ALDF; A Truck Stop is No Place for a Tiger! Why We Won’t Stop Fighting for Tony

Stephen Wells, ALDF
April 21, 2017

At this moment a 16-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger named Tony is caged at a gas station truck stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana, 20 miles outside of Baton Rouge. Confined to a cramped metal cage, Tony breathes in diesel fumes daily while passersby tease and harass him. Tony has lived this way for nearly his entire life, and his circumstances are often a shock to the average person, who feels innately that this is not the right place for a tiger, especially an ageing one with neglected veterinary needs. People ask, “how can this be legal?” and the Animal Legal Defense Fund believes firmly that it’s not. In fact, we’ve been fighting for over six years to have Tony relocated to a sanctuary that can meet his complex needs and give him the veterinary care he is entitled to. Our campaign to save Tony is now even more dire after reports raising concerns about Tony’s health.

Let Tony Live the Rest of His Days in Comfort

All across the world, people follow Tony’s story. Recently, we’ve received many reports from worried citizens stating that Tony appears lethargic and is experiencing diarrhoea and a decreased appetite. The Animal Legal Defense Fund obtained photo and video evidence and enlisted the help of a veterinarian with experience treating exotic animals to review it. In the vet’s expert opinion, Tony is likely suffering from kyphosis of the spine and an injury or other condition that is causing him to limp. This isn’t run-of-the-mill ageing; Tony needs help. Living at a truck stop is, at the least, exacerbating Tony’s poor health. While no animal is suited to living at a truck stop, tigers are particularly ill-equipped because of their sharp sense of smell and sensitive hearing. Independent of all our pending legal work to free Tony, the Animal Legal Defense Fund just submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which licenses the Truck Stop under the federal Animal Welfare Act, urging that Tony be inspected by a licensed specialist and given any necessary veterinary care.

The Legal Battle for Tony’s Safety

We believe that Tony, and all big cats held in captivity, deserve to live in environments that meet their psychological and physical needs. Our campaign to remove Tony from his particularly grim captivity at Tiger Truck Stop has been lengthy and determined. Michael Sandlin, the owner of the truck stop, however, has pulled out all the stops to keep Tony in captivity.  He has spent over $750,000 fighting our efforts and has also manipulated the legislative system by successfully lobbying the Louisiana legislature to pass a special exemption designed solely to benefit Sandlin and allow him to keep Tony. It’s no surprise that Sandlin puts up such a fight; he’s been exploiting tigers like Tony for decades, using them as a gimmick to lure customers to his gas station. The USDA has cited Sandlin numerous times for violations ranging from failure to provide veterinary care to lack of clean drinking water. In 2003, Sandlin relinquished three tigers amid public outrage over his treatment of the big cats. Only Tony remains.

Inspired in part by Tony’s plight, then Representative Warren Triche, Jr. introduced legislation in 2006 to ban private possession of big cats in Louisiana. The law passed, and while it was a tremendous win for the big cats saved from being the next Tony, Sandlin continued to hold Tony in violation of the law. The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for unlawfully issuing Sandlin a permit to exhibit Tony. We were joined in the suit by former Rep. Triche, Jr. and several other Louisiana taxpayers. Both the trial court and the Louisiana Court of Appeal held that Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop were ineligible for a big cat permit and could no longer keep Tony captive. In October 2013, the Louisiana Supreme Court let that decision stand. Still, Tony remained at the truck stop.

Despite the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s victory, which should have freed Tony and allowed him to be moved to a sanctuary, Sandlin has been able to keep Tony in captivity because of two legal tactics that he has pursued relentlessly.

First, after the trial court ruled against Sandlin and while his appeal was pending, he filed a separate lawsuit challenging the big cat ban as unconstitutional.  The Animal Legal Defense Fund, along with concerned Louisiana citizens, promptly filed a petition to intervene in that action to defend the constitutionality of the big cat ban.  Both the State of Louisiana and the Animal Legal Defense Fund argued Sandlin’s claims were barred because he failed to raise them in the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s prior action.  Those arguments are still pending today, nearly five years later.

Second, Sandlin manipulated the legislative system by successfully lobbying the Louisiana legislature to pass Act 697, a special law designed to exempt Sandlin – and only Sandlin – from the big cat ban. It was signed into law by then Governor Jindal. The Animal Legal Defense Fund again immediately went to work, suing the state of Louisiana and arguing Act 697 violated the Louisiana Constitution because it was a “special law” designed to benefit one individual from existing state public safety and animal welfare laws. We were again joined in the suit by former Rep. Triche Jr. and other concerned Louisiana citizens.

We’re Not Giving Up

The Animal Legal Defense Fund recently combined its challenges to both of Sandlin’s legal tactics into the same action, filing an amended petition in intervention in Sandlin’s lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of the big cat ban.  This will allow the Animal Legal Defense Fund — in one motion — to raise arguments both challenging the constitutionality of Act 697’s exemption for Tony and explain why Sandlin’s challenges to the big cat ban itself should fail.  A ruling in favour of the Animal Legal Defense Fund on such a motion should finally put an end to Sandlin’s legal tactics and provide a final resolution allowing Tony to be relocated to a sanctuary.

