Slightly Graphic video; Animals Asia: Anger and sorrow as 13 more bears die in Halong

 “This is cruel, despicable, illegal & heartbreaking. Caught & imprisoned from cub to adult in tiny rusty cages; their world is one of pain, irritation, infection, teeth pulling & repulsive food; literally going stir crazy!! They simply won’t know what it is like to live as a wild bear should, with fresh air, lush grass & trees etc. They can not be returned to the wild as they simply wouldn’t be able to survive; having been kept a prisoner most of their pitiful lives!. Although the video documentary is 43 minutes long, I urge you to watch it, see how Animal Asia started undercover investigation to save these sentient beings. It is hard to imagine how these beautiful bears can still be bought or caught, entrapped some wear a metal jacket around them, with a tube constantly fixed; to extract bile. But it’s not just bile, parts of the bear can also be acquired; the farmers will make money dead or alive.  Public demand warrants this abuse; even though there are now synthetic bear bile products, there is no need for these bears to live & die in a cage; in constant pain. These bears need to be rescued so please help by signing the petition at the end of this blog & share amongst your social media friends etc.”

29 January 2015

Thirteen more bears have died at Cau Trang Bear Farm in Halong Bay, Vietnam bringing the total death toll since November last year to 18.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION BELOW

It leaves Cau Trang bear bile farm – at the centre of an international campaign demanding permission to rescue the bears – with only nine remaining bears. The campaign had been backed by over 80,000 animal lovers including celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Fry and Olivia Newton-John.

In the two months since Animals Asia inspected three farms in the vicinity of the World Heritage Site, 26 of the 49 moon bears – a protected species – are said to have died leaving just 23 alive in Halong City.

(Some scenes are graphic) Although this video is long, please watch it to understand what happens to these poor bears & how Animal Asia came about to rescue them!

“Published on 13 Sep 2012

Watch the hard-hitting, undercover documentary showing the brutality of the bear bile industry across China, which recently won a top award at the Fifth China Ya’an International Panda, Animals and Nature Film Week. The documentary was made by three independent film-makers who devoted four years to its production, visiting small and large bear bile farms, revealing “legal” farms with conditions that are clearly breaking current regulations for such farms in China.”

Having previously focussed just on Cau Trang Farm, Animals Asia is now pressing the Vietnamese government to allow it to bring all 23 remaining bears in the Halong City area to its Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in nearby Tam Dao.

The latest news has left Animals Asia staff devastated and angry that bears have been allowed to die when an offer for their rescue remains on the table.

Authorities, concerned that the bears are being slaughtered for parts for use in traditional medicine have also ordered that TV cameras cover their burial – as interest in the case continues to grow in Vietnam.

Animals Asia’s Vietnam Director Tuan Bendixsen said:

“The eyes of the country are now on Quang Ninh province and the relevant authorities to see that right course of action is taken. We cannot be sure of the exact details surrounding the bears’ deaths but we can say the farmer chose to let them die. We offered to treat the animals and the offer was rejected. It was the farmer who took the decision to let the animals die. It was a conscious choice. We can only speculate as to his motives.”

The Central Forest Protection Department (FPD) has informed Animals Asia that it is urgently requesting the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) form an investigation team.

The team, expected to include representatives from Central FPD, CITES and MARD’s Nature Conservation Department, would travel to Quang Ninh province to investigate the exact causes of death, whether the correct procedures were followed to dispose of the bodies and to ascertain how the remaining bears can be saved.

Animals Asia founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE, said:

“These deaths are utterly tragic and unnecessary. It’s heart breaking to learn that so many bears have spent years suffering on the farms, and have now needlessly died when there is a sanctuary ready and willing to give them the life they deserve just a few hours down the road.”

“Through the increased local coverage of the deaths of these bears, Vietnam is seeing the reality and brutality of bear bile farming. While their deaths have shone a spotlight on the industry in Vietnam, there was no need for them to die at all.”

“There have been enough delays and we’ve seen what that has achieved. The time has come to act, and act now. We are beseeching the authorities – let us save the remaining Halong Bay bears before it’s too late.”

Nearly 2,000 bears remain in cages in Vietnam being farmed for their bile for use in traditional medicine – despite the practice being made illegal. Bear bile farming technically became illegal in 1992 when Ministry of Forestry approval became necessary to keep bears. In 2002, bears came under CITES group I, making their exploitation strictly illegal. However it wasn’t until 2005 that the first species-specific regulations were enacted.

Animals Asia has rescued over 500 bears from bear bile farming as part of its work to end bear bile farming in China and Vietnam.

HELP US SAVE THE HALONG BAY BEARS

Emaciated, missing limbs, some near blind, others with open wounds, all starving – these are the animal collateral of Vietnam’s cruel bear bile industry.

Help us force the farmer who profited for years from these poor bears to hand them over to Animals Asia for urgent medical care and rehabilitation.

Sign the petition and ask the Vietnamese government to remove the bears from the farm so Animals Asia can give them the care they deserve.

Animals Asia was founded in 1998 and is devoted to ending the barbaric practice of bear bile farming and improving the welfare of animals in China and Vietnam.

