“This man is a deranged psycho; who for the protection of all should be behind bars! Yet a Judge denies new evidence via DNA?? WHY…will it include more work for this case & interfere with the judges weekend?? WTF…just who the hell are we trying to protect here? This monster deserves no rights, let alone being able to deny a search warrant…some of the laws we have are just pathetic & let bastards like this get away with murder!!”
CROWN POINT, Ind. — Lake Superior Court Judge Diane Ross Boswell denied a request by the state for a DNA sample of a Lowell, Ind., man charged with theft, bestiality, killing a domestic animal and torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal.
Boswell told deputy prosecutorMark Watsonthat he must obtain asearch warrantto get a new DNA sample, called abuccal swab, fromMichael Charles Bessigano, 42.
MONSTER Michael Charles Bessigano
Defense attorney Casey McCloskeysaid if the defendant objects to providing the DNA sample, a search warrant is required based oncase law.”Object? WTF…he shouldn’t have such rights after what he has done…are we protecting animals or those that abuse them??”
In the four Lake Superior Court felony division courtrooms, DNA sample requests are routinely granted without a search warrant being issued.
Watson said prosecutors already have a DNA sample from one of Bessigano’s prior casesdating back four or five years. Watson told the judge that if the case goes to trial, jurors might wonder whatBessigano did in the previous case, and he was unsure of the condition of the DNA sample and its packaging from the prior case.
The judge gave Watson the opportunity to file a brief citing case law on the issue.
Boswell agreed to order evaluations by two mental health professionals to determine ifBessiganoiscompetent to stand trial.
He was charged earlier this month after authorities in November discovered aGuineahen that had been sexually assaulted and killed at Buckley Homestead County Park. Several animals have been missing from the park since July.
“I started off with the intentions of just posting the news below…but as always, I get side tracked. (please remember, anything I have to say in a post is in this blue writing) I’ve heard about this gorilla but not seen much, until I saw this. It’s most remarkable, a great ape, capable of killing a human, in an instant; but instead, Koko the Gorilla & Robin Williamspreferred to have a chit-chat, through sign language, then a tickling session I’m more than aware that humans share between 80% to 98.5% (The reason for the big gap in % is because not all agree) of DNA with chimps, gorillas & orangutans. This really does show the fact that humans & apes are so very much alike, when it comes to feelings & behaviour etc. So we can’t let these magnificent species be taken to the edge of extinction; due to the bushmeat trade!!.”
Koko the Gorilla with Robin Williams
“After watching the above , now, try to comprehend my other video & the article below; posted for & on behalf of Tony Zadel. This shouldn’t be happening, yet it continues & is a thriving business!”
“Bushmeat, popular in many parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America, is the meat of hunted wild animals; including shark fin. reptile & whale meat, birds & turtles eggs! So whilst on your travels please don’t ever buy; ANY TRINKETS MADE FROM ANIMALS, or EAT EXOTIC CUISINE…YOU MAY NOT BE AWARE IT IS FROM AN ENDANGERED SPECIES OR THAT EXTREME SUFFERING WAS INVOLVED IN ACQUIRING IT. “The trade in bushmeat has become highly commercialized in recent years and is the most significant immediate threat to the great apes in Africa today.“
“Don’t think for one minute, if a female chimpanzee is caught, her babies will be left alone…no way! There is just as much demand for babies as there is for the meat, perhaps more! Any nursing monkeys or apes could be targeted by the poachers, who without empathy, drag the babies from their mothers, still warm but breathless bodies! As if that wasn’t cruel enough, the callous barbarians, set about hacking the mothers into pieces; all, whilst in full view of the babies! I can’t begin to imagine how those poor babies must feel, or how long the nightmares will last.
While most CITIES countries dilly dally, about this & that…you can be helping end the bushmeat trade by simply signing a petition or sending a pre-written letter by email; small things that will soon add up. We need to make it our goal, to educate & raise public awareness of this diabolical trade; that could eventually see some species become extinct! One voice can say a lot but may not be heard, but a chorus of voices, can demand attention! So if you want your grandchildren, to still be able to see these exotic species, please, just spend a couple of minutes signing petitions etc! I want my great-grandchildren to be able to see the fascinating creatures of the rain forests, roaming wild;where they belong!”
