicken fillets are needed; just substitute the meat with Quorn! There are so many meatless dishes…you just have to try it…what harm can it do? Nothing, apart from make you more healthy”! I am having Quorn chicken Garlic Kievs, wrapped in breadcrumbs for tea & its scrumptious! Try your kids with Quorn regular chicken nuggets in batter or southern fried Quorn chicken dippers…bet the kids love them & can’t tell the difference!! What have you got to lose??”
Chickens raised and killed by Perdue Farms have been bred to grow so quickly they frequently become crippled under their own weight. Unable to walk without extreme pain, many die of dehydration at factory farms when they can’t reach water. Others die from heart attacks, organ failure, and other problems related to rapid growth. High levels of ammonia due to the filthy factory farm conditions also lead to severe skin and throat irritations, blindness, and deadly respiratory problems.
Birds who survive these wretched conditions are carelessly grabbed by their legs, wings, or necks and violently slammed into transport crates to be trucked to slaughter. At the slaughterhouse, they are violently shackled upside down, painfully shocked with electricity, and cut open at the throat—often while still conscious and able to feel pain.
Learn more and take action at http://PerdueTorturesAnim”als.com.
P.S. Please consider making a special tax-deductible donation to support MFA’s brave investigators who work so hard to expose and stop cruelty to animals at factory farms and slaughterhouses.
Sincerely,
Nathan Runkle
President
Link:-http://www.perduetorturesanimals.com/#petition
PETITION; Yorkie Dog Beaten Almost to Death Deserves Justice
November 23, 2015
Action Alert, Animal Abuse, Animal Cruelty, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Rescued, Animal Rights, Animal Severely Beaten, Animal Torture, Animal Welfare, Animal With Broken Bones By Abuse, Animals Denied Treatment After Injury, Cold Calculated Heartless Bastards, Courtroom sentencing, Guilty, Health and wellness, Humans That Offend & Disgust Me, Petitions to sign please, Pre-written Letter to send, Purposely Inflicted Harm, Sadistic, Should Be Charged For Animal Abuse, Should Get Prison Term For Offence, Veterinary Care Dog, Surgery Comments Off on PETITION; Yorkie Dog Beaten Almost to Death Deserves Justice
“If this women is capable of doing this to a dog, then what’s next? A child?? This women needs to be behind bars so she can never hurt any form of human life…ever again!!”
Posted by Kari Maze
Target: Channing D. Phillips, United States Attorney for the District of Columbia
Goal: Prosecute woman who allegedly almost beat small Yorkie to death.
A 6-pound Yorkie was allegedly beaten by its owner. We need to take action to better ensure the person responsible gets the maximum prison sentence so that other animals will be less likely to meet the same fate.
Kristina Washington allegedly beat her Yorkie and then failed to provide it with medical care. The dog was hit numerous times in various areas of its body and it now has multiple fractures. Some of these fractures include 11 spinal fractures, five limb fractures, multiple fractures to its skull, four broken ribs and a broken foot. The dog’s left leg was also broken so many times that a part of the bone actually absorbed into the body tissue, making it less likely that the leg will properly heal.
Surgeries done on the animal have already cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, the dog needs many more surgeries and the animal may not be able to be saved.
Urge the United States Attorney to bring this woman up on two felony counts for this alleged crime, so that she will likely have to spend 10 years in prison. Beating a 6-pound animal is both disgusting and inexcusable.
PLEASE GO TO THIS PETITION LINK TO SIGN, THANK YOU: http://animalpetitions.org/124608/severely-beaten-yorkie-deserves-justice/
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Attorney Phillips,
A woman allegedly nearly beat a small Yorkie to death. If found guilty, it is important that she is punished to the fullest extent of the law so that other animals will not have to suffer under her ownership.
Kristina Washington reportedly beat her Yorkie and then did not get the dog medical care. The dog was beaten to such a great extent that it has multiple fractures. Some of these fractures include 11 spinal fractures, four broken ribs and even multiple fractures to the head.
Veterinarians are not yet able to guarantee that the animal can be saved. Furthermore, surgeries done to help the animal have already cost well over $10,000 and more money is still needed to do other surgeries.