As the world watches the ups and downs of the fight to save Tony, the tiger’s life remains essentially the same. He doesn’t know his story inspired a former Representative to come out of retirement to fight for him, or that the big cat ban will help others of his kind. All he knows is life in a cramped cage off the highway. Tony deserves the veterinary care he needs and to live out the rest of his life in peace. He doesn’t just deserve it, we believe he’s guaranteed it under the law. We won’t stop until Tony is safe

News source:–http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/we-wont-stop-fighting-for-tony-the-truck-stop-tiger/

 

Petition; European Pharmaceutical Companies Use & Want Pregnant Mare’s Blood To Speed Up Factory Farming!

I received this via email & think everybody needs to sign it. It’s now not only mares pregnant urine they use for Hormonal products! They know want pregnant mares blood to be used by industrial farmers, to get pigs and other animals in “heat” on demand in the factory farming industry. This is an horrendous life for any animal but pregnant horses??? ITS WRONG & NEEDS STOPPING….PLEASE SIGN!!!

 P.S This is a legitimate petition as opposed to many fake ones; see a previous post about fraudulent petitions!

OA

By; Oliver MacColl – Avaaz <avaaz@avaaz.org>

This is on fire — in days over a million have joined! But we need everyone to make this even bigger before it’s delivered to ministers. Forward the email below: It’s a horror movie – hundreds of pregnant horses are hooked up to machines that drain their blood, even until death! All so big drug companies can sell their hormones to industrial pig farmers!! EU ministers meet in days and could ban this disgusting trade. Let’s jolt them into action with a massive call – sign the petition, and tell everyone! SIGN HERE Dear friends, It’s straight out of a horror movie: hundreds of pregnant horses hooked up to blood-draining machines, some so weak they collapse and die. But we can stop this right now. The industrial horse torture is driven by European pharmaceutical companies who use the blood to speed up factory farming! The EU has said it’s considering action, but so far nothing has happened. No more horses need to die! Ministers are meeting next week — let’s light a fire under the EU with a massive petition demanding they ban the abusive pregnant horse blood trade. Add your name to the petition below and tell everyone:  Click to sign the petition To the EU Parliament, Commission, and Council: We call on you to ban the import to Europe of any goods produced using techniques which are cruel and cause suffering to animals. As a world leader in animal welfare, Europe should apply its own standards to products it imports. Click to sign the petition Death is far from the only horror: so much blood is taken that it can lead to shock and anaemia. And because only the blood of pregnant horses is valuable, they’re often forced into repeat pregnancies and abortions.  Demand is driven by pharmaceutical companies who sell the hormone found in pregnant horse blood to factory farmers to get pigs and other animals in “heat” on demand — another layer of abuse in this sorry story.  If we shine a light on this horror by raising a massive global outcry now, we can help get a ban of all products made from the suffering of animals — making it difficult for companies all over the world to make big profits from this disturbing industry. Add your name to the petition above then forward this to friends and family — let’s build pressure on the EU to act! Click to sign the petition Horses are full of beauty, grace and majesty — it’s hard to understand how people could be so cruel. But when we come together in massive numbers to protect animals from the horrors they face every day, we can do incredible things. Let’s do it now for these horses who need us to be their voice more than ever. With hope, Oliver, Rewan, Bert, Ari, Camille, Nataliya, Ricken and the entire Avaaz team More information: Blood farms investigation (Animal Welfare Foundation) http://animal-welfare-foundation.org/en/what-we-do/blood-farms.html The cruel trade with pregnant mare blood (Animals’ Angels USA) http://www.animalsangels.org/investigations/horses/cruel-trade-pregnant-mare-blood-united-states-uruguay-and-argentina-9-30-15 Turning horse blood into profits (The Dodo) https://www.thedodo.com/turning-horse-blood-into-profits-1382177497.html Why is the world out for horses’ blood? (The Guardian) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/03/horse-blood-farms-china-donkeys-wild-horses-us-mass-slaughter News Link & Petition:–https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/horse_blood_loc/?aBdTNjb

Animals Australia: Help Us Launch An Emergency Broadcast For Animals. GRAPHIC MEDIA INC.

” I received this via email & wanted to share. This is horrific, why are these Countries being allowed to kill these animals in this way?? I can’t give a lot but £1 is better than nothing & a lot of £1 will add up & hopefully get this advert on the TV; to stop this heinous illegal type of slaughtering! I also found an unlisted video on youtube that I think everybody should be allowed to see! Graphic TV AD, Plus Graphic video at the end of this page FILMED BY A VET ON AN EXPORT SHIP “

                Change his fate. Help expose live export sledgehammering on tv.