Illegal Commercial Bushmeat Trade
Uploaded on 24 Jun 2009
At the heart of the declining chimpanzee population is the illegal poaching of chimps and other great apes for bushmeat. The Jane Goodall Institute is working with governments and local communities to end this horrible practice.
“Posted below, as is, for & on behalf of Tony Zadel – Please sign the petitions & take note of the links, inc. video, providing more information. Thank you!”
The Bushmeat Trade – Threat of Primate & Wildlife Extinction !!!
The unsustainable commercial and illegal bush meat trade is threatening extinction of apes, chimpanzees, gorillas, and other primates and wildlife. Not only are the primates killed for food and body parts, orphaned primates are being sold on the exotic pet market, and they are also losing their habitat through logging and commercial development.
In Africa, forest is often referred to as ‘the bush’, thus wildlife and the meat derived from it is referred to as ‘bushmeat’ (in French – viande de brousse). This term applies to all wildlife species, including threatened and endangered, used for meat including: elephant; gorilla; chimpanzee and other primates; forest antelope (duikers); crocodile; porcupine; bush pig; cane rat; pangolin; monitor lizard; guinea fowl; etc.
Though habitat loss is often cited as the primary threat to wildlife, commercial hunting for the meat of wild animals has become the most significant immediate threat to the future of wildlife in Africa and around the world; it has already resulted in widespread local extinctions in Asia and West Africa. This threat to wildlife is a crisis because it is rapidly expanding to countries and species which were previously not at risk, largely due to an increase in commercial logging, with an infrastructure of roads and trucks that links forests and hunters to cities and consumers
The bushmeat crisis is a human tragedy as well: the loss of wildlife threatens the livelihoods and food security of indigenous and rural populations most depend on wildlife as a staple or supplement to their diet, and bushmeat consumption is increasingly linked to deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS, Ebola, andFoot and Mouth disease. You can also help with organization like the BCTF, CWAF, and much more..
The Food Standards Agency does not test products for horse meat because it does not pose a risk to public health
But the FSA found equine DNA in three out of 24 chorizo and pastrami products sold in 2003
Scientists demand regular tests for meat products in supermarkets
Sainsbury’s, Asda and Co-op have removed burgers as a precaution
Fast food chain Burger King also drawn into the row
Tesco has paid for full page apology in national newspapers today
Government tells Commons there could be prosecutions over issue
Food charity angry that 10million contaminated burgers will be binned, saying they should be handed for free instead
Horse meat could have been in beefburgers for many years because of gaping holes in British food regulations, it emerged today.
The Food Standards Agency is under fire after it admitted testing is not routinely carried out because products laced with horse do not pose a risk to public health.
This is despite FSA scientists finding equine DNA in products sold in three out of 24 chorizo and pastrami products imported from Belgium and Italy and sold in Safeway in 2003.
There are now demands for products to be routinely analysed to ensure UK consumers know exactly what they are eating.
Tim Lang, a professor of food policy at City University in London said: ‘It could have been going on for years but we wouldn’t know about it because we have never conducted tests.
‘For too long we have had light-touch regulation. The Food Standards Agency has to be institutionalised into.
Government Food Minister David Heath said today he backed the FSA’s regime.
‘The FSA carries out its duties in a responsible and professional way. They do take a risk-based approach to testing based on intelligence and I think they are right to do so because that is the way they get the most effective response,’ he told the Commons.
Two studies carried out in 2003 found evidence of imported processed meat containing traces of horse meat.
The first by local authorities in Hull, Durham, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire found three out of 24 salamis contained horse meat. These gourmet products were imported from France and Belgium. Two products were found on sale at a branch of Safeway in Durham, and the other at a Leeds wholesaler.
A second larger research project by the Food Standards Agency found imported chorizo contained traces of horse meat.
Ten million beefburgers are being recalled in the scandal over horse meat contamination as more supermarkets and fast food chain Burger King were drawn into the row.
ABP, which is awaiting results of secondary testing ordered by the Department of Agriculture in Ireland due this evening, said it wants the food binned.
‘We have recommended that the withdrawn product is destroyed,’ the company said.
‘We do not have monetary figures for the product we have recommended be withdrawn, but can confirm it would total around 10 million burgers.’
The FSA has admitted that it is considering taking legal action against companies at the centre of the scandal.