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION:- http://halong.animalsasia.org/savehalongbears/

NEWS LINK:- https://www.animalsasia.org/uk/media/news/news-archive/anger-and-sorrow-as-13-more-bears-die-in-halong.html

The ISSUES ABOUT BEAR BILE FARMING

More than 10,000 bears – mainly moon bears, but also sun bears and brown bears – are kept on bile farms in China, and just under 2,000 in Vietnam. The bears are milked regularly for their bile, which is used in traditional medicine.

Bile is extracted using various painful, invasive techniques, all of which cause massive infection in the bears. This cruel practice continues despite the availability of a large number of effective and affordable herbal and synthetic alternatives.

Most farmed bears are kept in tiny cages. In China, the cages are sometimes so small that the bears are unable to turn around or stand on all fours. Some bears are put into cages as cubs and never released. Bears may be kept caged like this for up to 30 years. Most farmed bears are starved, dehydrated and suffer from multiple diseases and malignant tumours that ultimately kill them.

“PLEASE DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO HELP SAVE THE REMAINING BEARS! “

News Link:–https://www.animalsasia.org/uk/our-work/end-bear-bile-farming/

500 Dead Sea Lions Mysteriously Found on Peruvian Beach

This doesn’t seem like a coincidence; more like something killed these sea lions, amongst others, either from a disease we are not aware of; or from the waste products that get thrown back into the sea; i.e poisons! I can’t see 500 sea lions at the same time dying from plastic waste, or entangled in nets! It seems more logical to me that they died of some sort of man-made waste product going into the ocean…like oil etc. But nobody is going to own up to that…are they??

By Jenna Iacurci Nov 24, 2014 11:39 AM EST

A hoard of 500 dead sea lions was mysteriously found recently on a Peruvian beach, leaving scientists puzzled.
(Photo : Reuters/Mariana Bazo)

A hoard of 500 dead sea lions was mysteriously found recently on a Peruvian beach, leaving scientists puzzled.

Bodies of adults as well as young juveniles were scattered across Anconcillo beach in the Santa Province, Ancash region, located just 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of the capital, Lima, BBC News reports.

Environmental experts told local news agency Andina that they suspect fishermen of poisoning the sea mammals, which usually come close to the shore looking for food. However, Peruvian police are looking into other possible causes of these rotting corpses as well, including disease, entanglement in fishing nets and the accidental ingestion of plastic.

Due to a possible public health hazard, city workers quickly hauled away the bodies and took them to a local dump.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first incident of dead sea lions to occur in Peru. According the Agence France-Presse, earlier this month in the Piura region farther north, the bodies of nearly 200 sea lions, along with four dead dolphins, sea turtles and dozens of pelicans, washed ashore.

Officials are still investigating the causes of those mysterious deaths. Given the similarity between these two recent cases, it’s possible the same rational can explain them both.

Not to mention, BBC notes, that in 2012 hundreds of dolphins were found dead along a stretch of Peruvian coastline.

While the environmental group named Orca blamed the deaths on the noise and pressure waves caused by ongoing oil exploration in the area, a government report said otherwise.

The Sea Institute of Peru (IMARPE) at the time ruled out oil exploration as a possible explanation, as well as infection by a bacteria or virus for these puzzling fatalities, and instead blamed natural causes.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, sea lions are vulnerable to the effects of climate change on ocean currents, which impacts the number of feed they rely on for food. They are also victims of bycatch in fisheries and subject to diseases spread by other species, such as dogs.

News Link:–http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/10595/20141124/500-dead-sea-lions-mysteriously-found-on-peruvian-beach.htm

GRAPHIC IMAGES: Justice For Pet Dog, Brutally Killed By Police, Langzhong, China!!

“PLEASE SIGN THESE 2 Pre-Written PETITIONS…The Chinese Government & relevant departments must show it’s people & the world, that they do not & will not, condone such random acts of horrific, sadistic killings to innocent beings; by their police force in full view of the public & children!! Those responsible should be made to pay for their sadistic torture!”

Petition 1 to sign:– by Hand In Hand With Asia’s Animal A.

Justice For Pet Dog, Brutally Killed By Police, Langzhong, China!!

Please Help To Get Justice For Dog Beaten To Death By Police

On 4th March 2014, police in Langzhong City, Sichuan, China, brutally killed a pet dog belonging to a homeless man. The killing was done during the day near a primary school for no reason at all and is totally unacceptable.

The dog was still chained when the police forcefully removed it from it’s owner who could do nothing but watch while his companion was beaten to death with sticks and shovels in front of him.

The police later issued a statement defending their actions, saying that the dog’s presence might have posed a threat to human safety but this just shows the ignorance and cruelty involved in their actions and shows the world how unfeeling they are.

The people in charge in the relevant departments of the government now need to show the world that they condemn this killing, along with Chinese citizens and people around the world, by implementing the Small Animal Protection Law.

Groups on Weibo are condemning the killing and petitions have been started.