                Sold. Exported & SLEDGE-HAMMERED TO DEATH

It’s been 6 days since we exposed the brutal reality of live export to Vietnam: terrified animals having their skulls smashed with sledgehammers.

Still, the trade continues.

That means young calves like him will grow up to risk the very same horror: sledgehammered to death in a filthy slaughterhouse. The ‘lucky ones’ die quickly. The unlucky ones feel everything — blow after agonising blow.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR NEW TV AD – VERY GRAPHIC MEDIA » https://secure.animalsaustralia.org/tv/live-export-2016/?r=576c065f3a6771466697311&ua_s=e-mail

(VERY GRAPHIC… VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED; AT THE END OF THIS PAGE  – Watch a video TAKEN ON-BOARD AN EXPORT SHIP BY A VET, after it was uploaded she lost her job!!!!).

These animals’ harrowing stories are sending shockwaves around the world. Our investigation made headlines in 34 countries. Our Prime Minister expressed his ‘shock’ and ‘disgust’. But it wasn’t followed by any meaningful action.

10 days out from an election and the last thing political leaders want is for their complicity in animal abuse to be thrown into the spotlight. With your help, that’s exactly what we’re about to do.

We urgently need to send a message to decision-makers that their promises and platitudes aren’t good enough. That for every animal who suffers for this industry, for every day a terrified steer is at risk of brutal sledgehammering — we will keep fighting for them.

Please help us disrupt the election campaign with an emergency broadcast for animals.

We have just 48 hours to secure pre-election air time. Can you help us reach our goal? We don’t just have our sights set on TV — with your help we will target politicians when they read their news online, too.

For too long the odds have been stacked against animals, but right now we have a rare opportunity to hit the live export industry where it hurts. Help us seize it.

Even a small donation today can make a difference.

In whatever way you choose to help animals, thank you.

Lyn White AM
Campaign Directo

Please donate to an emergency broadcast. 

It’s not the first time Animals Australia investigators have exposed the horrific practice of sledgehammering animals to death in the live export trade. After 12 months, terrified animals are still having their skulls smashed on a nightly basis. Nothing Barnaby Joyce (the Agriculture Minister) has done to date will stop this horror continuing.

With just 9 days until the election, we need your urgent support to disrupt the election campaign with an emergency broadcast for animals. Help us get this online and on TV.

TO DONATE; please click this website link , Thank you. https://secure.animalsaustralia.org/tv/live-export-2016/?r=576c0f510028a1466699601&ua_s=e-mail

There are 26 hours remaining to secure pre-election air time

News Link:– https://secure.animalsaustralia.org/tv/live-export-2016/?r=576c1557da2291466701143&ua_s=e-mail

“PLEASE NOTE THIS IN AN UNLISTED VIDEO ON YOUTUBE – BUT I FEEL PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE TRUTH!”

[GRAPHIC VIDEO] – Live export vet removed after reporting on animal welfare / ABC 7.30

“Barnaby knew about this for years. [WARNING: GRAPHIC]”

Published on 19 Jun 2016 Animals Australia

Australia’s Federal Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce, has known for YEARS about sledgehammering in Vietnam. In that time, his Department has green-lit shiploads of animals to the region. In light of Animals Australia’s recent investigation exposing brutal sledgehammering yet again in Vietnam, he still refuses to suspend trade — putting more animals at risk of horrific cruelty. Tell the Minister what you think of the fact that NOTHING he’s done to date has prevented this extreme abuse from continuing: https://www.facebook.com/BarnabyJoyceMP/

Couple Pleads Not Guilty to 17 Counts of Animal Abuse – Not First Run In With Animal Control

“If you love your pets, you don’t clear off on holiday & leave the poor things alone! If they don’t get a serious sentence & all the dogs taken from them, they will carry on abusing!! Laws have to change to stop this type of thing happening again…an Animal Abuse Registry could stop repeat offenders etc.”

By News Staff – Reporting by Kainani Stevens – kstevens@abc6.com

An Exeter couple appeared in court Wednesday facing 17 counts of animal abuse.

Accused of 17 Counts Of Animal Abuse & Neglect – Kathleen and Donald Perkins

Police say the couple went on a two-week vacation, leaving their dogs locked up at home, alone, without enough food or water. This is not the first run-in the pair have had with animal control.

Both Kathleen and Donald Perkins plead not guilty in court, accused of the 17 counts of abuse and neglect.  The Perkins’ operate Celie Kennels out of their Ten Rod Road home, breeding golden retrievers for over a decade, according to their website.

Last week, 10 golden retrievers, six papillons, and one cat were removed from the Exeter home after State Police received a call from a concerned neighbor. Animal Control responded and found the dogs in “unsafe” conditions.

“The dogs were in crates barely big enough for them, standing in urine and feces. Their paws were raw and they had little or no water,” said Sgt. David Bassignani of the Rhode Island State Police.