The firms acted because the products were made by an Irish food giant which is known to have been supplying burgers contaminated with horse meat, with some at Tesco containing up to 29 per cent equine DNA.
Tesco has today placed full-page adverts in a number of national newspapers apologising to customers for selling beef burgers containing horse meat.
The supermarket giant has lost £300million off its market value in the last day.
Sorry: Tesco has taken out full page adverts in national newspapers apologising for the ‘unacceptable’ horse meat scandal that has rocked the company
It has also promised to refund customers who bought the contaminated products, identified as Tesco Everyday Value 8 x Frozen Beef Burgers (397g), Tesco 4 x Frozen Beef Quarter Pounders (454g), and a branded product, Flamehouse Frozen Chargrilled Quarter Pounders.
The alert was first raised by Irish food watchdogs earlier this week after horse DNA was found in burgers sold through Tesco, Iceland, Aldi, Lidl and Dunnes in Ireland.
It subsequently emerged that burgers from the same batches were sold in the British outlets of both Tesco and Iceland. The beef content in one Everyday Value burger sold by Tesco was actually 29 per cent horse meat. The tests were carried out in November but the results were not released until they had been checked by experts in Germany. It is likely that many thousands of the burgers contaminated with horse meat have been eaten by families.Investigations are focussing on the role of Irish food company, ABP, which is run by controversial entrepreneur Larry Goodman.ABP owns Silvercrest Foods, which supplied burgers containing horse meat to Tesco and Aldi. It also makes cheap burgers for Asda, Co-op and Burger King.
ABP also owns Dalepak, which is based in North Yorkshire and made suspect burgers for Iceland. It also produces 13 lines for Sainsbury’s.
Yesterday, ABP pointed the finger at a mystery ingredient used in the burgers – thought to be a protein powder – supplied by two foreign firms, one in the Netherlands and another in Spain.
The powder – used to bulk up cheap burgers – is supposed to be created from rendered down carcasses of beef animals.
The episode lifts the lid on some of themore distasteful elements and ingredients used to produce cheap food for families on a budget.
Professor Chris Elliott, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University, Belfast said: ‘What goes into a burger is all the low quality cuts of meat that can’t be sold in any other form. They are at the bottom of the chain.’
The FSA will look at launching legal action with breaches of food labelling rules bringing fines up to £20,000 and a prison term of up to two years.
Criminal prosecutions could be brought following the discovery of horse meat in some supermarket beefburgers, the Government said today.
Environment minister David Heath (above right) said standards were generally very high in the British food industry and backed the Food Standards Agency’s risk-based checking system.
Answering an urgent question from Labour’s shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh in the Commons, Mr Heath acknowledged the seriousness of the discovery.
He said: ‘It is very important neither you, nor anyone else in this House, talks down the British food industry at a time when the standards in that industry are of a very high level.
‘Because something has been discovered in Ireland, which is serious, which may lead to criminal proceedings, does not undermine the very serious efforts which are taken by retailers, by processors and by producers in this country to ensure traceability and ensure standards of food that are available to consumers.’
Raising her urgent question, Ms Creagh said: ‘Consumers who avoid pork for religious reasons will be upset they may have unwittingly eaten it and eating horse is strongly culturally taboo in the United Kingdom.
‘It’s not illegal to sell horse meat but it is illegal not to label it correctly.
‘The food industry lobbies vigorously for a light-touch regulation system from Government. Testing, tracking and tracing ingredients is expensive but not testing will cost retailers, processors, British farmers and consumers much more.’
Same supplier: Fast food giant Burger King was drawn into the row today as it uses the same supplier as supermarkets where burgers were found to contain horse meat
Tesco had no idea about the contamination and has apologised. Its group technical director, Tim Smith, said: ‘Our customers have the right to expect that food they buy is produced to the highest standards.’
Asda, Sainsbury’s and the Co-op all insisted there was no evidence their burgers contain horse meat. However, they decided to withdraw them because they come from firms which are known to have had this problem
Sainsbury’s said: ‘Although our products have not been implicated, as our customers would expect we treat matters like this extremely seriously.’ Asda said: ‘As soon as we were made aware of the issue we launched a full traceability audit with our supplier.’