Help Chinese activists and animal lovers get protection for their animals.
Thank you

Petition 1 click link to sign:- https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/National_Peoples_Congress_Legislate_Small_Animals_Protection_Law/

Petition 2 to sign By Together for Animals in China (TACN)

Demand justice over police killing the dog of a homeless man in Langzhong. Demand animal cruelty laws in China and stop people from committing further atrocities against the innocent and vulnerable.

Homeless man’s dog beaten to death by police!

 Letter of strong protest against the horrific acts of police officials who are supposed to protect our society from violence.

We were horrified by what happened on March 4th, on the busy streets of Langzhong, in broad daylight. A stray dog, the gentle friend and companion of a homeless man, was seized by police and brutally beaten to death with a shovel and a metal pole in front of the owner of the dog, the homeless man, and a crowed of pedestrians.

This horrific violence took place near a primary school, where children could easily see what was happening.

Two of the most vulnerable individuals in our society, the innocent animal and the helpless man, were dealt some of the most violent and degrading treatment imaginable by the very people who are supposed to be protecting society from violence.

No thought was spared for the psychological impact of this terrifying, bloody act on the adults and children who witnessed it. Nor did it occur to the police that this gruesome death was inflicted in broad daylight in the vicinity of a primary school.

How have the people appointed to protect the innocent and vulnerable become so debased? Our police officials, who should be a source of pride to us, are behaving like monsters.

We, the undersigned, ask that the police be legally forbidden from committing further atrocities against the innocent and vulnerable. We would like our children to grow up in a society where they can feel confident that the police will protect people and animals; where the police are known for their kindness and bravery instead of their violence and sadism; where they behave with honour instead of depravity.—

More detailed information and the latest updates of this incident will be posted both on the TACN facebook page (www.facebook.com/togetherforanimalsinchina) and website (tacn.org). Please be sure to follow us on facebook for the updates.

Petition 2 Click here to sign:-http://www.change.org/petitions/guanghui-du-demand-justice-over-police-killing-the-dog-of-a-homeless-man-in-langzhong-demand-animal-cruelty-laws-in-china-and-stop-people-from-committing-further-atrocities-against-the-innocent-and-vulnerable

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• Chinese Police Beat Stray Dog to Death in Front of Its Owner

Giza Zoo in Cairo is beset by poverty, tear gas and suspicious animal deaths

“Please sign the petitions below, these animals have to be saved!”

By Abigail Hauslohner, Published: December 18

CAIRO — The giraffe committed suicide, an Egyptian newspaper reported. And the government pulled a former zoo director out of retirement to deal with the resulting media storm.

“The problem is with the press,” Nabil Sedki said on a recent afternoon, taking a deep drag on his cigarette as he settled into a giraffe-patterned armchair in his office. He was five days into the job. “The media fabricated the suicide.”

From ‘Occupy for Animals’ Please sign the petition below

The giraffe in question was a 3-year-old named Roqa, who, Sedki said, inadvertently hanged herself earlier this month after getting tangled in a wire inside her enclosure.

The state has launched three investigations — one purely forensic, another by the government’s official veterinary body and a third by a legal committee — “to see who will hang instead of the giraffe,” Sedki said with a wry laugh.

Zoos are prone to bad publicity, especially when something goes wrong. The government-run Giza Zoo, in the heart of Egypt’s chaotic capital, may be particularly susceptible, given the country’s floundering economy, the tumult of nearby political demonstrations and an overall poor track record in animal care.

In May, three black bears died in a single night under mysterious circumstances. Zoo authorities called it a bear “riot.” In 2007 and in 2008, local media reported that zoo-keepers were slaughtering the park’s camels for meat — to eat themselves, and to sell to other hungry Egyptians.

And this month, the independent Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper reported that Roqa had committed suicide. The article went viral. (The same newspaper reported in August that the giraffes and other large animals at the zoo were so troubled by Egypt’s ongoing political unrest — especially the chants of protesters from the Muslim Brotherhood in a nearby public square — that they had been mulling suicide for a while.)

Petition by Occupy for Animals Luxembourg, Luxembourg

“Is there anyone who actually believes that this giraffe committed suicide?” Sedki asked. As he spoke, a fresh, stinging cloud of tear gas wafted in through an open doorway, and the thudding blasts of tear-gas cannons could be heard from the latest clashes between student protesters and police at neighbouring Cairo University.

The campus is just northwest of the 122-year-old zoo, the biggest and oldest of Egypt’s seven zoological parks. On its north flank, just outside the zoo’s main gate, is Nahda Square, which served as a permanent protest encampment for supporters of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi for more than a month in the summer. Police used bullets and tear gas to disperse the protesters in August, killing scores of people.

When police fire tear gas at protesters, the irritating vapors inevitably make their way toward the animal enclosures, compelling zookeepers to wrap their faces in scarves on the worst of days. It has gotten to the animals, too, Sedki said.

“The sounds of the bullets and the tear gas affect the animals,” Sedki said. Some of the large animals, such as lions and hippos, have displayed “restlessness and tension,” he said.

Sedki said zoo authorities had moved some of the animals to different enclosures but found that they had few good options, given that all 80 acres of the zoo are bordered by roaring traffic and gritty urban sprawl.