As a United States Attorney, you have the power to bring this woman up on two felony charges in order to better ensure that she will spend 10 years in prison. I therefore urge you to do everything possible to make sure this woman is punished to the fullest extent of the law for committing this alleged, heinous crime. Anyone who almost kills a 6-pound defenceless animal by beating it deserves to spend a great deal of time in prison.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Mary Ann Barton
News link; http://animalpetitions.org/124608/severely-beaten-yorkie-deserves-justice/
Graphic Video – Animals Australia; Greyhound Racing, What Everyone Needs To Know – Petition To Sign
February 23, 2015
Action Alert, Animal Australia, Animal Behavior, Animal Control, Animal Cruelty, Animal Euthanized, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Investigator, Animal Savaged to Death, Animal Torture, Animal Trade, Animal Trainers, animals, Animals in entertainment, Bait Animals, Caught On Tape, Cold Calculated Heartless Bastards, Dog Racing, England, Entertainment, Human Greed = Animal Cruelty, Illegal Substances, Petitions to sign please, Research, Sadistic, Television, UK, UnderCover, Video, YouTube American Broadcasting Company, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Australia, Cruelty to animals, Dog, Grey2K USA, Greyhound racing, New South Wales, Queensland, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Victoria (Australia) Comments Off on Graphic Video – Animals Australia; Greyhound Racing, What Everyone Needs To Know – Petition To Sign
Greyhound racing authorities publicly call it ‘abhorrent’. They also say it has been ‘outlawed’. But that hasn’t stopped high profile trainers across the country from subjecting defenceless animals to barbaric live baiting rituals in an attempt to gain a ‘winning’ edge on the racetrack.
Viewer Discretion Advised
They’re the victims you’ll never see at the racetrack. Tied up, terrified, and savagely mauled in widespread ‘live baiting’ sessions. Groundbreaking Animals Australia / Animal Liberation Qld investigations uncover the shocking truth. More @http://www.GreyhoundCruelty.com
***WARNING*** Please note that this video contains footage of which many will find distressing. To take immediate action to help animals without watching the video, head to http://www.GreyhoundCruelty.com
Native possums — a protected species — were also tied to lures and flung violently around training tracks. Before being used as live bait, one mother possum watched on helplessly as her baby was killed in front of her.
Piglets — one of the most intelligent and sensitive of all species — were a common choice among live baiters. Their futile squeals could be heard as their bodies were torn apart.
After several laps, rabbits with pieces torn from their bodies twitch and writhe in agony. Their spine-chilling screams ring out across the training track.
While investigation footage captured only piglets, rabbits and possums — kittens have long been reported to be among the victims of live baiting, too.
Investigation footage shows naturally gentle dogs provoked into displaying aggressive and violent behaviour in ‘blooding’ sessions. Those who don’t race fast enough to turn a profit are often killed — sometimes they are shot.
The inherent conflict of interest presented by those ‘promoting’ the sport also ‘policing’ it could not be more damning. While self-regulation continues, there can be little hope that live baiting will ever be eradicated from this industry.
You can help put a stop to this cruelty. Make your voice heard today.
The big question is — how can state governments and sponsors continue to support an industry that has been exposed for such abhorrent widespread illegal activity?
If you’ve ever wanted a gentle, loyal, loving couch-potato to share your home with, consider adopting or fostering a greyhound today:http://www.AnimalsAus.org/beg
Despite their deep pockets, greyhound racing authorities have utterly failed to take effective action to address shocking brutality and illegal activity at the heart of this ‘sport’. Apparently, they didn’t even know about it. That is, until investigations by two small charities on a shoestring budget exposed routine and systemic ‘live baiting’…

Campaign Director
Thank you.
Animals Australia and our colleagues at Animal Liberation Qld have been overwhelmed by the response to our investigations into the greyhound racing industry. Because you spoke out, this industry is under more scrutiny than ever before. State governments have launched inquiries; industry heavyweights have been stood down; sponsors are backing out; and commentators are questioning the future of the ‘sport’. Importantly, thousands of animals will be spared from the terror of being used as ‘live bait’. But there’s still much to do.
Please keep your voices loud, for the animals.
GREAT BRITAIN – Dark side of Greyhound Racing Investigation by BBC Panorama full Documentary 2014
Panorama –
03/11/2014
The integrity of greyhound racing has been called into question by a Panorama investigation which has exposed blatant cheating and the drugging of dogs at the heart of the sport.