All the dogs and the cat are being housed at several shelters across the state and will remain there until the judge rules on the case. Several neighbors of the Perkins’ have contacted animal control in the past.

“We have in the past had calls made by concerned citizens about the living conditions of the animals,” said Dr. E. J. Finocchio, Director of the RISPCA. The pair are due back in court on January 13th.

News Link:–http://www.abc6.com/story/30769351/couple-pleads-not-guilty-to-17-counts-of-animal-abuse

Monstrous children glue puppy’s eyes shut for ‘kicks’

“Sorry first news story I’ve posted in a very long time due to illness, hopefully as things improve, I will do more posts. Although keeping it pretty basic for now, apologies for any errors, not up to usual standard, still finding it hard!”

“WTF…Just think; these could be the kind of kids that could lead this nation in the centuries to come! Some will no doubt go on to commit more animal abuse, rape, murder etc. as is well documented; those who commit animal abuse as children usually go on to become psychopaths! What makes kids do this? Is it the parents fault or kids getting access to on-line media through gaming etc. that contains sick & downright evil & violent content. I don’t know, but I do know these kids need finding & be told just how wrong animal abuse is. I was sickened at the thought of kids doing this, so I just had to post in-case anyone knows the culprits.!! Link to help Sadie below; praying this little one will not loose her sight!!”

“Evil kids were bored and allegedly glued the puppy’s eyes shut. The damage to her eyesight will be assessed this weekend.  Rescue Dogs Rock NYC”

DESPICABLE ACT OF CRUELTY BY BORED CHILDREN!!

In a disturbing act of animal cruelty, a ten-pound puppy suffered one of the most horrendous acts of torture imaginable. According to Stacey Silverstein, of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, the tiny, ten-month old puppy’s eyes were glued shut. “A group of kids, we are told, glued both of her eyes shut for kicks! This is one of the scariest abuse cases we have seen in a very long time,” stated Stacey.

The egregious act of cruelty occurred in Henderson, North Carolina; the offenders have not yet been identified. Luckily the Friends of Vance County Animal Shelter came to Sadie’s rescue and contacted Rescue Dogs Rock NYC for help. Everyone who has met this little dog, comments about her sweet disposition. Sadie is scheduled to be transported to New York City this weekend where she will be evaluated by veterinarian specialists and treated appropriately. Follow her progress on the organization’s Facebook; or click link below.

Research has consistently shown that children’s acts of animal abuse closely correlates with bullying, corporal punishment, school shootings, sexual abuse, and developmental psychopathic behaviors. Animal abuse can be an indicator and a predictor of other violent acts. Parents in the Henderson area are being asked to carefully watch their pets and their children.

“We can only hope these children are caught and punished quickly! What will they do next time they are bored? Sounds like some future serial killers in the making! Top three warning signs for parents: bed wetting, starting fires and torturing animals,”

Stacey explained. If anyone has any information about this heinous crime, you are asked to call authorities. “(sorry doesn’t give a number but if you know or suspect anything, I suggest contacting those that rescued Sadie)” Information will be kept confidential. Help Sadie find justice.

Please help with Sadie’s medical expenses by clicking here.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/monstrous-children-glue-puppy-s-eyes-shut-for-kicks

Brian Blessed Gets Behind Campaign To Ban Wild Animal Circuses

February 20, 2015

As the political saga surrounding the promised ban on wild animals in circuses in the UK continues, legendary actor Brian Blessed has urged the government to “end this circus madness” and finally legislate to ban such acts.

The ‘Flash Gordon’ star’s call for action comes as Animal Defenders International (ADI) reveals that the only and much criticised lion and tiger circus act will not be touring Britain this year.

Brian Blessed said “I am deeply opposed to the use of wild animals in circuses and have been working with Animal Defenders International to oppose such acts for many years. Despite repeated promises from the Government, we are still waiting for the law to pass and the animals are continuing to suffer. Please end this circus madness.”

Brian Blessed is among a string of high profile supporters of ADI’s campaign to ‘Stop Circus Suffering’ in Britain which includes Ricky Gervais, Sir Roger Moore, Brian May,Moby, Imelda Staunton, Eddie Izzard, Twiggy, Annette Crosbie, Sir Paul McCartneyand Dame Judi Dench.

Back in 2011, Brian Blessed made a similar plea following ADI’s shocking exposérevealing the terrible abuse inflicted on Anne, Britain’s last circus elephant. The actor joined the organisation and a delegation of MPs to present a letter to the Prime Minister calling for a ban. At the time Blessed stated, “now is the time for the government to legislate and put a stop, once and for all, to the draconian and humiliating spectacle of wild animals in circuses.”

As a result of changing attitudes and greater awareness of how circus animals are kept, trained and treated following investigations by organisations such as ADI, just two circuses in Britain currently tour with wild animals.