For that same reason, Egyptians see the zoo as a rare — if dilapidated and underfunded — oasis of green. It costs about 70 cents (5 Egyptian pounds) to enter. Families bring picnics and set up camp for the entire day on the grassy medians. Couples stroll hand in hand, and bands of giggling teenagers roam.

“I know that in the West, going to the zoo is like going to a museum — you go to get knowledge,” Sedki said. “But here, they come to visit a garden, not a zoo.”

Animal rights activists — themselves a rare breed in Egypt — have long been concerned about conditions at Giza, which echo the nation’s widespread poverty and bureaucratic failings after decades of authoritarianism and turmoil.

“This is not a zoo,” said Mona Khalil, a founder of the Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals, which runs two shelters and provides free veterinary care to poor farmers on Cairo’s outskirts. “This is hell for animals.”

Many of the zoo’s employees earn less than $60 a month, activists say, and have little experience or training and even less incentive to protect the animals they care for. Instead, the employees follow visitors over the zoo’s muddy and potholed paths, offering scattered “facts” about the animals’ daily lives or an opportunity to get closer to them — in the hope that it will yield tips.

On a recent afternoon, some keepers touted the chance to hold a lion cub — or, if the visitor would prefer it, a monkey or a baby crocodile — for the equivalent of about $3.60.

Adult lions, cramped in iron-barred cages that resembled the circus pens of an earlier era, crunched on animal carcasses, as visitors used their cellphones to take pictures. Hippos and pelicans drifted through murky water. And a sickly black bear watched as a pair of stray cats hunched over its food dish.

Appalling conditions

Published on 20 Mar 2013 by Ismail Raef

“Anyone want a picture with a baby lion? Anyone want a picture with a baby lion?” an employee droned as he stood next to a row of cages, a camera around his neck.

Another zoo-keeper gestured toward a rhinoceros that was nosing around in the shade of some trees. “Her husband died six months ago,” the keeper said in a cheerful, casual tone. “She killed him with her horn.” Without further explanation, the keeper quickly walked away.

No one in the zoo’s administrative office was quite sure how many animals are kept on the premises. Staff members searched through files in the high-ceilinged administrative headquarters — a building full of binders, and apparently devoid of computers — but were able to find figures only from 2009: 78 species of mammals, 82 species of birds and 26 species of reptiles — for a total of 4,631 individual animals. Of those, about “forty-something” are lions, Sedki said.

Chained elephant – Giza Zoo – August 2012

Published on 24 Aug 2012 – Investigation conducted by Hatem Moushir, 3 August 2012 – in Giza Zoo

In 2010, the zoo began to separate most of its forty-something lions by sex — an effort to stem the sky-rocketing population. Meat is pricey, and space is limited.

To cope, many of the big cats are packed two per cage. They eat mostly donkey carcasses, zoo-keepers said, and they “fast” one day a week.

News Link:-http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/giza-zoo-in-cairo-is-beset-by-poverty-tear-gas-and-suspicious-animal-deaths/2013/12/18/1617aca0-6581-11e3-997b-9213b17dac97_story.html

Petitions:-

• https://www.change.org/petitions/military-general-and-dr-osama-selim-please-protect-the-weak-and-helpless-this-includes-the-animals
• http://www.change.org/petitions/egypt-close-down-all-7-governmental-zoos-that-are-nothing-less-than-hell-holes?utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition
• http://www.change.org/petitions/please-don-t-let-the-animals-suffer-in-your-zoos
• http://www.change.org/petitions/giza-zoo-unchain-the-elephants#

Please watch the pictures at the link and share this page with as many as you can:
http://www.occupyforanimals.org/egypts-zoos–hell-holes-for-animals.html

Black in the Giza Zoo 09/21/2012 – Living conditions of Lions

Published on 22 Sep 2,012 – Part of investigation conducted by Hatem Moushir, 21 September 2012 – in Giza Zoo

News comments:– Felinis Wrote – 12/18/2013 6:27 PM GMT

Kabul, Afganistan:
Marjan the lion was injured in 1994 when a visitor tried to impress his friends by climbing into his den. When the animal’s mate attacked and killed him, the man’s brother came to the zoo the next day and threw a grenade at Marjan in revenge. The explosion blinded him, broke his jaw and destroyed seven teeth.

The 25 year-old beast who was half-blind, lame and almost toothless died of old age in 2002 only weeks after an international animal rescue mission arrived to help him.

News Link:-http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1783910.stm

At another mid-east zoo four animals died after being fed tobacco by visitors.

Giza Zoo – August 2012 

Listen to an interview on Wildtime RadioAnimal rights activist Dina Zulfikar talked to WILD TIME RADIO about the zoos, CITES,
the lack of green space in their country, and more.

hmoushir

“So the bars are to keep the animals safe; the real animals live outside the bars.”

Further Reading:-http://esmaegypt.org/blog/2011/04/10/protest-at-cairo-zoo-on-april-16/

 Sara Abou Bakr  /   May 11, 2013  “Calling all animal activists:-“

Reports on the news stated that the three female bears were fighting over a male.

Two days later, the Al-Watan newspaper broke the story;  the three bears died because of a sedative overdose, leading to two falling over and breaking several bones, while the remaining one drowned.