The undercover investigation caught a trainer revealing how he dopes greyhounds in order to effect betting coups – some of which he claims to have paid out up to £150,000.
The programme’s findings have prompted animal welfare campaigners to call for the government to reconsider the sport’s self-regulatory status.
Video, Irish Council Against Blood Sports: Protests against cruel hare coursing – this Friday and Monday
January 29, 2015
Action Alert, Animal Abuse, Animal Neglect, Animal Rights, Animal slaughter, Animal Torture, Animal Welfare, animals, Bait Animals, Blood Sport, Cold Calculated Heartless Bastards, Cruel Hare Coursing, Dogs, Dogs Used For Hunting, Dublin, Entertainment, Euthanized, Face Book, Greyhound Racing, Humans That Offend & Disgust Me, Ireland, Killed, League Against Cruel Sports, Minister for Agriculture, Non-Profit-Organization, Petitions to sign please, Pre-written Letter to send, Protest, Wildlife Badger-baiting, Bethersden, Fox hunting, Great Chart, Hare coursing, Ipsos MORI, John Adams, Magistrates' Court (England and Wales), Opinion poll, YouTube Comments Off on Video, Irish Council Against Blood Sports: Protests against cruel hare coursing – this Friday and Monday
Petition Success: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Introduced in New York ( if approved by city council)
January 29, 2015
Animal Advocates, Animal Control, Animal Emotions Behaviour & Instincts, Animal Equality, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Trade, Animal V Traffic, Animals in entertainment, Council, Elections, Horse Abuse, Human Greed = Animal Cruelty, Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, NYC Horses, Petitions Helped Cause, Petitions to sign please Bill de Blasio, Emergency vehicle, Mayor of New York City, New York City, New York City Police Department Comments Off on Petition Success: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Introduced in New York ( if approved by city council)
Petition letter
“Thanks to everyone who signed petitions regards NYC carriage horses; with a bit of luck it will be no more!”
Target: New York Mayor, Bill de Blasio
Goal: Applaud taking action to eliminate horse-drawn carriages from New York City’s streets
Horse-drawn carriages have been a staple of the New York City tourism industry for a century. New York City’s Irish community makes up the majority of the horse-drawn carriage industry, and it has been intent on keeping its livelihood prosperous. However, animal rights activists cater to the opposing agenda, urging the New York City council to put an end to the city’s horse-drawn carriage industry. Their animal welfare concerns have been heard: Mayor Bill de Blasio will soon introduce legislation to end the horse-drawn carriage industry.
The horses of New York City that are forced to work long, grueling hours, and only given rest in small increments of time deserve fulfilling lives. They are not let out to pasture when their work in the city is complete each day. When the horses are on duty they are forced to dodge vehicles, endure excessive air pollution, and risk their lives for tourist entertainment. Every minute that a horse is on the streets of New York City it is at risk of being hit by a car. Mayor de Blasio is genuinely concerned about the welfare of these animals.
Of course, he has received significant backlash from some members of the community, as well as those who share ownership or are employed by the horse-drawn carriage industry. De Blasio has promised to assist these individuals in finding new jobs if the ban is honored.
When Mayor Bill de Blasio was vying for his current position he was heavily supported by animal rights activists. With their influence, along with a push from activists at Force Change and all over the country, Mayor de Blasio has unveiled a bill that, if approved by city council, will end the cruel horse-drawn carriage industry of New York City. De Blasio has publicly said, before and after election, that the horses’ welfare is his main concern.
Commend Mayor de Blasio for honoring his animal welfare stance by introducing this ban on horse-drawn carriages.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mayor de Blasio,
Before you were elected as Mayor of New York City, you took a controversial, yet necessary stance against the horse-drawn carriage industry. You have officially kept your pre- and post-election promises by introducing legislation set to end the cruel industry. I am writing to thank you for your compassion towards the carriage horses of New York City.
It is my hope that the city council favors your legislation and passes it with no hesitation. Please use the signatures that this supportive petition generates to encourage the council to show the horses compassion. You and I know that the horse-drawn carriage industry is archaic and insufficient for the needs of the working horses; it is time for the rest of the city to share this sentiment.