Co-op said it was removing two lines of frozen own-brand burgers while tests are carried out ‘to ensure they have been produced to our strict specifications’.
Burger King said it has been given ‘absolute assurance’ by ABP and Silvercrest that none of its burgers were affected. It said its burgers are produced with clean ingredients on a separate production line.
DESTRUCTION OF 10M BURGERS IS WRONG – FOOD CHARITY
The destruction of up to 10 million burgers suspected of containing some levels of horse DNA is morally and ethically wrong, a charity has said.
The UK’s Food Ethics Council said any meat fit for human consumption could be offered to consumers for free.
Dan Crossley, chief executive of the charity, said: ‘It’s wrong to assume straight away that food that is apparently fit for human consumption should go to landfill – if it can be shown to be safe to eat.
‘From a moral and ethical perspective, the amount of food we throw away is nothing short of scandalous, particularly in a world where a billion people are going hungry.
‘We must learn to value the food we eat.’
One of Europe’s biggest suppliers and processors, the ABP Food Group, is among two firms being investigated by health and agriculture authorities in the UK and Ireland over the controversy.
The company said it has recommended destroying up to 10 million frozen burgers which have been withdrawn from shops.
‘Some people will have reservations about eating that meat as there’s the potential to have horse meat in it,’ Mr Crossley said.
‘If the decision was made that it could not be sold through normal channels, they could look at other options like giving it free to people if they wanted it.‘
KwaZulu-Natal – Animal lovers have expressed shock and disgust at the actions of a man arrested on Tuesday in connection with the sexual assault of a stray dog.
A case of bestiality has been opened and the man was expected to appear at Camperdown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA posted on its Facebook page that on Monday afternoon they had received a report of bestiality that sent inspectors to Inchanga.
“Witnesses described that they had caught a neighbour molesting their dog, TJ, who is pregnant, at 4am. The accused fled the scene, leaving behind his clothes, shoes and cellphone. The witness is able to positively identify the accused and also states that they suspect this was not the first time this had happened.”
The SPCA took TJ to a private vet for a clinical examination.
“The vet confirmed that there was definite trauma, with haemorrhaging and tearing. DNA samples were taken and we await results.”
Police spokesman Colonel Vincent Mdunge, confirmed the incident and said that investigations were continuing.
The SPCA said the dog was recovering at their premises. “She will be sterilised this week and will soon be looking for a home. Despite all she has been through, she is so trusting of everyone…” – Daily News
“WTF…it sickens me to know that these gluttonous savages are trawling the internet, searching for people to partake in diabolical & positively revolting act’s of bestiality; with their so-called pets!!”
“I’ll bet this wasn’t the first time the barbarous brute below, used the poor dog for his own prurient carnal gratification. But, I can’t understand why it was put down with ‘McDonnell’s’ consent? Unless it was on a vets advice, due to the trauma or internal damage the dog was subjected to…if it was then he needs to be convicted of animal abuse too. This is why we need an Animal Abuse Register!!”
“The Defence for this sadist even say’s ‘If the lady had not died’ there would be no charges…like it’s nothing out of the ordinary!! In which case, I can’t help but wonder how many animals are out there, being molested & as long as there is no injury…it’s all fxxxxxg dandy…Filthy miscegenation! “
“My God, that poor dog, I think I am relieved he was sent over Rainbow Bridge; where he can finally rest in peace, knowing the only hands that will touch him now are those that are kind & pure!”
A woman died at Sean McDonnell’s home after she had sex with his dog.
A JUDGE yesterday adjourned sentencing in a case in which evidence was given of the defendant’s interest in pornography and bestiality.
Seán McDonnell (58) pleaded guilty to one count of buggery with an animal, namely a German Shepherd-type dog, at his home on October 7th, 2008. It is believed to be the first case of its kind in an Irish court.
Evidence was given that he had arranged for a woman to have sex with his dog. He had met her on an internet chat room.
The woman – a 48-year-old separated mother fromCo Limerick, who was not named in court – died in hospital hours after engaging in an act of bestiality with the animal.
Det Garda Pádraig O’Dwyer, Roxboro Road Garda station, accepted that while the woman and the dog engaged in an act of bestiality, no exact cause of death could be found.
“This is a very obscene case,” remarked Denis Vaughan Buckley, senior prosecution counsel, as he outlined the evidence.