A photo of a starving lioness at Alexandria Zoo ignited anger last August, gaining international scrutiny from animal activists. The zoo manager assured them the case was under control. A day later, the lioness died.

Similar stories of the negligence of the seven governmental zoos in Egypt can be easily dug up.  One only has to walk through one of them to see the abuse; malnourished lions, hippos swimming in filthy ponds, wild dogs injured and left untreated, seals that perform tricks on command, brown bears spoon-fed and petted by visitors

You do not have to be a specialist to see the abuse first-hand.

Giza Zoo, because it is located in the capital, gets the lion’s share of media attention, followed by Alexandria Zoo. The conditions of the other governmental zoos in Beni Suef, Fayoum, Kafr El-Sheikh, Mansoura, and Tanta are even worse. Puny and injured animals suffering from malnourishment is a major concern.

News Link:–http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/05/11/calling-all-animal-activists/

Giza Zoo

Gaza is another place you wouldn’t necessarily think of having a zoo. In recent years the Palestinian city has suffered from Israeli blockades and internal conflicts, and its zoo hasn’t fared much better. Today it houses two lions, a few monkeys, some birds, rabbits, cats, dogs and two fake zebras: donkeys painted with black and white stripes (pictured).
The zoo once had two real zebras in its collection, but they died of malnutrition during the Israel-Hamas war, when there was actual fighting within the zoo itself. Zoo officials later tried to replace the zebras, but finally opted for painted donkeys due to limited funds.

Donkeys painted to look like Zebra:-http://www.animals-zone.com/saddest-zoos-world

Founded in 1891, the Giza Zoo in Cairo, Egypt, was once among the best zoos in Africa. But today it’s a shell of its former glory, expelled from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2004 after failing an inspection. WAZA director Peter Dollinger wouldn’t tell Reuters in 2008 why exactly the zoo was expelled, saying only that “There were things that were not acceptable.”

Zookeepers reportedly augment their salaries by charging patrons to enter the cages with the animals, and two men broke into the zoo in 2007, killing two camels. Dozens of birds died from avian flu in 2006, and more than 500 were slaughtered to stem the outbreak. According to the Global Post, zoo workers also inhumanely killed two gorillas in 2004 thought to be infected with the Ebola virus.

News Link:– http://www.animals-zone.com/saddest-zoos-world

“Cairo “Giza” Zoo a sad disgrace.. needs outside help!”:-http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g294201-d552447-r97990506-The_Zoo-Cairo_Cairo_Governorate.html

Kauai Man Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges

“PIG…I bet he didn’t go without any food! I just can’t understand the mentality of people who can’t be arsed with their pets, so let them starve to death; instead of taking them to a shelter!”

Friday, December 13th, 2013

WAILUA – A Kapa‘a man has been arrested on animal cruelty charges following the discovery of malnourished dogs at his home.

Russell Soares

On Tuesday, December 10, humane officers from the Kaua‘i Humane Society (KHS) responded to a complaint of animal mistreatment at the home of Russell Soares, 35, on Waipouli Road in Kapa‘a.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered five adult dogs and three puppies in various cages on the property.  One of the dogs was dead and at least one other appeared to be emaciated.

The Kaua‘i Police Department was called to assist.  Mr. Soares claimed ownership of the dogs and was arrested and transported to police cellblock for booking on two misdemeanor charges of Cruelty to Animals, Second Degree.  He has since been released pending a January court date.

The dogs were transported to the Kaua‘i Humane Society for treatment, and a necropsy was conducted on the deceased dog.  According to Penny Cistaro, Executive Director of KHS, the necropsy revealed that the dog died of starvation.

Cistaro says their investigation into the treatment and condition of the animals is continuing to determine if additional charges are warranted.

News Link:-http://www.hawaiireporter.com/kauai-man-arrested-on-animal-cruelty-charges/123

Woman Accused of Starving Dog to Death

An Enfield woman is under arrest, charged with a horrific case of animal abuse. Police said Carla Bushnell was supposed to be pet-sitting when she starved a dog to death.

“That dog was not my pet…he was my son,” said Andrew Zander, the dog’s owner.

When Zander got a call from Enfield Police a few weeks ago about the death of his dog, Bandit, he couldn’t believe it.

“I immediately broke down,” Zander said.

Investigators said Carla Bushnell was responsible, according to police.

Zander said Bushnell was a family friend and he asked her to continuously check on Bandit at his apartment. He was away for a few months to help his wife at a Massachusetts hospital.

“There was no reason for my wife or I to have any doubts she would be a good caretaker. She insisted she wanted to take care of them,” Zander explained.

According to police, a postal worker saw mail piling up outside Zander’s place in November and became suspicious. The carrier then looked in the window and saw the dog dead on the floor.

Exam results showed there was absolutely no food in Bandit’s system.

Carla Bushnell was arrested Thursday night and charged with animal cruelty. Investigators said she was liable because she made an agreement to watch the dog and Zander left instructions for Bushnell with her name on them on his kitchen cabinet.

“The dog had been starved for at least a month. Carla said in her statement that she was there every day,” Zander said.