Thank you for fighting for the horses of New York City. Countless mayors before you did not rise to this challenge. You are a valuable asset to New York City.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: jen-the-librarian via Flickr
Link:-http://animalpetitions.org/36375/success-horse-drawn-carriage-ban-introduced-in-new-york/
BORN FREE: Please forward copy below and Tell U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that You Support “Threatened” Listing For African Lions
January 23, 2015
Action Alert, Animal Advocates, Animal Rights, Animal slaughter, Animal Trade, Animal Welfare, animals, Blood Sport, Born Free, Canned Hunts, Conservation, Endangered Species, Hunters, Lions, Petitions to sign please, Poaching, Trophy Hunters, U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service Animal rights, Animal welfare, Born Free Foundation, Lions Comments Off on BORN FREE: Please forward copy below and Tell U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that You Support “Threatened” Listing For African Lions
PLEASE COULD YOU ALL FIND THE TIME TO COPY THE FOLLOWING TEXT IN RED & FORWARD IT ON TO USFWS; TO HELP PROTECT THE LIONS.
Dear Julie,
I have good news for the lions, but they still need your help! In October, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a proposed rule concerning the fate of African lions. In response to a petition submitted by Born Free USA and other animal protection organizations back in 2011, USFWS proposed listing African lions as “threatened” under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Although not the “endangered” listing we requested, the threatened status will be accompanied by a special rule requiring a permit for any importation of sport-hunted lion trophies—which should only be issued for lions originating from countries with a scientifically sound management plan for the species. Born Free, of course, wants to see no sport hunting of lions. But, if it’s not going to be prohibited completely, a strong permitting system is critical, because the U.S. imports over half of the hundreds of lion trophies brought home by trophy hunters globally each year.
USFWS is seeking comments from the public regarding this proposed ruling. Please let USFWS know that you support the listing, urging them to be diligent about not giving permits to kill lions from any at-risk populations—and to keep an attentive eye on the situation to assess whether strong actions are needed.This comment period ends next Tuesday, January 27, 2015, so be sure to send your comment as soon as possible. A sample comment is below for you to use or modify.
Some populations (such as those in West and Central Africa, or East African countries like Ethiopia) are clearly endangered, and permits should never be granted for imports of lion trophies from these countries. But, bear in mind: even trophies of an “endangered” species can enter the U.S. under a permitting scheme if it is determined that such importation enhances the survival of the species in the wild. (That’s the technical language.) As a result, I am heartened—not disappointed—by the proposed rule.
Lion populations and the habitat available to them have diminished dramatically in recent years due to trophy hunting, bone trade, meat and organ consumption, disease, and agricultural expansion. Born Free and our partners on the ground in Africa will keep vigilant watch on lions and lion trade to ensure that the U.S. government’s decision enhances conservation in the future. The lion has no margin for error.
For the animals,
P.S. Share this email with your friends and invite them to show their support for the listing by writing to the USFWS.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Sample comment to submit here by Tuesday, January 27, 2015:
I wish to express my support for the proposed rule to list African lions as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The African lion is in crisis; its numbers have declined by more than half in the last three decades. Potentially fewer than 32,000 remain today. A recent study found that the West African lion population is critically imperiled, with roughly 400 lions in total found in only four protected areas (down from 21 in 2005). Furthermore, current estimates state that there are approximately 2,000 lions left in Central Africa; 18,000 in East Africa; and 11,000 in Southern Africa.
The threats facing the African lion are numerous and varied. These include over-exploitation by recreational trophy hunting and commercial trade, loss of habitat and prey species, retaliatory killings, disease, bone trade, meat and organ consumption, and other human-caused and natural factors. While I do not believe that any trophy hunting is reasonable for such a vulnerable species, I applaud the step that the USFWS has taken toward limiting trophy kills with the special rule regarding permitting and country of origin. If trophy hunt imports cannot be banned outright, a strong permitting system is critical because the U.S. imports over half of the hundreds of lion trophies brought home by hunters globally each year. I urge the USFWS to be diligent about not giving permits to kill lions from any at-risk populations—and to keep an attentive eye on the situation to assess whether strong actions are needed.
For the reasons stated above, this proposal is both scientifically sound and urgently needed. Thank you to the USFWS for acknowledging that this iconic species is in grave trouble. I respectfully ask the USFWS to uphold the threatened listing for African lions in its final rule.
PLEASE SEND ABOVE TO THE LINK IN RED OR HERE:-http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=FWS-R9-ES-2012-0025-3488
You must be logged in to post a comment.