ADI can reveal that Thomas Chipperfield, a relative of the notorious Mary Chipperfield who was prosecuted for animal cruelty following an ADI investigation, who presents the only lion and tiger circus act in Britain, will not be touring with a circus this year. The act featured in Peter Jolly’s Circus last year, attracting widespread criticism and local protests.

Whilst in the circus and at their present overwintering location in Scotland, ADIdocumented how Chipperfield’s lions and tigers exhibited abnormal repetitive behaviour – not seen in the wild but commonly observed in circuses – indicating compromised welfare. Seeing the footage, vets Marc Abraham and Simon Adams said “Big cats are never meant to live like this” and “the limited space available in a travelling circus is unsuitable to big cats”. Although the animals will not be touring, they will likely remain in their temporary, confined living quarters.

ADI President Jan Creamer said, “While the government fails to take action, the suffering of wild animals in circuses will continue and it must take full responsibility. It is time to pass the ban that has long been promised to the public and the animals.”

Little progress has been made since the Government announced it would ban the use of wild animals in circuses in 2012, leading Jim Fitzpatrick MP to introduce a bill. Despite having cross-party support, Christchurch MP Christopher Chope has blocked the backbench bill on seven occasions. The bill will have its next second reading on Friday 27 February.

Whilst Britain stalls on progressing the ban, 30 countries have introduced laws prohibiting animals in circuses. ADI is working with authorities to rescue animals from circuses following wild animal circus bans in Peru and Colombia, and is currently caring for 30 lions and over 20 other animals. The organisation is seeking donations to complete its groundbreaking rescue mission ‘Operation Spirit of Freedom’.

News Link:–https://www.looktothestars.org/news/13286-brian-blessed-gets-behind-campaign-to-ban-wild-animal-circuses

Related articles

• England’s Prime Minister Says He Will Ban Wild Animals from Circuses
• ADI New Video: Elephant Training At Have Trunk Will Travel – No Fun For Elephants
• PLYMOUTH TOWN MEETING: Petitioned article aims to ban wild animal circuses
• Video Gallery: Cruelty Uncovered At Korean ‘Monkey School’
• Victory! Colombia Passes Wild Animal Circus Ban
• ‘Lion Ark’ Documentary Showcases Animals’ Rescue From Illegal Bolivian Circuses (VIDEO)
• DEFRA to waste nearly £300,000 of public money on unwanted scheme
• Animal Defenders International; Stars Set To Attend Lion Ark Gala Screening
• Circus Bosses On Trial For Cruelty To Elephant By Worker
• Britain’s biggest wild animal circus sells its animals

Northen Ireland; Circus Ban On Council Land

Circuses which use wild animals in their acts could soon be banned from bringing their shows to council land in Antrim and Newtownabbey.

On Tuesday, February 10, Antrim and Newtownabbey District Council’s Policy Resources & Service Convergence Committee agreed to ban such circuses from using council-owned land.

DUP Councillor Phillip Brett proposed the motion: “That this council recognises that it is inherently cruel and unjustifiable for circuses to use wild animals to perform tricks or engage in behaviour that they otherwise would not do in the absence of coercion, and adopts a policy to prohibit circuses including wild animals from using council owned property.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Thomas Hogg and agreed by members.

The committee’s decision still has to be ratified when the full council meets on February 26 at Mossley Mill.

Councillor Brett said that it will be up to the council to decide whether or not circuses which use horses and dogs in their shows will be subject to the ban, or just those which use exotic animals such as lions, tigers and elephants.

News Link:–http://www.antrimtimes.co.uk/news/local-news/circus-ban-on-council-land-1-6592778

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

Graphic Media: TweetStorm And Petitions To Help Close THE 2015 DOG AND CAT EATING FESTIVAL

Apologies for delay, no internet & usual pain!! POSTING FOR & ON BEHALF OF THE FOLLOWING TO BRING AWARENESS TO THIS HORRIFIC FESTIVAL (all material, sites & petitions copied with permission from #‎StopYuLin2015‬   Stop Yulin Dog & Cat Meat Festival 2015 – 停止榆林狗與貓肉節2015

**TEAM, WE ARE STEPPING UP THE ACTIONS!**

Today (1/19) we are asking you to push a little bit harder and write a letter to the Chinese government. We have put together a letter, kindly explaining our utter disgust at the YuLin dog and cat meat festival and also how tourism will be hit hard as word is spreading across the internet. We have translated the letter into Chinese as this will be most effective, the English version is for your reference only. Of course you are more than welcome to draft and mail your own letter!
You will need to copy and paste the letter into an email, remembering the add your name and address at the top and add your name, city, state, and country at the bottom.

Link to CHINESE letter: http://bit.ly/1CpW7pt

Link to letter in English/Dutch/German/Spanish (Ref only): http://bit.ly/1BQ5mBw

We thank you for your constant support and for taking this direct action to ‪#‎StopYuLin2015‬.