NBC Connecticut tried talking to Bushnell after she bonded out of jail on Friday, but she would not answer any questions.

Zander hoped for an explanation.

“I would have rather seen him pass by old age or hit by a car than to starve to death,” he said.

He wants Bushnell held accountable for the suffering his dog went through.

News Link:–http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Woman-Accused-of-Starving-Dog-to-Death-235828931.html

Neglected, Chained Dog Dies In The Bitter Cold

“Just heartbreaking, all that was needed was a bit of compassion, love & warmth. Another dog that was used as just a garden ornament…WTF…if you have a dog that’s tied up outside all the time, not allowed into the home…why do you have a dog at all??  Instead of a living creature, just get a proper alarm system, one that won’t feel pain & die a slow death because it’s not taken care of.! This just makes me furious! I hope the owners are taken to court & charged with animal cruelty etc. because they have to pay; nobody should be allowed to get away with murder! 

“Apparently charges have been brought against the owner of the dead boxer. Read the latest news from RRR at the end of this post Or visist their Facebook page:-https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue“

Perry County’s animal rescue team, Rough Road Rescue, is on a mission to prosecute two Brewer pet owners who neglected their dogs — one to the point of death.

After Linda and Steve Svehla, of RRR, were called to a home Sunday concerning a dead boxer lying in the snow (and a second dog that was severely malnourished), the couple is now seeking justice for the animals.

The boxer’s living space

The dog owners, and residents of the Brewer home, are in the process of moving out, but apparently had intentions of leaving their pets behind, Steve Svehla said.

In the days leading up to RRR’s visit on Sunday, a concerned neighbour noticed consistent neglect of the dogs, including lack of food, water and proper shelter. She made every attempt to notify the owners of her concern, but Svehla said the owners were uncooperative.

“The neighbour contacted the people several times with concerns about the dogs,” Svehla said. “After so many times, she got really concerned, so she planned to take food and water over. When she got there, the boxer didn’t respond. It was barely breathing.”

The neighbour took the boxer home in hopes of reviving it, but it was too late. Unsure of what to do with its body, especially with no direction from the owner, the neighbor placed the boxer inside a makeshift doghouse located on the owner’s property.

As reports of snow came in, the neighbor couldn’t stand to see the dog’s body freeze, so she covered it, Svehla said. Meanwhile, the second dog, a lab, was nearby, also without proper care. The rescue couple would later learn the dogs belonged to two different owners who are both believed to be residents of the Brewer home.

“They belonged to people in the process of moving out,” said Linda Svehla. “The two dogs that were there belonged to two different people, but they still left them there. The owners were coming and going, moving stuff out, and there were no tracks [in the snow] going back to the dogs.”

Fed up with lack of concern, the neighbor contacted the Perry County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday. Upon arrival, deputies contacted RRR.

“We took possession of the lab,” Steve Svehla said. “We wrapped the boxer in a blanket and took it [to a local vet]. The only protection that dog had was a wooden box.”

Svehla said he believes the dog owners are aware of current circumstances, but have still made no attempts to learn of their dogs’ whereabouts or well-being. As far as he knows, Svehla said the owners know of the boxer’s death.

Currently, the Svehlas are sheltering the lab, and said she’s doing well. An autopsy has been performed on the boxer to check for another, undisclosed form of animal abuse, and the couple is awaiting results.

“We’re looking to prosecute,” Steve Svehla said. “I’ve given the sheriff’s department all our information on this. If [the county] chooses not to prosecute this, we’ll take it further ourselves.”

The couple posted a photo of the dead boxer on their Facebook page with an explanation of its circumstances.

Several thousand Facebook users have shared the photo, or commented on it with disdain and concern.

“We’re getting responses everywhere,” Svehla said. “People need to be aware. This is just not acceptable.”

To stay updated with the Svehlas and their endeavor to bring the dogs to justice, follow their page on Facebook under “Rough Road Rescue, Inc.”

News Link:-http://www.perryvillenews.com/archive/article_e30448aa-6341-11e3-870a-001a4bcf6878.html

Help did not come in time!

Thousands of people are mourning the senseless death of a beautiful dog they did not know…a neglected, tethered dog who was left outside in frigid conditions, without adequate shelter…a dog who perished as a result.

Rough Road Rescue, Inc., which is located in Perry County, Mo., shared the bitter news of the neglected boxer‘s passing via Facebook on Sunday:

Both of these dogs was tied out. no food no water and barely any protection. Well I have both the animals. It kills me to say, I was called a little late. This beautiful animal (boxer) couldn’t stand the bitter cold with no food or water to sustain his body.

He laid down and died. By himself with no one to comfort him. Except for the other dog. A chocolate lab, which was unable to get close to the boxer and watched as her friend froze to death. She is safe and will be cared for here at the rescue.

The rescue added:

I will bury her friend out here. And give him the respect he deserved.

Extreme winter weather is blanketing much of the nation – unfortunately, many dogs are not provided with the comfort and safety of a warm home to shield them from the elements, and they are left to their own devices outdoors.