He said McDonnell telephoned the emergency services from his house at Laurel Park, Patrickswell, Co Limerick. “The deceased had turned blue and was wearing unusual clothing,” he said.
Det Garda O’Dwyer said the accused accepted the woman had agreed, in an internet exchange, to have sex with the dog.
Evidence was given of blood, DNA and hair samples.
During a search at McDonnell’s home, gardaí discovered a computer “which confirmed the accused’s interest in bestiality”.
Mr Vaughan Buckley said the accused had posted 3,500 comments on bestiality forums. McDonnell’s computer also revealed multiple internet search hits for bestiality.
A computer, the property of the deceased, showed “extensive activity in pornography and bestiality websites”, Mr Vaughan Buckley said.
The dog was destroyed last week with McDonnell’s consent. Isobella Kennedy, defending, said: “My client would not have been prosecuted save for the lady in questionpassing away. The lady fully consented. There was no form of coercion or duress.”
Judge Carroll Moran described it as “a very unusual case” and adjourned sentencing to December 14th.
“This poor dog actually had human owners, he must have done, dogs don’t put their own collars on…can you believe that? How anyone could sleep at night, knowing that they tossed a member of their family out with the trash, to fend for his self, it’s beyond my thought capabilities as a caring human. Johns owners didn’t give a sxxt about him obviously; I wouldn’t pxxs on them if they were on fire! What a shame the police can’t get DNA from the collar he was wearing! Bless him, he didn’t even have the strength to stand whilst his pitifully thin body, was washed to rid him of the caked on faeces etc.”
John is fighting for his life
John was found on Thursday, August 30, laying behind a parked car on a New York street. He was emaciated and at death’s door when he was brought to BrooklynACC.
John getting his first bath to remove the dirt and feces which covered his entire body. Credit: Sean Casey Animal Rescue Facebook page
I spoke with Sean Casey on Friday. He described this 18-month-old pit bull, who weighed only 18 pounds – instead of a normal weight of 60 pounds for a dog his size – as being so lifeless that euthanasia was initiallyconsidered to end his suffering.
Unable to move except to blink, he managed to wag his tail which was taken as a sign that he was ready to fight. And this man and his rescue made the decision to stand beside him, and give him the chance to do just that.
He had his first bath to remove all the faeces caked on his entire body. He looks and probably feels much better. What a difference a day made for a dog so emaciated, dehydrated, and close to death. To see him starting to rebound might bring you to tears.
This morning I spoke with Dr. Jill Caruso, who has been treating John. She said it was heartbreaking for everyone to see him when he was brought in, but that he is doing “fantastic” today considering his condition. He weighs 21 pounds now, and is eating small portions of food every 1 1/2 hours. She attributes the weight gain to that and being hydrated. He is on IV fluids, vitamins, dewormers, and his fecal samples came back showing no parasites. His blood work showed that he had a slightly low white blood cell count, but they are amazed that he suffered no organ failure.
She mentioned that along with the gash on his neck, which she states could be from his collar rubbing, he has some bruising and puncture wounds on his legs and body, possibly from another dog. These are just being treated since he would not be able to undergo anesthesia at this time.
He attempted to lift his head but he is still too weak, but his ears perk up when he is spoken to by the compassionate people who surround him. Because he is not blinking as he should, they are applying an eye lubricant for dryness.
John will receive love, kindness, and the best of care from Doctor Caruso and staff at Pet Haven Animal Hospital, who often come in on their own time to be with him. She says he is not out of the woods yet, and has a long road to recovery, but they are hopeful and very happy with his progress thus far. She shared a picture of him that she had just taken for your enjoyment.
John is not micro-chipped so unfortunately, we may never know who did this to him or how he came to be in this horrendous condition.
Continued prayers and positive thoughts are still needed for John as he battles his way back to good health. Here is the link to his chip-in if you would like to donate.
We will continue to report on his progress, and will be thrilled to share the news when he is strong enough to go into foster care and his forever home.
Thank you to Sean Casey and Dr. Caruso for taking the time to speak with me, providing us with this update to share with our readers, and for not giving up on John. We know he is in good hands and stands a chance thanks to you.
His guilty plea carries a sentence of 30 days in jail, six months intensive probation, and 36 months supervised probation. Douglas was also ordered to pay $550 in fines and was required to provide a DNA sample to the state. According to the Rock Hill Herald, Douglas will also be subject to warrantless searches.