THIS IS VERY SIMPLE, YOU CAN HELP CLOSE THE 2015 DOG & CAT EATING FESTIVAL…BY DOING A TWEETSTORM – WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY

(Must be that date, do not use the #tag before the 21st)

21/01/2015 Tweets List to post on Twitter:-https://sites.google.com/site/12115stopyulin2015/

YOU CAN ALSO HELP BY SIGNING ALL THE PETITIONS BELOW.

Stop Yulin Dog & Cat Meat Festival 2015 – 停止榆林狗與貓肉節2015

STOP THE KILLING & EATING OF CATS & DOGS AT THE YULIN 2015 FESTIVAL

** A FRIENDLY REMINDER **For all those planners and organizers out there, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21ST, is the date for our next BIG tweet storm. Mark your calendars, set your alarms or put a post-it on your computer monitor. See the poster for the time schedule. If you’re not sure how to convert it to your time-zone, please leave us a message and one of us will get back to you.Also, if you are looking for additional ways to help us spread the word about Wednesday’s tweet storm, starting today (Monday), could you please tweet the following message to YOUR individual followers on your Twitter account, that would really help us create even more awareness.

Here’s the message to copy & paste to your Twitter followers:-

‪#‎StopYuLin2015‬ needs you. Pls join me on Wed.1/21 -help end the YuLin Dog Meat Festival. http://t.co/Y9PbVJyOnE RT!

Bringing a permanent end to this festival is going to take a global push and we have 3 months to work jointly letting YuLin city know that we don’t like what they’re doing to the cats & dogs in and around their city.

 Stop Yulin Dog & Cat Festival 2015 

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITIONS THEN TWEET THEM; SPREAD THEM FAR & WIDE

The last set of petitions & tweet links

1. http://forcechange.com/67344/stop-dog-meat-festival/
   • TWEET – http://t.co/UDTxc4T5gR
2. https://www.change.org/p/mr-chen-wu-yulin-governor-please-shut-down-the-yulin-dog-meat-festival-in-guangxi-china
   • TWEET – http://t.co/Nx4TVVhy46
3. http://animalpetitions.org/3749/stop-cruel-dog-meat-festival/
   • TWEET – http://t.co/9ytyXV8oET
4. http://www.petition2congress.com/10339/we-urge-chinese-government-to-stop-yulin-festival-eating-dogs-in/
   • TWEET – http://t.co/SvMRNOjGNN
5. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/805/082/951/stop-killing-dogs-for-annual-yulin-dog-eating-festival/
   • TWEET – http://t.co/xVh4einhKy
6. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/126/095/020/stop-the-yulin-dog-masscare-2015-petition-stating-chinese-products-will-be-boycotted/?cid=FB_TAF
   • TWEET – http://t.co/nYdv58Grzu
7. https://www.change.org/p/chen-wu-please-shut-down-the-yulin-dog-meat-festival
   • TWEET – http://t.co/7LWhNY6xEg
8. https://www.causes.com/actions/1771169-sign-the-petition-to-mayor-and-officials-in-yulin/
   • TWEET – http://t.co/yeQRodADSS
9. https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-stop-the-yulin-dog-meat-eating-festival
   • TWEET – https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Petition+%C2%B7+STOP+THE+YULIN+DOG+MEAT+EATING+FESTIVAL+%C2%B7+Change.org&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.change.org%2Fp%2Fpresident-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-stop-the-yulin-dog-meat-eating-festival&related=https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Petition+%C2%B7+STOP+THE+YULIN+DOG+MEAT+EATING+FESTIVAL+%C2%B7+Change.org&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.change.org%2Fp%2Fpresident-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-stop-the-yulin-dog-meat-eating-festival&related=
10. http://animalpetitions.org/5242/end-public-consumption-of-dogs-in-china/
    • TWEET – http://t.co/UM4SFbICTw
11. https://www.change.org/p/wang-lutong-ban-the-chinese-yulin-cat-and-dog-festival
    • TWEET – http://t.co/PSsBelnuLd
12. https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Mr_Liu_Xiaoming_Chinese_Ambassador_To_The_United_Kingdom_Stop_The_Barbaric_Yulin_Dog_Slaughter_Festival/?skIjnib
    • TWEET – http://t.co/WWQSLnRzyA 
13. TWEET STORM – https://www.facebook.com/events/297433457123120/?ref=5
    • TWEET – http://t.co/GOraKyAXRO
14. The tweetsheet link for petitions against the Yulin dog & cat eating festival https://sites.google.com/site/yulinpetitions/ #stopYulin2015

Information about the Yulin Dog Meat Festival

Here is a list of the various levels of corruption I found connected to the festival:

*STOLEN PETS

“An animal rights lawyer in Beijing said that official claims that all dogs are bred by local dog farmers is false. An Xiang said according to research there are no such farms and that all dogs are abducted from the streets.”