If you see a dog who has been left outdoors, without adequate protection from the elements, please reach out for help. If the dog’s owner is unwilling to remedy the issue, contact local animal control officials as soon as possible.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/neglected-chained-dog-dies-the-bitter-cold

About Rough Road Rescue Inc.:-

Rough Road Rescue, Inc. is a state licensed animal rescue located just outside of Perryville, Mo. It’s a small organization, started in early 2013, and operated by its founders, Steve and Linda Svehla. The rescue is located on the couple’s property just yards from their backdoor and located seven miles from Perryville. It is the only licensed animal rescue in Perry County, Mo.

The name Rough Road Rescue is not only depictive of the events that lead animals to the rescue, but equally as consistent with the beginning of the organization itself. It has indeed been a rough road for all, but according to Steve and Linda Svehla, one well worth traveling.

It started with a dog wandering into the Svehla’s yard. A hound that had somehow gotten through the fence surrounding their yard, and found its way onto an old tarp for refuge from the frozen ground. Upon investigation, the Svehla’s discovered the hound was starving and its feet were frostbitten. They decided to take the hound in, give him a real home, and named him Sam.

After taking on Sam, the Svehla’s agreed to do what they could to help other stray pets. That was the beginning of Rough Road Rescue, Inc.

Shortly after opening, the rescue obtained its license through the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is a registered charity with the Missouri Attorney General, and is currently going through the process to become a 501(3)c non-profit organization. A non-profit status will enable donors to deduct their contributions to the rescue on their taxes as well as open doors for the rescue to seek grants to help fund their operation.

Since the creation of Rough Road Rescue, Inc., the project has grown to nine outdoor kennels, an isolation kennel, and a substantial exercise yard. Having no paid employees or regular volunteers, the Svehla’s provide care for the animals on their own. The rescue is a non euthanizing operation and pets taken in by RRR remain there until they are adopted or sent on to other rescues.

Early on the Svehla’s approached the city and county governments as well as another local animal welfare organization, to offer their assistance with local strays. RRR was met with skepticism and opposition that made its way into the local news on more than one occasion.

While Rough Road Rescue has formed a line of communication with local government entities, cooperation is far from desirable and the rescue works consistently to improve relations with local offices and law enforcement. It is the intent of RRR to be persistent until a good relationship can be established and therefore save lives and provide care for the needy strays in the area.

Being a small, no-kill operation, the rescue has it’s limitations but takes in each new ward as available space allows. Despite those limitations, RRR is not “selective” of the animals they take in. Dogs and cats alike have been housed at the rescue, and the dogs that have been there have come in all sizes and breeds.

To date, Rough Road Rescue has rescued and rehomed more than 30 animals and have crossposted countless numbers of lost pets, helping them find their way back home.

Several of the pets taken in by the rescue have required extensive medical treatment provided by local veterinarian, Dr. Freeman at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, LLC, in Perryville, Mo. Most recently RRR took in a dog with severe injuries as a direct result of extreme abuse. The dog had to have its leg amputated but is expected to make a full recovery.

If you would like to contribute to veterinarian expenses incurred by the animals of Rough Rough Rescue, Inc., you may make direct contributions to All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, LLC, 202 E. Ste. Maries, Perryville, Missouri 63775.

For more information about Rough Road Rescue, Inc. you can contact them by calling (573) 547-8070. Donations can be mailed to Rough Road Rescue, Inc. (R.R.R. Inc.) 9126 S. Hwy. 51 Perryville, MO 63775. Donation may also be made online through the Facebook page of Rough Road Rescue.

FaceBook Page:–https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue

RRR. Latest News Regards The Above:-

We have been requested from the sheriffs dept. That we post to ask everyone to stop calling the department asking what’s going on. And since the department is releasing this info. Then I will let everyone know what’s going on. There were two dogs at this residence. Two owners. I was called by the sheriffs office on sunday at 9:44am that a animal had been abandoned. I met the deputy at this home.

It was requested that I take the lab into my possession, then informed there possibly was another dog across the yard dead, again the deputy requested that I take it also. Making a long explanation shorter. The owner of the boxer was charged last night. I was also informed by the deputy that I had to return the lab to the other owner. Even though neither animal had food water or appropriate shelter.

The only difference was one animal survived. the owner showed up this morning, with the charged owner and took possession of the lab. With the understanding we had concerns about the well being of this lab. That’s it in a nut shell…..it’s a sad day for us at the rescue. This will continue to happen if we don’t get the laws changed. My opinion only.

Love & Repect Steve

https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue

SeaWorld Refutes New Film That Exposes the Cruel Treatment of Captive Whales

The new documentary ‘Blackfish’ reveals the inner workings of the multi-billion dollar seapark industry.

Captive whales have been driven to disturbing and destructive behavior. (Photo: John Warden/Getty Images)

SeaWorld has unleashed a bitter attack on the new documentary Blackfish, accusing the filmmakers of being “shamelessly dishonest,” and filling the movie with serious inaccuracies.