There were at least four other Butterball employees arrested in conjunction with the Mercy for Animals undercover investigation. Their cases are still pending.
Dr. Sarah Mason, NCDA&CS Director of Animal Health Programs for the poultry division, was arrested for obstruction of justice, as well as resisting, delaying, or obstructing officers after she tipped off a Butterball veterinarian about the impending raid and then lied to police about her involvement.
She pled guilty and was sentenced to 45 days in jail, which is suspended provided she completes the 12 months of probation without another incident. Mason was suspended for two weeks without pay from the NCDA&CS. Brian Long, spokesperson for the NCDA&CS told WRAL, “…she made a poor choice.”
CORNER BROOK — The Deer Lake man who pleaded guilty to following through on threats to harm his girlfriend’s cats more than two years ago will be sentenced for his crimes Aug. 3.
A provincial court clerk fills out paperwork following the sentencing hearing for Kirk White, right, while White’s lawyer, Jamie Luscombe looks on Tuesday, July 24, 2012.
Kirk White, 41, entered pleas to four charges on the day he was supposed to go to trial in May.
Those charges include uttering a threat to kill the animals, two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and one count of failing to show up for a scheduled court appearance in December 2010.
He was back in provincial court Tuesday afternoon so Judge Wayne Gorman could hear the facts of the case against White and the submissions from the Crown and defence on sentencing.
As recounted by Crown attorney Lori St. Croix, the RCMP in Deer Lake investigated a complaint from a woman that her upset boyfriend had called her at work and told her he was going to kill her cats on June 10, 2010.
The woman returned home and found a garbage bag in her garage she believed contained the two animals.
Inside the garbage bag were two blood-stained pillowcases that had been tied shut. One pillowcase contained a grey cat that was dead and had broken paws.
The black cat in the other bag was injured, but still alive. It had to be euthanized later because of the severity of its injuries.
St. Croix did not mention the manner in which the cats had been harmed, but earlier police reports had indicated the cats were apparently stomped on while in the pillowcases.
In terms of sentencing, St. Croix asked that White be given between seven and eight months in prison. She told Gorman White’s seven-page criminal record included prior convictions for assault, assault with a weapon and breaching court orders.
She also asked for up to 18 months of probation, a DNA order, firearms and alcohol prohibitions and a court order that would prevent White from owning an animal for five years.
Although White pleaded guilty, St. Croix said that was hardly a mitigating factor since it came on the day of his trial, which itself had been delayed for some time, including a period when White’s whereabouts were not known.
In addition, his former girlfriend had to be flown in from Ontario to testify at the trial, causing what turned out to be an unnecessary expense on the judicial system.
St. Croix also noted that a pre-sentence report indicated White minimized his responsibility for the offences and tried to transfer that responsibility to his former partner.
That same pre-sentence report, argued defence lawyer Jamie Luscombe, indicated that White had some insight into the problems alcohol created in his life. Luscombe said White, who was intoxicated the day he killed the cats, is a law-abiding citizen when sober, but a different person when drinking.
He noted White has not had a drink in 12 months and is taking steps to regain control of his life since this incident that arose from the tension in his domestic relationship.
Luscombe asked that his client be given a 90-day prison sentence and that White be allowed to serve it intermittently so he could continue attending school.
Luscombe said his client would accept a period of probation between 18 and 24 months and the DNA order and had no objection to the alcohol, firearms and animal ownership prohibitions suggested by St. Croix.
When asked if he had anything to say to the court, White indicated he was sorry and said he was trying to get his life back on track.
Gorman, who said considering sentences for uttering threats and court order breaches are quite common, wanted some time to think about the animal cruelty offences the court sees less often.
“I watched this truly is fascinating series of videos when it was first released. I’ve just come across it again & thought you guys would be interested. It’s well worth watching, just make sure you have time to view all 10 videos in one sitting! Below is part 1 of 10 videos, obviously I’m only showing the first one, you can find the rest easily after the first video stops”
Humans are apes. Great apes. Apes all belong to the superfamilyHominoidea. The great apes are the family Hominidae which we share with the Chimpanzees, Gorillas and the Orangutan. Our DNA is less than 2 percent different from that of chimpanzees, so from a biological viewpoint, what is it that makes humans so different from the other great apes? Find out what our ape cousins can do and what they can’t do this eye-opening documentary.