(http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/china-dog-meat-festival-2014-10000-dogs-be-slaughtered-yulin-summer-solstice-celebration-1451869)

“It is thought most dogs are pets or strays abducted from streets. Vendors then buy them for around nine yuan (85p) and sold for 25 yuan. People who steal the dogs make the biggest profits of all, the news agency said.

”(http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/china-dog-meat-festival-2014-dogs-sold-85p-cooking-solistice-hotpot-1452814)

*CRIMINAL LAWS ARE BROKEN

“Some of the animal thieves broke Criminal Law using weapons to threaten residents to hand over their dogs,” Li said.

(http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/china-dog-meat-festival-2014-dogs-sold-85p-cooking-solistice-hotpot-1452814)

*MEAT NOT PROPERLY QUARANTINED

“Another risk factor highlighted is poor food safety. Liu Lang, director of the Beijing Small Animal Veterinary Association said butchers slaughtering the dogs are at risk of rabies, while the meat is not properly quarantined or inspected, increasing the chance of food safety problems.” 

(http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/china-dog-meat-festival-2014-10000-dogs-be-slaughtered-yulin-summer-solstice-celebration-1451869)

“While a quarantine regulation on dogs and cats was introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture last year, meaning all cats and dogs had to be quarantined before transport, this is rarely observed, he added.”

(http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/china-dog-meat-festival-2014-dogs-sold-85p-cooking-solistice-hotpot-1452814)

*ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERHOUSES

“Li said there were no dog farms or slaughterhouses that safely produce dog meat: “I was told there are four major workshops that produce dog meat in the city. I visited them and found all of them had no business licences or certificates.”

(http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/china-dog-meat-festival-2014-dogs-sold-85p-cooking-solistice-hotpot-1452814)

*UNCONSTITUTIONAL TO PROTECT ONE GROUP BUT NOT THE OTHER

“Medical staff have been banned from attending the dog meat festival by health authorities from three local hospitals: “According to the directive issued by higher authorities, hospital staff are prohibited from having dog meat at food stalls, restaurants or hotels in Yudong and Fumian districts,” the notice read.”

(http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/china-dog-meat-festival-2014-dogs-sold-85p-cooking-solistice-hotpot-1452814)

*HIDING THE FACTS/TRUTH

“According to South Morning China Post, local restaurants have been ordered to cover the word, dog, on signs to appease protesters: “Food safety authorities told us to change our signboards due to the objection of certain dog lovers,” staff members reportedly said.” 

(http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/china-dog-meat-festival-2014-dogs-sold-85p-cooking-solistice-hotpot-1452814)

*LOCAL YULIN GOVERNMENT STILL CULPABLE*IT’S UNCONSTITUTIONAL TO NOT PROTECT YOUR CITIZENS“In Yulin, local authorities have stressed that they had no hand in organizing the controversial dog fest.

”(http://www.worldcrunch.com/china-2.0/china-traditional-dog-meat-recipes-v.-new-animal-rights-activism/animal-rights-animals-shark-fins-dog-pets-wildlife/c9s17554/#.VI1hztKG89l)

Conclusion: Corruption is flagrant and decimating China’s cats and dogs ruins China’s reputation, threatening their economy.

Conclusion: The YDMF is detrimental to the social and moral development of China’s citizens.

Conclusion: China needs to develop animal welfare laws and not use the YDMF to “clean-up” their stray cats and dogs.

Conclusion: Allowing the YDMF to continue, contravenes the Chinese Constitution and other laws and administrative regulations because every aspect of the YDMF is illegal and makes China look bad in the world’s eyes. There is more to this festival than China’s ability and freedom to eat cats and dogs and the  false health benefits derived from part-taking in the consumption of cat and dog meat, but the festival enables corruption to run rampant throughout China and its bordering countries, like Vietnam.It is imperative to the people of China, specifically for the prosperity of their children, for the good of their social and moral development and the benefit of good health, that the local YuLin government be encouraged to cancel the festival.

Here is additional information on the YuLin Dog Meat Festival: http://bit.ly/166Svi2

Here is the link to our FB page: http://on.fb.me/1t1UxUR

News Link:–https://sites.google.com/site/newsletterstopyulin2015/

500 Likes For The YuLin You Tube Video

16 January

Tuesday, 1/13/2015 the “YuLin, Hell On Earth For Cats & Dog” You Tube video, demonstrating the cruelty cats and dogs go through prior to the festival, was posted.Today, 3 days later, it has been viewed 500 times. And the world does not like what it sees going on In China with the complete heartless exploitation of cats and dogs.Please stay with us as we continue to march on toward the June 21st festival date. Thank you for sharing the video. We all must continue creating awareness about this horrid festival.Collectively with our united international voices, we can #StopYuLin2015!!

Stop Yulin Dog & Cat Meat Festival 2015 – 停止榆林狗與貓肉節2015

Please don’t look away from our video. The cats and dogs of YuLin need our global voices to defend them from the slaughter.