As someone who has followed the saga of Tilikum and deceased trainer Dawn Brancheau for years, I was happy to rebut SeaWorld’s various grievances. The inaccuracies, it turns out, are found in spokesman Fred Jacob’s “Dear Film Critic” letter, which was sent out today:

I’m writing to you on behalf of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. You may be aware of a documentary called “Blackfish” that purports to expose SeaWorld’s treatment of killer whales (or orcas) and the “truth” behind the tragic death of trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.

In the event you are planning to review this film, we thought you should be apprised of the following. Although “Blackfish” is by most accounts a powerful, emotionally-moving piece of advocacy, it is also shamefully dishonest, deliberately misleading, and scientifically inaccurate. As the late scholar and U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously noted: “You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”

The film’s most egregious and untrue allegations include: The insinuation that SeaWorld stocks its parks with killer whales captured from the wild. In fact, SeaWorld hasn’t collected a killer whale from the wild in more than 35 years; more than 80% of the killer whales at SeaWorld were born there or in other zoological facilities.

 First of all, an “insinuation” is not an accusation, and Blackfish does not make this claim. It is worth pointing out, however, that the wild orca Morgan, who was rescued in waters off the Netherlands a few years back, now lives at Loro Parque, Spain; in its SEC filing there, SeaWorld claimed her as one of their own whales, just as they own the other orcas in the park.

The assertion that killer whales in the wild live more than twice as long as those living at SeaWorld. While research suggests that some wild killer whales can live as long as 60 or 70 years, their average lifespan is nowhere near that. Nor is it true that killer whales in captivity live only 25 to 35 years.

Because we’ve been studying killer whales at places like SeaWorld for only 40 years or so, we don’t know what their lifespans might be—though we do know that SeaWorld currently has one killer whale in her late 40s and a number of others in their late 30s.

The research completed to date does not “suggest” average life expectancies and maximum lifespans; it methodically and scientifically documents them, at least among resident killer whales of the Pacific Northwest.

As I reported in Death at SeaWorld: “The average life expectancy for female orcas in the wild has been estimated at 45 to 50 years, with a maximum lifespan of about 90,” and, “the average life expectancy for a wild orca male is approximately 30 years, with an estimated maximum lifespan of about 60.”

Read More:–http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/07/13/killer-whales-cruel-treatment-in-captivity?cmpid=tpanimals-eml-2013-07-20-seaworld

Dog Dies In Asbury Park After Being Left Out In The Heat

ASBURY PARK – Two city residents have been charged with animal cruelty after two Pit Bulls were left out in the sun with no water or shade on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one of the dogs, police said.

Juanita White, 48, owned the dogs and Davina L. Kearney, 30, was watching the dogs, named Boogie and Monster, at her home on Ridge Avenue, Monmouth County SPCA Chief Victor Amato said. Both women were charged with animal cruelty.

“[The dogs] tried to save themselves by digging holes in the ground over a foot and a half deep to get out of the sun,” Amato said.

Monster tried to jump a chain link fence to reach shade in a neighbours yard and hung himself, Amato said, while Boogie was chained to the fence and alive when police arrived after a neighbour alerted authorities.

“These two dogs in that back yard no doubt barked and cried for a long time before the one died,” Amato said.

Both women were charged with failure to provide proper shelter, failure to provide proper water, procuring the death of the dogs and were released on their own recognizance.

Amato said people need to use common sense with animals and the heat.

“If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for the dogs”

News Link:-http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2013/07/dog_dies_in_asbury_park_after_being_left_out_in_the_heat.html

Video From Another News Source-:-http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local/new_jersey&id=9177521

Update:Jersey City Man Charged With Animal Cruelty for Leaving dog To Die On Hot Roof

Kaylon Dazile of Neptune Ave was charged on Monday with three counts of animal cruelty in the death of a Yorkshire terrier left on a hot tar roof on Friday as temperatures soared over 90 degrees.

Levi was left in a metal cage on a hot tar roof. The tiny Yorkshire terrier died. Credits: ABC News screen shot

According to the NJ.com, Dazile was dog sitting for the the Yorkie named Levi and allegedly placed the dog outside on the neighboring roof through the window of his apartment because the dog was barking. Levi was left in a metal cage with no water.

Dazile has been charged with not providing proper shelter, not providing drinking water, and inflicting unnecessary cruelty resulting in the death of a dog.

Neighbors heard a dog barking, but could not place where the dog was located. Finally according to ABC News, a neighbor spotted the cage on the roof and called authorities. By the time Animal Control arrived, tiny Levi was dead.

“Know what kind of person you leave your dog with and check them out,” stated Barbara Wilcotts of Miami. “I’m a professional dog sitter and sadly I hear about dreaded accidents like this. It should never have happened. This man deserves to be punished. That poor little dog died an excruciatingly painful death. It’s so tragic I could just cry.”

If found guilty of animal cruelty, Dazile could face the maximum of $1,000 in fines and six months in jail.

Dazile is due in court for his first appearance on June 17.

Rest in peace Levi.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/jersey-city-man-charged-with-animal-cruelty-for-leaving-dog-to-die-on-hot-roof

Previous Link:-https://preciousjules1985.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/dog-dies-from-heat-in-jersey-city-after-being-left-on-roof-news-12-report-says/