The population of eastern Pacific gray whales shows a huge dip at the same point that whaling increased in the early 20th century, a new analysis of acient whale genes shows.
Eastern Pacific gray whales are a subspecies of grey whale that lives in the Pacific Ocean, migrating from the Arctic to Mexico yearly. Their population is currently estimated to be around 20,000. They are up to 46 feet (14 meters) long and weigh up to 99,000 pounds (45,000 kilograms).
While scientists have known that commercial whaling decreased whale populations, the specifics of the population prior to whaling has been uncertain. To get a better understanding of the pre-whaling numbers for one subspecies of gray whale, the researchers used DNA samples from the bones of eastern Pacific gray whales that lived between 150 and 2,500 years ago and compared the results with the genomes of modern whales.
“In this case, we were able to look at pre-whaling specimens of gray whales, and found that the genetic data are consistent with a sharp and recent bottleneck — very likely the result of commercial whaling,” study researcher Elizabeth Alter, of City University of New York, York College, said in a statement.
They saw that the older whales, from before the advent of commercial whaling, had much more variation within their genomes than today’s whales. This means that at the time, the whale population was much larger.
This genetic data on those whales suggests their population used to be much larger than their current numbers, probably around 78,000 to 116,000. These estimates were at odds with historical records of whale populations, the researchers said, which had suggested that there were somewhere between 15,000 and 35,500 whales at that time.
Their new study supports the previous genetic work, which focused on only current whale populations and suggested their numbers were much larger even as little as 200 years ago.
“Retrieving DNA from ancient whales allows more direct insights into their population histories than using modern DNA alone,” Alter said. “As methods for retrieval and analysis of ancient DNA improve, we’ll be able to increasingly refine population histories for heavily exploited species like whales.”
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
You can find out more about me & this blog by reading "ABOUT THIS BLOG" on the menu (when i finish it) lol
PLEASE NOTE.....
Not all of my posts will be current news, or even about animal abuse! I do like to share other animal news, uplifting stories or videos; some that are funny or just touch the heart!
If I have anything to say on any post, you will see it in bold blue writing. I try to remain a lady, but it's hard to contain my anger & emotions at the some of the stories I post; I don’t have a heart of stone, tears stain many articles I write!
Lastly, my apologies for any errors; I am learning whilst posting, so if you find anything that doesn't work or a broken link, sorry, I'm only human!!!!
ABOUT THESE POSTS
I would just like to make readers aware, that I search for stories on the internet; regards animal abuse etc. I copy stories etc. from the internet; assuming these stories are correct at time of publishing. Having said that, sometimes the press get it wrong! So I just want to add that at the time of me posting a news story, I presume all the facts seem present & correct.
Please note....all people mentioned in this blog, are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise, in a court of law.
Error: Please make sure the Twitter account is public.
Flag Counter Added May 2012
Face Book – Please Take Notice
For anyone wishing to connect to me via my Facebook page...PLEASE NOTE, ONLY PEOPLE I ADD AS ANIMAL ADVOCATES CAN SEE MY WHOLE PAGE...I do this out of respect for those friends I have who do not wish to see graphic images, videos or links of animal abuse!
As 99% of my page is animal related; anyone not in the above group of friends; will only see a limited amount of posts!!
DUE TO ANIMAL HATERS...I WILL ONLY ADD PEOPLE WHO CAN PROVE WHO THEY ARE via Facebook, Wordpress, Twitter etc. & WHO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN ANIMAL WELFARE... i.e. if your Facebook page has absolutely nothing to do with animals, I see no point in joining my page. My Facebook is solely for animal welfare, I am not interested in playing games etc. I don't mean to sound rude but I am not interested in the amount of friends I have, its the quality of those friends that count.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND REQUESTS FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN. I do not want anyone to be upset by graphic images etc.
My aim is to educate & raise awareness to the horrors animals face, at the hands of humans, every day, around the world!!
We can not hope to achieve better laws, to protect animals, unless we unite as one, to speak up for those who are voiceless!!
.
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
STOP ANIMAL ABUSE 
You must be logged in to post a comment.