We ask for your time, not your money. Won’t you please join our campaign to help end the intolerable suffering of the cats and dogs in YuLin, China?

PLEASE NOTE GRAPHIC CONTENT

Published on 13 Jan 2015

The annual YuLin Summer Solstice Dog Eating Festival takes place on June 21st, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China.

This video demonstrates the cruelty cats and dogs go through prior to the festival. Their journey to the festival is wrought with much pain and agony. Because there are no animal welfare protection laws in China, saving them from the sordid dog meat trade (DMT) is difficult. The owners of stolen pets have no recourse either because laws are not broken.

Take action with us to help permanently remove cat and dog meat from the Yulin Festival in China.
Join us on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1t1UxUR for ways to get involved in preventing further torment.
You can also follow us on Twitter @StopYuin2015.

Stop Yulin Dog & Cat Meat Festival 2015 – 停止榆林狗與貓肉節2015

15 January at 00:21 · Edited

Good evening/morning to all our wonderful followers to ‪#‎StopYulin2015‬. As the countdown continues towards the June 21st deadline, and this past Tuesday tweet sheet being a huge success with 9719 tweets going out for all the dogs and cats that suffer, we thought we’d ask our followers to get involved in the creation of the monthly sheet!

We are asking for you to come up with amazing tweets and we will put them on the February 21st tweet storm sheet. Also, remember along with your tweet to include any pictures you would like added. All we ask is to please do not submitted any tweets threatening to boycott China or hate tweets. We must always remember the good people in China that are fighting for this cause along with us.

To those that have never used twitter, it’s restricted to 140 characters, a picture counts for 23 characters and don’t forget to add handles to any tweets you want to go to someone in specific.

We are inspired by all the wonderful people involved with helping to #StopYulin2015 and we know you can do this! We are excited to see what all of you come up with so please send your tweets to us in a direct message, all tweets are kept secret until the time of the storm :0 Just click on the Stop Yulin Dog & Cat Meat Festival 2015 link and it will take you to the Group page and you can direct message us there.

So get your thinking caps and your tweets on!! Deadline for tweets is February 1st and once again, a huge thank you for all your hard work in helping to stop the torture and suffering of these beautiful dogs and cats that are victims of this horrible festival.

NB We use a different # for each monthly storm to enhance chances of trending – for your submitted tweets use – #stopyulin2015 – however we will adjust that to our chosen # when inputting it into the tweetsheet. Thanks so much

News Link:–https://www.facebook.com/events/297433457123120/?ref=5

#stopYuLin2015 ‏@BanYULIN2015 10h10 hours ago@preciousjules2 HUGE success 🙂 & Friday Favour is out … https://m.facebook.com/707295279337186/photos/a.707766665956714.1073741828.707295279337186/795768007156579/?type=1&source=46&refid=17&notif_t=page_new_likes … TYSM ReTweet! X pic.twitter.com/iqJhbJsN7F

https://sites.google.com/site/newsletterstopyulin2015/

 

Kaziranga; Elephant Killed In Tiger Attack

Surely this could have been prevented? The park officials were treating the elephant, they knew it was weak, why didn’t they keep it protected? Another four including  a calf were injured by tigers; the elephants are used to patrol the parks…when not working (in an area where tigers are known to kill)  the elephants should have had some level of protection from tigers; even if it meant keeping them behind bars, there owners should have kept them safe!! I can only presume the elephants were chained or left in an open area; where tigers could get easy access!!! One can’t blame the tigers, it is nature! But a working animal (as much as I hate them being worked) should at the very least, be kept safe & away from harm, when not working!!

TNN | Oct 22, 2014, 06.00 AM IST

Eastern India; JORHAT: A 28-year-old elephant fell prey to a group of tigers at Kaziranga National Park on Tuesday. ‘Konwar’, the pachyderm, was attacked by a herd of tigers in the Mihimukh area of the park under the Kohora forest range when it was grazing there.

Park officials said the elephant was not keeping well and was under treatment. “Konwar had become weak and could not fight back,” said divisional forest officer (Kaziranga) S K Seal Sharma. The veterinarians have conducted a post mortem on the carcass and are awaiting the reports.

Another park official, who spotted the carcass near the Mihimukh anti-poaching camp, said, “Konwar was missing since Saturday morning. We had launched a search operation in the area and found Konwar lying dead around 1.30 pm. We saw four tigers roaming near the carcass.” According to records available with the park authorities, the elephant was brought here from Sonitpur district in 1986 when it was less than a year old.

Konwar was trained and the park started using it in anti-poaching operations and patrolling from 1994. The park staff mourned its death. In September four elephants, including a calf, sustained injuries in tiger attacks at Mihimukh near the second tower in the same forest range.

News Link:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Kaziranga-elephant-killed-in-tiger-attack/articleshow/44902721.cms?intenttarget=no&utm_source=TOI_AShow_OBWidget&utm_medium=Int_Ref&utm_campaign=TOI_AShow